The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-02-08
compacy.

Columbia, Feb. 2-For some rea
/ son or other there was very slim
attendance upon the session OF the
house this morning when the rot
was called This circumstance in
| duced Mr.. ashley during the day to
introduce resolution that the names
of those present and those absent at
the roll call be printed in the journal.
Ten members objecting to the resoiu'
ton. It went over.
Speaker Gary is suffering from a
cold and, owing to- hoarseness, he
called Mr.. Winkler to the chair
After regular routine Mr Rogers
| moved to recommit the educational
bill, as passed. the highs previous
The bill provided, as passed, that the
Edispensary profits shall be divided
amongst the counties for school pur.
poses, in proportion to the amount of
profits derived from the sale of liquor
By the dispensary Mr. Rogers held
that it was unconstitutional, and in
this he was conceded with by
others. The debate lasted for two
hours or more, variety of opinions
being expressed. but majority was
in favor of the bin as it had passed.
Mr.. Patton held that there must
be q three mill tax. If it did not
run the schools for FIVE months then
the dispensary profits mast be used
to make up the deficit, otherwise a
supplementary tax would have to be
levied On an aye and nay vote the
house refused to recommit the bill by
81 to 46, and it passed third read
ing.
Mr.. Moss bill providing for two
additional circuits brought forth
much debate. The author contended
that he was not actuated by personal
intereats and that the arrangement
would not displace any of the present
judges Before the war there were
ten judges and they certainly are
needed now The scheme would cost
$4,000, but it would save $4,000.
Mr.. Stevenson opposed the bill on
account of the cost as well IS the
reason that it was not needed The
governor was authorized to appoint
special judges now to relieve court
calendars
Mr.. DeBruhl saw no demand for
the increase
Mr. Richard, of Kershaw, opposed
the bill saying the people now were
laboriDg under too heavy burden of
taxation.
Mr. Mauldin thought the conges-
ton of the courts was due in large
measure to the dispensary cases, but
as the people were divided on the
subject he would vote against 1t.
Many other members engaged IN the
debate, discussing the cost and neces
sity of the bill. On vote being taken
the bill. was killed,
The committee reported without
recommendation the bill, 10 prevent
the granting of hotel and beer privi-
ieges
The senate spent large portion of
the time passing bills to third
reading, which elected little discus
sion of general interest.
A bill Of great Importance to the
manufacturing interests of the State
vas discussed 1t provides that all
manufacturing enterprises shall be
exempt from county and State taxes,
except school taxes, for five years.
The bill ~as favored By Messrs.
Henderson. Maooing. Walker, May
field sud Magahall, who made argu.
meuts in favor of i:s adoption Messrs
Ragsda;e, Glenn, Archer. Sheppard
aud Barn sell opposed the bill.
Mr. Manbiog's argument IN favor OF
The bill vas as follows:
Mr. Maruing al the outset aooouoced
that be pasposeo 10 discuss toe 4cSseton
from the standpoint Of q farmer and
taxpayer. It was reccesssr5, be said
while other southern States. With equal
advantages of our owo. we're Offering
Inducements to outside capital by
exemp;iDg investments from tazatiop.
TIA: We should do the same. We conld
ooe afford to sit idle and let others beat
Us 10 the race Of industrial development
Now. from the standpoint of
farmer, said the speaker, take the prices
paid for cotton 10 the Piedmont section
Of the State aod compare snem With
thoee paid 10 the loS country.
As farmer acd producer of cotton
be bad watched With close icte,ess the
market price. In the upper portion of
the State where the mills sere situated
ths price ranged frous three eiehts to
6ae Gig hts cf ceot mora per pound
,haa ia iae lover tier Of oouatles IN
tha up country the market was ruled