The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1903-11-04
Gentlemen Of the General Assembly:

Gentlemen Of the General Assembly:
You come fresh from the people to
legislate for the welfare Of South Car
DINA. There are many grave problems
demanding solution. 1t is a time preg-
nant with opportunities and possibili-
ties. There is demand for the exercise
of wise counsel and prudent judgment.
responsibility. You have the power to
lay the burden of taxation upon the
people and at the same time the power
to spend the money gathered from the
people. You also have the power to
make the laws by which they are to be
governed. They have trusted you with
this 81 eat power and expect you to use
it with wisdom and with prudence,
looking only to the best interests of all
the people. Whatever promotes their
happiness and welfare should be your
constant concern. If all men would
refrain from interfering with the
rights Of others or of molesting them,
government would not be necessary.
But, unfortunately, we have not reach
ed that high standard of morals. Gov
eminent, however, should attempt to
do no more than to protect persons and
property and enforce contracts Volun-
tarily made. It is true, as a rule, that
the least governed are h best gov-
erned.
In sending to you this, my last an
nual message, it is gratifying to- note
the good feeling which prevails among
the people throughout the State, and
the absence Of factional bitterness
which at n time divided Jul people.
During my administration I have en-
deavored to ignore factional divisions
and to be the governor of all the peo-
ple-to insure to each community as
far as possible the right Of local self
government. In making local appoint
ments I have sought in each case the
advice and recommendation of the rep
re~sentatives of h county, believing
that they were better acquainted with
local affairs and the wishes of their
people than I could possibly be. If
by this course I have in any measure
contributed to the un%iication Of SEN
timent among our people and the Wip-
ing out of factional lines. / am graft
fed. In this day OF rapid Industrial de-
velopment and progress there is not
time for factional chickering's. Our
chief purpose should be the material
progress and development of our State,
along with the moral and intellectual
uplifting Of our people.
The State has enjoyed an era of ma
terial prosperity which is unprece-
dented. New enterprises are being pro-
jGcted, and the building of cotton mills
goes constantly on. Business of every
character has been exceptionally pros
porous the past ear Peace and good
order prevail throughout the State, and
at the same time progress has been
made along educational lines.
FINANCES.
The income to the State for the year
ending Dec. 81 was not sufficient to
meet its obligations. The governor and
the State treasurer We're forced to Dor
row the full amount of the $500, 900 au-
thorized by the last legislature. This
was made necessary by the fact that
the last appropriation act carried with
1t more thar the revenue from the levy
for State purposes would realize. It
is not good business judgment for the
State to borrow money to meet current
expenses. Knowing the total assessed
property Of the State, the levy should
be sufficient to raise enough money to
meet the appropriations. Or if it is
desired to fix the levy the appropria-
ton bill should be kept within the
amount such levy will realize. You
u so regulate the two that the
State Will not be compelled to borrow
money for current expenses and be
forced TO pay interest charges.
The following statement furnished
by the State treasurer shows the con-