The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-01-15

T6SrS= have basn two lynchings IN
the State during the past year, both
of which. are to be regretted and
would have been prevented if possible,
but so .Iong as fends in human form
continue to commit outrages upon our
women they may expect swift and
summary justice, and Idoubt if emer-
gency courts or any other remedy vii.
stop the administration Of such justice
when it is known the right fend is
found. Thesonly way to stop the pun
sishment is to stop the crime.
Here follows statement of the
States finances taken: from the report
.of the State Treasurer, and the recon-
mendation previously made that some
action be taken to refund the old Blue.
Ridge railroad bonds amounting to
Es37, coo is renewed.
Recommendations for the improve
Ement Of the method Of assessing prop
Eertysfor taxation SO as tossecuTe more
Ecorrect and equitable returns are
made.
The good roads movement is endorsed
in general terms and the resolutions
adopted at the convention IN Green
vile are commended to the attention
of theFI stature. s.
The child labor problem is discussed
and the following commentator
made. -.s;.51z
After careful and thoughtful con-
sideration, it's my opinion that It's
| a duty which you We:etos humanity
and the citizenship Of your State to
protectSthese children by prohi biting
their labor in our manufactures. If
the parent does not feel sufficient IN
terest in his owl. offspring to look after
it's best inteEestss and to- prepare,it for
the duties Of good aeitizenship,
then tits the duty Of the State. to step
IL and assert its auth hority BIZ taking
EIcare of the life; and the health and the
happiness of these helpless little ones
realize that it is;a perp1exing ques-
ton; where the authority of the parent
ENDS and the-duty Of the State begins,
Ebnt.in; question sof such vital import
Eanee to.the State fine spun theories
should not be INDUCED. but the best
interests:of of the commonwealth and its
citizenship: should be the paramount
Issue: No child under 12:years Of age
|should be permit Ito labor, inss the
mannfactoriess Of this State, it
bssnecessary for the support ofsawid-
owed mother. H You should adopt
snchsa measure, however. at least one
year should &be given.b before it becomes
of force insofder that all partiessm1ay
adjust themselves to- the new eondf-
tions. 60
Ihe educational situation is discuss
ed at some length and. compulsory
law is suggested requiring the attend
ance of alIschil ld7en between8 and l3
years Of age for at least 12Weeks during
each school year.
The condition of the several State
colleges is reviewed, and appropria-
tions adequate to their support are
recommended. szsiss
In reference to the establishment Of
Ia Soldiers Home, the Governor says,
eff you expect to do anything for the
old soldiers along this line, now is the
time. It is action that is needed not
talk
The question Of redistricting the
State is treated as follows:
Atyour last session you had before
you for consideration several bills for
redistricting the State. None was
passed and the whole subject will come
up for consideration at this session.
There no longer exists any reason for
the shoe-string districts which we have
in this State and it is duty you owe
the people to redistrict the State into
congressional districts that will be
compact and contiguous in territory.
This should be done without regard to
the political fortunes or interest OF
any individual and solely with view.
of serving the interests of the people
of the several districts. At the last
session of the congress Of the United
States an actswas passed in which the
following section occurs
Section 8. That in each State en-
titled under this apportionment the
number to which the snch State may
be entitled in the Fiifty-eighth and
each subsequent congress shall be
elected by districts composed of con
tiguous and compact territory and
containing as nearly as practicable an
equal number of inhabitants. .