The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1903-01-30

ing people TO sustain me, ana l feel
sure: that they will do so.
In the past. few years, l am glad to
say, much Of the friction formerly at
tacfling to this law haS disappeared. I
am aware Of the fact, however, that iii
certain localities ltinay be very hard
to restrain Illegal traffic In liquor and
to prevent the violation Of this law:
nevertheless, shall seek TO uphold the
law and to carry out its provisions
without favor to any locality In any
part OF our State. The details Of the
dfSpcnSary law are familiar to all of
our citizens, but perhaps It's necessary
difllcult1es are not generally under
stood nor properly appreciated. The
local authorities have q large share of
the responsibilities involved and with
their cooperation Ishall hope for such
administration Of this law as shall COM
mand the respect Of all patriotic citi-
Zens.
CONFEDERATE PENSIONS.
1t is exceedingly gratifying to know
That our General Assembly has, with
proper appreciation, shown that we
owe q great and lasting debt of graft
tude to the, Confederate soldier. Most
OF these surviving heroes, rejoice to
say, have no need for aid. There are
others, however, who because of
wounds received in battle defending
their country and on account Of age
and failing strength, need from us now
loving returns for the services they
gave lis In the days of their peerless
ana strong young manhood. These
heroes OF our own Southland-men, as
yon monument says:
"WhOm power could not Lorrupt,
Whom death could not terrify,
Whom defeat could not dishonor''-
THESE men gave to the world examples
of patriotism which wlllliye forever.
And IN our hearts--wc for whom they
Strlggled--thcir memories and the
glorious heritage they bequeathcd to
us will be more deeply cherished wear
by year because Of their valor and their
patriotism. Let South Carolina, their
own State, see to 1t always that ten
derly and with truest affection these
gray knights OF the Southern Confed-
eracy are given some return, at least,
FOR the service they gave to their State.
GOOD ROADS ADVOCATED.
1t has been said that there are
three things which make a State great
fertile lands, busy workshops and
easy lines OF transportation The
Almighty has blessed us in South Car
olina with fertile soil. We have
been giving ourselves each year, us
have already shown, busy workshops
and it now remains for us to pay more
attention to those lines Of transporta-
tiOn which are as Indispensable to the
comfort and convenience of every class
of our people as they are to our indus
trial and commercial life.
Good Road Conventions at various
times have recently been held in our
State and there seems TO have been an
awakening of interest among our peo-
pie upon this subject, as Is evidenced
by the fact that some Of our counties
are actively at work improving the
condition Of their highways. feel
sure that our General Assembly will
give to this subject all the attention it
deserves and will, through wise legisla-
tion, enable our different counties to
provide practical solution of this prob
lem so vital to their welfare.
THE DRAINAGE PROBLEM.
| Another question before our people
although it IS often lost sight Of, is the
drainage Of our swamp and low lands.
This Is an important question not only
to one section of our State, but to every
section. In 1900 amendment TO the
Constitution was submitted to the
people OF the State, by whom it was
, adopted, making it mandatory upon
the General Assembly to provide by
law for the condemnation, through Of
fetal channels, Of all lands necessary
for the rrHpcr drainage Of our swamp
and low lands and also for the equit-
able assessment Of all lands SO drained
or the purpose OF paying for such con-
dcmnation and drainage Nothing
has yet been done and, in my judg-
| mart fpfc RI ch l,o
overlooked. Appropriations amount
Ing to several millions Of dollars have
been made by the National Govern
ment for rcclaiming by irrigation arid
lands OF the West. II it will pay to
cxpcnd millions for the irrigation OF
deserts in the West, surely it is well
worth the attention Of our lawmakers,
without permanent expense to the
State, TO take steps to drain lands as
fertile as can be found anywhere and
which, in their present copdition, are
not only valueleSS, but are a standing
menace to the health Of South Car
Oina. Additional Importance attaches
to this subject when VIC remember
these now useless lands comprise fully
one-f fifth OF the area Of our State.
THE PURE FOOD QUESTION.
While considering subjects Of gen
cral welfare to our State it would be
well for Us to give attention to the
importation and sale OF adulteratcd
AMI impure food products. Other pro-
gressive States give the greatest at
tcntiOn to this very important qucS-
tiOn, which we cannot afford to let
pass without due consideration. 1t is
we'll TO see that when our people pay
their money for pure food they should
have this, and not such adulteratiOnS
rs are delctcriOls to their health.
BIENNIAL SESSIONS.
| The question Of biennial sessions has
been much discussed for the past few
years and although they have been fa-
yored by a majority OF the General AS
Scmbly, as yet two-thirds OF the mem
bcrS have not consented, and hence a,
constitutional amendment providing
for them has not been submitted TO
the people. In my Judgment, were
slc.l an amcn'mcnt submitted, t.
would be adopted, which | cannot but
believe would be to the inter, ST of tie
State. Very few Of tho States Of the
Union now have their Legislatures
meet annually and l know of no condi-
tion peculiar TO South Carolina which
ncccSSttat teS ours doing SO.
LIMIT EXPENSES TO INCOME.
! cannot conclude without saying a
word about our finances. While the
bonded debt OF the S. ate is compara-
lively small and and its credit we'll
maintained, as evidenced by the pre-
MUM offered for its bonds in the fin
ancial markets, nevertheless feel
that it is incumbent upon me to call
attention TO the necessity the State is
under to borrow money to meet the
deficiency OccaSiOned by its current