The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1899-07-12
FINISH THE STATE HoUsE-WHEN

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FINISH THE STATE HoUSE-WHEN3
The MANNING TIMES has no warrant
for its intimation that the proposition
to complete the State capitol pro-
ceeds from ColumbianS and IS de-
signed merely to add an architectural
ornament 10 this city. The facts con-
tradict it, and We have taken pains to
show that Columbia does not ask
ANYTHING in the matter. Secretary OF
State Cooper Of Colleton county made
the suggestion, and Governor Nc
Sweeue7 OF Hampton county sec
onded it. It is based first on the in
jury being done to the interior OF the
building by moisture which cannot
be excluded without s permanent
roof and, second, on a creditable sen
timent of State pride. Columbians
see more of the present hideous pile
than other people, but as we have
said, they are more accustomed to It's
ugliness and do not suffer from 1t as
much as visitors do. We want the
building completed, but others will
have 10 do The asking-we are solicit
ING nothing.-Columbia State.
The MANNING TINES takes narrow
view of the completion of the State
House. OF course Columbians desire
it, but so should every patriotic cltl-
zen of South Carolina, regardless OF
where he lives.-Columbia Record.
The above clipped comments on
our editorial remarks of last week
show to our mind an utter disregard
for existing conditions-a blinded
desire to accomplish purpose with
out considering the ability of the
people to crafty the desire. If the
estate" supposes for a moment that
our opposition to the completion OF
the State House at present emanates
from a spirit of enmity towards CO.
lumbia it is entirely mistaken; it
matters not where the proposition to
create an additional tax burden came
from, we are opposed to it because
we think the people are taxed to the
full extent of their ability to pay.
Think of it. The State of South Car
olina is az yet dependent upon the
products of the soil, and when those
products are decreasing in value, the
ability to stand an increase of taxes
also decreases. We are heavily taxed
now, and as ne have said before and
continue to say, the people are COM
p....:"ing Of their tax burden; increase
the tax icr any purpose, and their
complaints will become louder. Our
taxes now snount to about 2 per
cent, and when insurance is added, 5
per cent. is nearer the mark, figure
to discourage business ventures. If
our law makers can find a way to
complete the State House without
piling on an increased levy, every CT
izen in the State will not only &C.
quiesce, but will be proud OF the
achievement. The Capitol building
belongs to the people and it should
be structure inviting in appearance
as well as safe for records and COM
Portable for its occupants. As far as
we know there is no opposition from
any source to the completion OF this
long neglected work, but there will
be opposition to raising the levy for
that purpose. The States presum-
ing the proposition being suggested
by Secretary OF State Cooper and
seconded by Governor McSweeney
makes It more popular than if it
originated with itself, is o mistake,
nor do we think the State does itself
Justice when it says, eve want the
building completed, but others will
have to do the asking-we are solicit
ing nothing" 1t has right to So
licit anything which in its judgment
is for the benefit OF Columbia and
the State Of South Carolina generally;
the work it has been doing for Co.
lumbia is admired by al who have
the good fortune to read its editorial
columns. A newspaper that has over
come so many obstacles and has van
quished SO many enemies, merits the
right to solicit" and assuming an
independent Indifference should not
creep into its makeup.
Columbia is now on wave of pros
perity, and the State did much to
bring about such a happy condition.
We all rejoice in her good fortune,
and we have often expressed our con-
idence in the culture commercial aud
manufacturing centre Of the South,
and when we said we "are perfectly
willing that the city of Columbia
have modernly finished public bull
ding as one of the attractions to cid
her in the progressive move she is
making" We meant every word Of it,
ana ac soon os ON. financial condition