The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1900-01-10


aratian ct all times. | would, there
fore, recommend that you be as liberal
the current year in the support OF this
important branch Of the State service
rs the finances of the State found ded on
wise economy will allow.
4 full and exhaustive report OF all
matter relating to this department has
been prepared by the Adjutant General
for your consideration. | commend it
to your careful attention.
TAX ON STATE BANKS.
The repeal of the ten per cent. tax on
State BaukS will go far toward solving
the money question. This is matter
entirely within the province of the Ma
tlonal Congress at Washington but a
resolution from the several State Leg
islatures requesting Congress to repeal
this tax would have its influence. Such
a resolution from you would give en-
couragement to our Senator's and Rep
resertatives in Congress who are
making fight for the repeal of this
tax and would be evidence that they
had behind them the support and en-
dorsement of the people whom they
represent.
BANK AND INSURANCE EXAMINER.
In 1896 an Act was passed creating
the Office of Ba' k Examiner. But the
Board appointed by that Act did not
elect the Examiner, as am informed,
for the reason that no appropriation
was provided for the expenses of the
office and the law is, therefore, a dead
letter.
There are now more than one hun
dred insurance companies doing busi
ness in this Stale Life insurance as
well as fire insurance has taken deep
root with our people and nearly every
man has those who are dependent
upon him provided against his death
with an insurance policy upon his
life. 1t is of very great Importance
to a great many of cur people that
the companies that solicit business
in this State should be substantial
and reliable companies, so that the in
sured may feel secure that when he
pays the premium on his policy, when
death comes, those for whose benefit
he has paid it may get the insurance.
And so with State Banks. A great
deal of the business of the country is
done through banks and many of our
people have their savings in these ip-
stitutions. They invite the trust and
confidence of the people and should be
under the supervision of the State. [
submit for your serious consideration
the wisdom of providing State Ex-
aminer for State Banks and bankers
and the insurance companies doing
business in this State. All reputable
companies and banks should be glad to
have such examinations made for their
own protection as well as the protec-
tion of their customers. The salary
and expenses of this Office could be
provided for by the institutions named
in proportion to the business they do,
as is done in the case of the Railroad
Commissioners.
TRUSTS.
While we feilicitate ourselves on the
number of corporations that have been
chartered within the State during the
past year and should do nothing to
hinder their success it should not be-
forgotten that they are creatures of the
State. Obtaining their existence from.
the State, you have the right to-
regulate their operations and the:
operations of those doing business in
this State though receiving their COR
porate existence from other States.
The tendency OF these corporations is.
towards Capitalization and combina-
ton. This tendency leads ultimately
to oppression and an effort to drive the
weaker institutions out of competition
and unless guarded by wise legislation
will eventually take away from / he in
dividual his dearest rights. While On
the other hand if wisely conducted and
properly guarded they will do much to
develop and bring into life the natural
resources of the State. It is a subject
that should command your most ear
nest and thoughtful attention. I
thought proper simply to call it to
your attention, so that while you legis-
lated to foster and encourage corporate
enterprises you might also guard and
protect the rights and privileges of the
individual citizen.
BIENNIAL SESSIONS.
The advisability Of biennial sessions of the.
Legislature has been frequently called to the at
tention OF the General Assembly by my p-eGe-.
cessors. That we have too much legislation we.
all admit. Fewer changes in our laws as rule:
would be better. There would not be that un-
certainty IL regard to many laws, that now
exists. Many States have adopted biennial
sessions OF their Legislatures. The State Con-
stitutiou provides for annual sessions of the
Legislature and the Declaration Of Rights de-
ciareS The General Assembly ought FREQUENTLY
to assemble for the redress Of grievances and for
making new laws, as the common good may re-
GUlre.' I submit the matter to YOU for your
careful consideration, iuasinuch as there has
been some discussion of this subject and some
demand IL certain sections for biennial sessions
AS you will see. in order to change, would re-
quire an amendment to our Constitution.
LOCAL LEGISLATION.
Much time at each session ofthe Legislature is
consumed with the passage of laws that have
only a local application The attention of the
Legislature has been called to the expense
of such legislation ct different times by my pre-
decessoTs and yet every session of the LegiSla-
ture finds itself confronted with batch
OF local. and special legislation. The Coustitu-
laws concerning certain subjects and demands
the enactment OF general laws to cover the same.
You should avoid far as possible the passage
OF local and special legislation, for it not only
involves expense, but 1t creates confusion in uT-
derstauding and knowing just what the law is
accordance with the requirements OF the Consti-
tuition they should receive your attention and
then the introduction OF local and special Iegis-
lation should not be permitted.
PAYMENT OF TAxEs
n view Of the demand from certain sections
that the time for payment OF taxes be extended
after consultation with the Comptroller Gereral
by virtue of authority given Us by law we ex-
tended the time for the payment Of taxes with
out penalty TO the first Of February, 1900.
GOOD ORDER.
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