The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1900-12-19
Why BrookIand Should Annex.

Why BrookIand Should Annex.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:
The most important question be-
fore the people of Lexington county at
present is: Shall Brookland and ada
cent territory be annexed to Richland
county, Those opposed to the prop
osition have discussed it at some
length in your columns; those favor
it have so far remained silent.
In order that this question may be
brought more fully before the people
of Lexington county the writer-one
who has taken no part and is not
directly Observation-Disclosures to offer a
few thoughts as suggested by hear
ing argument on both sides.
In the discussions of all questions,
it is best to look at conditions as they
really are, and never attempt to inject
bitterness in the place of kindness or
prejudice for argument. This writer
is conscious of no bias on his part for
or against any part of the county
Born and reared in Lexington county
he feels a reasonable pride in her
record, and has an abiding faith
"that what ERE befall; her citizenship
"will be equal to it all.
But, why this desire on the part OF
Brookland to be annexed to Richland
county?
In looking for an answer to this
question, we must remember that
these people are closely allied by
kinship and in both business and
social relations. Nearly everybody
in Lexington county has close friends
in Columbia. And then, the near
ness of Richards county seat to
Brookland is very important factor;
for all legal business and county
affairs could be transacted in Colum-
~bia ina few hours, whereas at Lex
ington it takes, on account OF dis
tsnce, day.
For instance: All titles to real
estate have to be examined at Lex
ineton before sales can be made,
Columbia attorneys do most of the
work. The distance makes it ex-
pensive and the seller or buyer has
to pay for the work. In a place like
Brookland there is great deal OF
such work to be done, and no little
trouble is caused by the inconVen-
ience. Those favoring annexation
feel that Brookland and Columbia,
lying side by side, and having similar
interests should have uninterrupted
intercourse. At present the busi-
ness relations between the two places
is hindered and retarded by a toll
bridge, which is heavy expense on
the poor people of Brookland and
vicinity.
A recent writer in the Dispatch
says his bridge toll is from ten to
twelve dollars per year. This is the
lowest for foot passage alone. Then,
is there any system of taxation that
would take from the man worth from
S1OO to $500 the same amount? So,
if the people of Brookland can be
relieved of paying this toll by going
into Richland county, who can blame
them for desiring the change.
Suppose Brookland is annexed and
Richland frees the bridge by levying
an additional mill to the taxes, the
man in Brookland and vicinity who
pays S. tax would pay $3.50, leaving
clear gain to the footman of Sll so
per year-a neat sum.
It has been said that three or four
real estate owners are pushing this
matter for personal gain. Those
who favor it reply that they are not
selfish in this matter, and that if by
the change each of the fonr large real
estate owners succeed in selling 20
lots each, that will mean the build
ing of so houses which will give en-