The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1903-07-28

system depend upon the improvement
of the highways. In fact, taken from
any viewpoint, the road question OF
all questions is the most important now
before the people. Mr.. Aull gave illus
trations in support Of his assertions,
citing the advantages which have ac-
crued to other sections from good roads
We can't have good roads unless we
pay for them. There are about 1000
miles of road in Newberry county. 1t
is estimated by other States that it has
cost them about 81, 100 per mile to
build good roads-not imacadam roads,
but good dirt roads. | am not advocat-
ing the macadamizing of every road in
the county at the start.
] am in favor of a property tax-not
a 5-mill tax, however, at the start. A
2-mill tax gives us $11, ZOO. Of this tax
the farmer will pay the least proper
ton. One million five hundred thou
sand dollars of the $500, 600 taxable
property in the county is in the town of
Newberry; $500, 900 in the railroads out
side the town of Newberry, and $780,
600 is in the town of Prosperity. The
taxable property of the average farmer
will not go over 81 900, and, therefore,
the portion of this 2-mll tax to be paid
by the average farmer would not 90
over 81, and the average farmer would
reap the greatest benefit. The speaker
believed really the best way to go at
the question would be to issue bonds,
and he had introduced Bill in the last
Legislature, which has the endorsement
Of the State Good Roads Association,
p Knitting the people to vote on a bond
issue. But he didn't think it would
pass and he didn't fhink the peop'c
would vote to bond themselves, as there
is always danger that after the bonds
are voted the money will not be wisely
expended. For this reason, at present,
he favored the property tax. Favored
national aid if it could be secured, and
he believed it could be secured The
Brownlow Bill now before Congress is
a good BILL but if we do nothing, when
the Bill passes New York and Pcnnsyl-
vania and the other States which are
helping themselves will reap all the
benefits. The Communication tax should
be made more than $l.0O but this cam
not be do done until the constitution is
changed, because the coast counties
and the mountain counties do not want
more than $l.00 and no special legisla-
ton can be passed. But first of all the
property tax should be voted, and then
the details could be arranged.
COL. JOHN Il. BANKS
made a few remarks upon the impor-
tance Of good roads, and then intro
duced
col. w. a, HILL,
who made a short address favoring a
communication tax and small property
tax, relocating some Of the roads, ma
cadamizing in places. We can't talk
good roads into existence, however, he
said. They cost something, and the
people must be taxed to get them.
HOGS AND CORN.
Mr.. Aull in his address made a pleas
ant reference to some fine corn and
some fine hogs raised this year by Col.
ID. A. Ruff. This, after the addresses,
brought on a friendly discussion among
COL Ruff, Mr.. Benjamin Halfacrc and
Mr.. Perry Halfacre as to corn and hogs.
These three gentlemen have gained an
enviable reputation as raiscrs Of fine
crops and fine hogs, and they have
some of the best in Ncwbcrry county
now, or in the country, for that matter
a BEAUTIFUL PLACE.
The grove at the mill, where the
meeting was held, is beautiful plac,
for public gatherings. A cool spring
furnishes fine water on the spot. The
barbecue dinner, which was Furnished
by Messrs ID II kibler and ID. e. Half
] acre was pronounced one Of the best o
| the season.
FURTHER APPOINTMENTS.
There will be meetings in two town
| ships this week, at jolly Street, il
No. 10, on the 30th, and at Mt. Bethel
in No. 2, on the 3lst