The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-01-19

at your las. session was the recon.
mendation that you should abolish the.
act providing for special courts, and
that two additional circuits should be
established. l am impressed, more
than ever, with the necessity for the
adoption OF this recommendation.
The State Penitentiary.
In reference to the condition Of the
penitentiary 1 would refer you to the
reports Of the superintendent and the
board of directors. During the past
two years I have availed myself Of
opportunities to observe this institu-
ton closely, and am glad to say that
! it is excellently managed. The con-
victs are we'll treated and the disci-
! pline is equal TO that of any similar
institution. The health of the in
mates, with the exception Of some
cases OF tuberculosis-many of which
were contracted before the convicts
were committed-has been excellent
during the past year.
Necessity of Good Roads.
Last year, in my message, felt it
necessary to dwell at some length
upon the subject. Of our public high
ways, and recommended such legis-
lation as would give the counties the
right, by majority vote, either to is
sue bonds or to levy an annual tax
for road improvement. No action was
taken upon this important matter and
I now renew my former recommenda.
! tion.
This is a subject of the utmost i'm
portance to all the people, subject
| in which is included much more than
| the improvement of our roads. The
benefits to be derived. from any point
| OF view. ere numerous and strong busi-
ness considerations make it impera-
I tive that this valuable work should
! be properly attended to.
Confederate Pensions.
The largest appropriation made by
your body is for the care Of the Con
| federate veterans This amount seems
large when compared with the total
appropriation, but when viewed in an
! other light we cannot but feel that we
would like to do much more for the
| old soldiers who in years that have
| gone did so much for their state and
their country. The total number Of
pensioners On the rolls this year was
1854, and $197,309.42 was the amount
distributed among them. The law, gen.
orally speaking, is working satisfac
torily, but in reference to certain clas-
sifications it is believed that improve.
ment can be made, and the comptrol.
ler general will specifically direct your
attention to the proposed changes.
Anything pertaining to the proper care
! of the veterans Of the Confederacy
will, I am sure, have your most
thoughtful consideration. We owe
them a deep and lasting debt Of graf.
itude, and to care for those who, in
their old age and declining days, need
this care, should be, as it is, privi.
lege and one Of the first duties of our
people
Biennial Sessions.
At your preceding session an
! amendment to the constitution provid.
ing for biennial sessions Of your body
having been agreed upon, 1t was sub
mitted to the qualified electors of the
state at the general election. ma
jority of whom voted in favor Of this
amendment. Believing as do that bi.
| ennial sessions will afford all necessa.
~ legislation, and will result in re-
trenchment Of expenses, I trust you
will ratify this vote in order that the
amendment may become effective.
Conclusion.
In as brief space az possible, l have
endeavored to give to you information
concerning the most important depart.
ments of our state government, and
have made for your consideration such
recommendations as appear to me to
be necessary and important. l rejoice
to add that progress and prosperity
continue to bless US with the uplifting
! influences that come from the earnest
labors of united people. The welfare
of South Carolina is largely in your
keeping, and much hope for her fu.
ture will depend upcn, the results OF
your deliberations. There was once :
temple erected with no sounds of the
tools of labor, with no confusion of
haste and disorder, without noise a.'l
! strife. Imbued with this spirit, with
| united zeal and devotion may you Quit
yourselves like men; NAV your DELHI
| erations ada to the upbuild:1g Of our
commonwealth; may they contribute
to the reign of law and occer. to taH
peace and happiness Of our peop:e. anf
to the dignity and hoac1. Of our st"te
n n EEvUAP0 Gcyer-n-,