The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-01-13

N"'S'' - - - 80 - 80 - -. ll,7oS94o Sc
increase. =. :. ~. =. =. :. +. =. =. =. $r,3al2a4 O.
Net Income, Less Tares and Expenses "a
Ioo3-Total net revenue. -. -. :. . ... .. -. $4ito8o8o 80
'9N io'a' let VSn :. =. =. :. i. e. -. 364o5oo I'd
Net increase. s,671 ~ *
loo3-Iaxes due the State. :. =. -. e. -. :. ".. $45aor5 as
I9o2-Ia~es due the State. :. 80. :. 49,. 4z21z1 ID
Decrease. =. e. :. -. i. $1o1ss SO
Percentage of operating expenses to gross earnings. .. $3.50
Inc reason for the decrease in the amount of taxes paid is already
explained by the Commissioners in their report.
This report includes a number of recommendations, principal
among them being that electric railway lines operating outside of
municipalities be placed under the control of the Commission. Next,
that the railroads be required to have al agency in this State to
pass upon claims presented for adjustment, and also that they be
given authority to employ a civil engineer, to work under the super
vision and make such investigation Of the physical condition of
the railroads as they may find requisite and necessary. These are
torcefnl suggestions and l commend them, along with the other
suggestions contained in their report, to your earnest consideration.
.s STATE BIOLOGIST.
The report made by the State Geoloeist of his work during the
past year contains much of interest. Systematic geological surveys
have been made by this officer during the year, the surveys being
devoted principally to the middle and lower portions OF the State,
where are found, in abundance, fulers earth, limestone, nars,
green sands and good clays. These surveys are most important.
revealing hidden sources of wealth to our State. Regarding, for
instance, the quality of South Carolina mars. this report quotes
the following from the Bureau Of Chemistry, United States Depart
n,ent of Agriculture. A test of the chemical and physical prop
critics OF a sample of South Carolina mari was there made, and the
report was: This mari has the highest Elasticity and cementing
value OF any mari tested in this laboratory" The report adds that
the meat briquettes" made from this mari exceeded in tensile
strength the requirements of the United States Army by 4 Dr
cent
I am frequently in receipt of communications from distant States
asking for official information regarding our mineral resources.
This report furnishes full and scientific information concerning this
subject and commends itself to all, especially to the consideration
of South CaroInians.
The State Geologit makes the following recommendation. in
which l concur: THAT the Legislature authorize the Secretary of
State to secure appropriate cases in harmony with the woodwork
OF the main hall of the Capitol, in order that the mineral specimens
exhibiting the resources of the State may be becomingly displayed
therein without obstructng that space"
HI STATE MILITIA.
The fact that this is a decidedly important department of our
State Government is receiving greater recognition each year. In
addition to the moral effect Of a welLorganized and well-disGpined
military force, the civil law of the State needs this valuable adjunct,
especially upon those occasions when its aid must be invoked. The
Importance, Of our State Militia is hard to overestinate, and its
proper organization, maintenance and support we'll deserve our
most careful consideration. On several occasions during the past
year the need for such services arose, and the response to my sum
mons, in every instance, was spirited, immediate and soldierly.
Under the reorganization of the State Militia last year, a consid-
cradle sum was paid to South Carolina from an appropriation made
by the United States Government, available in cash and equip
ments. The former was used in holding encampments throughout
the State, the latter was OF great benefit in supplying the needs of
OUR soldiers. AS a result of the work of the year the improvement
IN our Militia has been marked. The total strength of our Militia
oIee-ofnee ana enlisted men-today numbers 3735, giving
South Carolina high rank among the militia forces of the States,
and these are better equipped than has been the case for years. 1t
is to me exceedingly gratifying to make this report, and / may add
that the outlook is most promising for continued Improvement and
efficiency.
I ask your careful consideration of the exhaustive and complete
report which has been submitted by the Adiutant- and Inspector-
General. Here the condition and needs of our State Militia are
thoroughly set forth. Among the recommendations made in this
report which are well worthy of your attention, would especially
emphasize the need OF a State Armory, the building now rented
being absolutely inadequate for this purpose. The details of this
recommendation made by the Adjutant- General will show how
much he is hannpered by the lack of a suitable building, and his
proposed plan for a State Armory is a business proposition which
has, my Endorsement. The fact that for years our Militia force
has been practically sef-sustaining, and their great efficiency, despite
this difficulty should give added force to any request they may
make of you honorable body. tt
IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
Among other important questions that should have your careful
consideration is one in which all - eople of South Carolina have
a vita interest. This is the subject of good roads, a subject of the
greatest importance to us all. To you, gentlemen, who understand