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

AHA hDSfptSS Olt OT5 ltzeIS. E1 % GS ~Hr.S~T Gf .f"t- -~r~t
Under these circumstances would respectfully recommend that
the Act providing for Special Courts be abolished, and that at least
two additional judicial circuits be established. e. 4a>e -l
Without making further specific recommendation, beg to
present for your careful consideration the fact that the Courts of
General Sessions now encroach too much upon the Courts of
Common Pleas subordinating entirely civil to criminal business.
This an injustice to the rights of property, but l shall not attempt
here TO suggest the proper remedy. Il believe, however this to be
arrnatter Noteworthy of your consideration and trust that you
wifFichde ths. in your deliberations, w ~s .a
Hktan also constrained, because of the great importance of this
riatterotorthe people of our State, to make one other recommcn-
daGon~ths with a view to the establishment of County Courts
ini6arlsrge and more pepulous counties. In most of our counties,
With the increased facilities which will be afforded by two addi-
tOresl circuits such Courts would be unnecessary and burdensome.
Inflasger counties; however, the situation is quite different, and
beheseit would be wise to amend the law relating to County Courts
satisat the larger counties not now included in this law might, by
aHrasjoriy vote, establish such courts whenever they deemed it
necessary .t~
tlntthe consideration of this subject have not overlooked the
Question of expense. / am convinced that your deliberations will
reveal the fact that the necessary expenditures involved will be a
wise economy. Furthermore, the administration OF justice will
not be temporary and uncertain i'll any measure, but will be more
fTmy established upon the strong and lasting foundations upon
which should ever rest this department of our government
LYNCHINGS N LAWLEssNEss.
The occurrence of lynchings from time to time in our State is
depored by all believers in law and order. Such deeds seem out OF
place in our civilization. Thinking men, however, must realize the
fact that on account of conditions existing in ISOLATED communities,
lynchings for certain crimcs--while always deplorable-are not
restricted either to race or geographical limits. They will never
entirely cease until the crime ceases. theoretically speedy trials
oder the best remedy, but smarting under the horrors of the out
rag even the most la~w-abiding communities may hesitate to OK
pose to further indigniy the shrinking victim.
While this is all true, crime in any form cannot be extenuated.
The State has provided tribunals for the trial and punishment of
all offenSes against the law, and i'll these tribunals even such crimi-
nails should be tried and punished, There is no danger that those
guilty of unspeakable crimes may escape Just punishment in the
special courts, which afford as early trials as the law permits. To
follow this course upholds the majesty of the law; the other alter
native shakes the very foundations lpon which our government rests.
Lghching for one crime will inevitably lead to lynchng for another.
Under our law an attempt to commit rape is punishable by i'm
prisonrnent for a period not longer than ten years. This, in my
Judgment, should be changed, and the penalty inflicted should be
Imprisonment for life. There must he respect for law and this must
be taught. The safety of every citizen depends, at last, upon the
proper enforcement of law, and this fundamental principle should
be cherished by the courts and thus become ingrafted upon the
hearts and minds of our citizens. 1t is OF the utmost Importance
70 Yns, as individuals, and also to the good name. welfare and pros
pefty of or State, that lawlcssness, under all forms, should be
made to cease by the proper enforcement OF law and by the up
building of public sentiment in South Carolina.
THE DIsPENsARY LAW.
This law, in nearly all of its salient points, is IL which is pc
cuiar to South Carolina. 1t has attracted considerable attention
throughout the United States and some of its features have been
adopted by other States. In spite OF the opposition which was
encountered from its incipiency, it is favored by a large majority
OF the citizens OF South Carolina. The enforcement of this law
devolves primarily upon the Governor, by means OF a constabulary
force which he appoints. In many counties very little work is re-
CURED upon the part of the constabulary, local sentiment being so
strong in favor of the law, that, when violated, convictions are
readily secured in the courts.
In a few other sections, however, were it not for the work Of
this force, violations of this law would be more open and frequent
than they are. Frequent attempts to evade the law and the constant
effort to carry on the illegal sale of whiskey, in violation of the
provisions of the Dispensary Law, devolve an onerous re-
sponsibilty upon the Governor. This is especially true when
II lis the desire of those to whom the enforcement of
the law is intrustcd to sec that it is properly enforced,
without undue friction. Realizing. as an Executive must, that the
open disregard of any statute law must bring demoraHzing results
othe people of a State, and being, as in this case, especially charged,
aad'looked to for the enforcement of this law, 1 have sought to
measure up to the responsibilities which feel are mine That this
could not always be done without friction sincerely regret, but
Lam glad to say that during the past year there has been compare
tivsly very little friction.
While realize the fact that there III infractions Of the law,
set i am sure that during the past year its enforcement has been
more satisfactory in every respect, and believe that continued
effort will result i'll further improved conditions. The Dispensarv
Law has many desirable features in regulating the sale and Use of
hquorD and the sentiment in favor of restricting sales within the
provisions OF this law is commanding itself to the people more and
more each year. Taking the State IS a whole it is evident that this