Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-02-20
TALK With SENATOR BRICE.

back to business ana frlenQS a1ter +.
days of more or less arduouS leSisla-
tive work. He was interviewed extern
siveiy by different constituents during
Monday, and in the evening the report
er succeeded in getting him cornered
for a snort interview that may be of
some interest. Among the first ques-
tions asked was:
What about that house proposition
to appropriate 100000 for the common
schools? Was the house really in ear
nest about the matter or did it pass
the appropriation for buncombe?"
WELL" replied Senator Brice, most
Of the senators thought the appropria-
ton was principally for buncombe, and
l, myself, think there was a good deal
of buncombe in it; but it was not all
buncombe exactly. You see, it is this
way. In view of the large direct appro-
priations for higher educational insti-
tutions, many of the members thought
there should be something equally dl-
rect in behalf of the common schools.
They had evidently lost sight of the
fact that the constitutional three mill
tax, amounting to as much as three
fifths of the entire state levy, goes di-
rectly to the common schools. Under
the proposed bill, the appropriation
was to go back to the counties in the
same proportion it was paid by them,
and the measure really amounted to
additional special levies with the APP
portionmentS by the comptroller. 1t
would have been like taking water out
of a barrel and putting it back again.
A much more satisfactory arrange
ment, if anything of the kind is desir-
ed, is for each school district to vote
as much tax as it cares to pay. This
would amount to exactly the same
thing, and this is the way the senate
looked at the matter. I do not think
any of the York members voted for the
appropriation"
1T appears that the senate was quite
liberal as to pensions?"
Yes, so IL was. The house voted
100000, and the senate reduced the
amount to $15O,OOO. But assure you,
that however it may appear, the senate
is not disposed to be too prodigal in
this matter. The fact is, it is a ques-
ton of mucn concern with most of
them. They all believe in providing for
deserving Confederate veterans; but at
the same time they recognize that the
present arrangement lacks a great deal
of coming up to their ideas. They know
that among the people who receive
pensions are many who saw no real
service, and who are not entitled to
be classed as veterans. There are 9TH
ers who are as able-bodied, trifiing and
doless as they were during their al
legged service. The senate feels that if
the rolls can be purged Of this class,
1t would have no objection to allowing
full 5000, and even more to the real
ly deserving. The upper house is not
at all satisfied with the present ma
chinery for the distribution Of pen
Sions. 1t was desirous of amending
the law so as to make distribution fair
er, and more equitable, If possible; but
it did not have the time. The appro-
priation finally went through with a
general feeling that the present plan
would be tried for another year with
an increased appropriation, and If the
results are not satisfactory, every effort
will be made at the next session to
make the law more like what the sena-
tors think it should be-"
why was a redistricting bill not
passed, Senator?"
Inability to agree upon details.
There were several propositions up;
but none Of them met the approval Of
a majority of the house and senate"
You don't think that congressional
influence figured?"
so far as 1 have any knowledge, it
did not. 1t is recognized in both the
house and senate that the state must
be rediStricted under the Burleigh law,
and at the next session bill will be
passed. 1t has to be passed. The only
question will be a satisfactory division
Of the state into districts"
What are the terms of that bill re-
lating to the county commissioners of
York County?"
1T provides that the commissioners
shall have more pay. Heretofore, no
matter how much work may have been
required of them, the county commits
sioners could only draw SIS year each.
Under the law, as amended, if the
commissioners put in enough days to
entitle them to it, they may draw $3.50 a
year, each"
And you passed something relating
to the magistrates of this county,"
Yes, salaries have been raised in ali
the townships. In York, the magiS-
trate and his constable will get $500
IN 10 fo ho
eZer and Kings Mountain, $100 each;
in Fort Mill, s112.5O each, and in the
other townships $50 year, each. Inc
delegation was not exactly unanimous
as to the advisability of raising these
salaries. 1t was question as to
whether the magistrates are not al
ready getting compensation fully up to
the quantity and quality of their work.
1t is fair to say that the raise was fl
nally agreed to on the theory that it
might possibly bring about more effici-
ent service. During the next year, the
delegation will pay especial attention
to the work of the magistrates, and it
is quite probable that unless results
seem to justify the action taken. sala-
ries will be put back to where they
WERE"
According to the statement in the
papers, you got the Yorkville school
bill through all right?"
Yes; but 1 neglected to insert an
amendment making such bonds as may
be voted. non-taXable. 1t was an
oversight, and I am really sorry, be-
cause this would nave probably ensured
better sales"
Now Senator, another question that
is somewhat personal: but which you
will have to concede is justified on ac-
count of the publicity that has already
been given to the subject. What are
the facts about your status as a rail-
road attorney and your alleged sur
rendering of your pass? I refer to the
communication published in The Co.
lumbia State from Gaffney?"
Il have never been attorney for the
Southern railway" Senator Brice re-
rllial Nhl1f inl to LIZ