The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-21

SeDaIOF uuu Representatives III Tue
State General Assembly, tho 'immedi-
ate repeal OF the lien law.
Resolved 3. That pledges re circu-
lated in this county for the signatures
of our people, looking to a reduction Of
20 per" cent. in the cotton acreage.
wherever the acreage is above 10 acres
to the mule worked, and that we also
urge upon our people to raise all pro-
vision supplies to the exclusion Of cot
ton.
Mr.. Johnstonc said it had been fire.
Qucntly clsimcd that dealing in futures
could not be stopped because it would
be unconstitutional. He did not know,
because he had not Investigated, but he
knew that when the Federal Govern
mont took up the matter Of the Louisi-
ana Lottery, it soon went to the walt.
What we seek to do is to stop dealing
in futures where actual delivery is not
contemplated. There is nothing i'm
moral or detrimental TO the public in
dealing in futures, where there is to be
actual delivery Of the goods. If the fac
tory needs cotton and buys its years
supply to be delivered in monthly in
stalments, there is nothing wrong in
morals or Is there any gambling in
such transaction. What VIC seek to
delivery contemplated.
AS to the lien law he said he had
modified his views. The lien law, as Il
basis of credit, was all right, but the re-
suits Of such credit and tho effects of il
were whnt made the law Objectionable.
When you give lien you know you
have got to settle it in money and it
stimulates the production Of the money
crop. lie said. for the last six years
the agricultural element had been i'm
absolute control Of the government and
if this law has been dc rimcntal to the
country and been instrumental in dis
organizing labor we had but ourselves
to blame. This was said without being
personal either us TO politics or men.
We have the power to repeal IL if We
will and it is our own fault if we do not.
AS to the tn I'd resolution MIR. John
stone said that would have to be Il vol
untary matter and cvc"y man who
signs the petition will be put ON his
honor to carry it out. Mr.. JOhnStOnc
said there was one other thing that
might be added and that was the mat
ter of interest. The usury laws were
not enforced but any intelligent man
could frame a law that would stop it if
he would He explained the plan he
had in mind to make the burden Of
proof on the plantlT. 1t was simple |
matter Of plcadings. ..-..1
Mr.. Banks favored the Suggestions
Of Mr.. JohnstCne US to usury.
DR.. & ~. Wychc said us Il member of
the legislature he was always willing
and anxious to have suggestions from
others. Ills own opinion he said could
he stated in very few words. EIc
Thought the homestead law the grcut-
est curse ever hoistcd upon Il people.
Works more hardships upon tho Door
man than any other law. When do
you want the lien law repealed and the
repeal to go int" effect. He thought
the lien law worked great hardship.
DR.. w. T.. Lake moved to make the
lien law repeal go into immediate cf-
feet.
Capt. Banks opposed that.
Mr.. u. G. Smith said he thought the
lien law detrimental to both the farmer
and the merchant.
Chairman Hunter stated that it was
hic oniNinn If vnn rnnoo1 a tbo, -
should he done at once.
Mr.. Reagin said if it was repealed
Immediately it would effect many con-
tracts.
vote was taken on adding immc-
diatcly to tho resolution repeating the
lien lazy and resulted IN II votes in fu-
vor of immediate repeal and 13against.
The third resolution was discussed
and amended and adopted us above and
then all the resolutions were adopted.
Capt. Jno. T.. Banks then offered the
following resolution and it was u
doptcd:
Resolved fourth: That our Senator
and Representatives in the General
Assembly of the State be urged to pre-
pare amcndants to our usury laws re-
quiring the plaintir in all actions upon
contract for the receiving Of money to
allcGc and provo that neither the con-
tract sued on or any contract Of which
1t Is Il renewal has any element or has
had any element Of usury in it.
Mr.. y. G. Smith offered the follow
ing and it was adoptcd:
Resolved fifth, That VIC urge unon
our Senator and Representatives in the
General Assembly to secure legislation
prohibiting the mortgaging or plcdg-
ing of agricultural products not in cx-
istancc at the date of said mortgaging
or plcdging.
Chairman Hunter stated that it
would be good idea to have n simple
constitution and bylaws and on motion
Of Mr.. Geo. Johnstone tho executive
committee was instructed to prepare Il
constitution and bylaws