The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-01-31
A SPICY DEBATE.
Lively Conoquy in Senate Between
Senators Brown and
Cole L. Blease.

Columbia, January 3o-A spicy de-
bate was provoked in the senate on
Thursday night between Senators
Brown and 6. L. Blease, when Sena-
tor Eugene S. Blease's bill to pre-
vent persons who are related to state
officers or members of the general
assembly from being employed in the
engrossing department or in the leg
islature was taken up. The bill was
finally killed. The Columbia State
gives the following report Of the COL
1oquy between Senators Brown and
Cole. L. Blease.
The calendar was being disposed
OF rapidly when Senator Eugene
Blease's bill, already referred to, was
reached.
AS to Nepotisrn.
Senator Butler moved to strike out
the enacting words and Senator
Blease defended his measure. He
wanted the bill passed as matter OF
principle. More efficient service
would be obtained and it would pro-
tect the persons making TIE appoint
ments.
Unconsciously an officer might
appoint a person whose direct or in
direct influence might affect him.
Some day, Senator Blease said, he
hoped to introduce a bill instituting
a sort of civil service. He said that
he made no reference TO anyone,
was not jealous, had no spite and was
actuated by no occasion but hoped
the bill would pass as an advanta-
geous measure.
It had not appeared to the judi
ciary chairman, that nepotism had a
decided hold on South Carolina. Be-
sides, the bill practically disfranchis-
ed many people who merely happen
ed to be related to the officers men
toned. Again a person might be ap-
pointed who the person selecting for
the position might not even know
was slightly related to state officer
or member of the legislature.
Senator Hay, reading from the
constitution, said that the bill was
not necessary as the sixth degree was
already prohibitive.
Instances Cited.
Senator C. L. B1ease in beginning
his argument referred to the fact
that the clerk Of the supreme court
had a daughter who was stenogra-
pher in his Office an a son who was
state electrician. The chairman OF
the ways and means committee OF
the house had son who was clerk
of that committee and daughter in
the enggossing department.
He indeed must be deaf who had
not heard complaints about families
irving to run the state house. 1t was
natural for man to appoint some
one to an office who would help him
politically. There were some amend
nents that should be made to the
bill, he thought, for the pages should
not held under its provision. They
had better be related to some one
who could watch over them during
the session. But if families are to be
cared for, why not institute a pension
system? If the public teat could not
besucked by all, said Senator Blese
in substance, why bring the public
teat where the pap could De gotten
by everyone? There is no use to be-
little the measure by talk Of disfran-
chisement. He said that the solllcl-
tors tremble at the thought of ap-
pointing nowadays, especially if they
are witdowers and bachelors and
when so many pretty girls come to
them. Just here Senator Blease was
suddenly interrupted by Senator
Brown, who rose to his feet and said:
"Mr. President, I rise to point OF
order. 1t is not fitting that this SEN
ate shall give voice to such sentl-
nents.