The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-01-10

Of Commissioner Watson, rs is shown
by the fact that more immigrants have
landed here during the past few months
than for many years previous. These
will be valuable additions TO our citi-
Zenship, they have been carefully Sc
lected, and many made bank deposits
Immediately upon arrival here.
III his work tnS commissioner has
kept strictly within the requirements of
the act in reference to nationality, and
has also been mindful in this respect
of the expressed wishes Of the immi-
grafton convention. held in 1903.
4 number of colonies, composed of
most desirable material, have already
been projected, and q number of 9TH
ers are now being negotiated. In this
connection it certainly should be inter-
esting to know tha: $4,000 acres have
been officially contracted for at once,
and options have actually been given
and are now held upon more than
twice this amount, to be disposed of
by purchase. This colonization feat
ure is most important phase Of the
work, and if it did no more than to
materially increase our white popula-
ton. it would be, to US, of untold ben
eft.
The agricultural and commercial in
terests Of the State have by no means
been neglected, but the commissioner
has kept in close touch with Clemson
college and is indebted to the college
for valuable assistance. In addition to
the colonization and sale of lands, the
outlook is most encouraging for. bring
ing varied industries into the State,
these being attracted by the advertise
nent, through this department, of the
great natural advantages of South
Carolina. l earnestly recommend that
you give this department all needed
encouragement and assistance. It rests
entirely with your body to bring imnli-
grafton from other countries into our
State, for by the laws of the United
States this must be done only through
official State channels, all individuals
and agencies being strictly prohibited
from engaging in this work. AS only
small appropriation was made for
this department last year, and no in
crease is asked, I desire to bring one
matter to your attention. The commits
sioner is necessarily required to do
much travelling, and, in view of the
fact that he is entirely removed from
all legislation, T recommend that he be
exempted from the provisions of the
act prohibiting State officials from
using free passes from railroad and
steamboat companies. r
State Militia.
Your attention is invited to the re-
ports of Adjutant General Frost and
Lieut.. Col Ezra 3. Fuller, of the
United States army, which contain
valuable facts ior your consideration in
reference to the State militia. Upon
my request, Col Fuller was detailed
by the war department to report for
duty, to act in cooperation with the adj
jutant general in promoting the effl-
cheney of our State troops. The ser
vices Of this officer have been most
valuable, and the military branch Of
our government has been materially
aided by his work. -
From these reports is shown the
needs of the militia, both in reference
to appropriations and-tne necessity Of
a revision Of the military CODE to make
it's provisions conform to the require
ments of the act of congress. approved
January 81, 1903, known as the Dick
bill" This act, which has already done
SO much to advance the interests and
efficiency of the troops of this and other
States. requires that the organization,
armament, and discipline of the organ
lied militia shall be: the same as that
which is now, or may hereafter be,
prescribed for the regular and volun-
teer armies Of the United States" The
act further provides that the militia
shall be sufficiently armed, uniformed,
and equipped for active duty in the
field, before they can participate in the
annual appropriations made by the
general government for the support Of
the militia which annual allotment
amounts to nearly $4,000 for the State
Of South Carolina. This amount was
secured this year, although the assist
ant secretary Of war reports thar, had
the law been strictly applied, on ac-
count of deficiencies and failures, we
would have been deprived of our pro-
portion. e-s.
It is also shown by these reports,
that, il. proportion to population, South
Carolina has a larger force of militia
than any State in the Union, and that
the appropriation from the State for
the support of the militia per capita
is very low. The requirements of the
Dick law" are such that we are con-
fronted with the necessity of either re-
ducing the number of companies or Of
increasing the appropriation so as to
meet its demands. This is a matter Of
serious import to the State militia, and
7 feel sure that In considering it you
will act solely with a view to the best
interests of the State and of those who
have volunteered in its service. During
the past year encampmentS were held
in Columbia. These encampmentS are
of great benefit, and steady improve
ments each year attest their value. In
view of the storage and supplies ne
cessitated by these annual encamp-
ments,, a State armory is, in my judg-
ment, necessity.
The report of the adjutant general is
detailed and intelligent statement of
the condition and needs of the State
mendations for the betterment of the
service will have your careful consid-
Grafton.
Dispensary.
Last year 1 purposeiy refrained from
making any recommendations IN REFER
ence to the dispensary. My reason for
cient time to familiarize myself witt!
the practical workings Of the system.
I have since had greater opportunity
to istudy some Of the more impo: :'nr
details regarding the managen' IA u:
this institution, and for this reason !
beg to submit, for your consideration.
changes which I am constrained to
think will be Improvements.
To properly regulate and control the
sale of liquor has always be.,i Ques-
ton most difficult of solution. Theo-i
ries upon this subject, whenever and.
wherever tested. always become diff,
cult problems when their practical en-
In n, n 1rGs