The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-01-10
SUMTER s. G.. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY lo 1905.
sufncient to correct these evils.
agree with him in this belief.
This being the year for the reassess-

Sflf1clG0I# TO correct slHSSS GYMS. L
agree with him in this belief.
This being the year for the reassess-
ment Of all property, the comptroller
general has made a determined effort
to enforce the tax laws.
Ar increased assessment does not
mean an increase in taxation, but SIM
ply means an equalizing of the bur
den. A certain amount Of money IS
necessary to meet the requirements Of
the State government and higher
assessment would necessarily mean a
corresponding decrease in the rae
of taxation.
I must repeat to you my recon-
nendation of last year in reference
TO county auditors and treasurers.
These officers, for very good reasons.
should no longer be subjected to po-
iitical influences and to the neglect Of
their duty incident to political cam
paigns for reelection.
:
There are now $500 old soldiers or
their widows upon the pension rolls
of the State, to whom 100000 is an
nualiy paid. It will be seen that when
this appropriation is distributed it
amounts to very little in individual
cases. If the prosperity of the State
continues should be glad to see this
appropriation for the brave defenders
of their home and country increased
as much as possible.
Permit me to mention here, with the
sense of loss and the sadness which
we must all feel, the death Of a valued
member Of the sinking fund con1nis-
sion, and a faithful servant of our
state, the late Hon Altamont Moses.
DispensaFy.
The only /. cloud which throws a
shadow over the State is the unsatis-
factory condition Of the dispensary.
Great dissatisfaction has been mani
tested by the people in many quarters.
1t exists, L believe, because Of loss Of
confidence resulting from abuses in
connection with its operation. No one
can deny that the present atmosphere
surrounding the dispensary is a grave
reflection upon South Carolina, for it
is State institution, and any odium
which attaches to its operation neces-
sarily attaches to the State. Since
last session a large number of counties
have voted out dispensaries, but
nanst say that the vote abolishing
them I take to be a rebuke to the
mode of operation rather than re-
pudiation Of the system itself.
Despite the event of the past year
and the revelations which have at
tended the Investigations Of your COM
mittee, I am by no means hopeless.
I still believe that the dispensary sys-
TEN has many strong points and ad-
nirabie features which commend i,
but in saying this I am by no means
Blinded to its inaperfections.
tits imperative for the honor Of the
State that existing conditions should
BE Immediately remedied by radical
changes in the laws governing the dis
pensary or by the adoption of a differ
ent system for the, regulation of the
liquor question.
During The year that has passed
since last session I have given this
question NY Garnet consideration,
hoping to devise some certain rene
dies for the evils complained. OF but
have been impressed with no better
solution than was included in the
recommendations made to you last
year.
After mature reflection 7 am con-
strained to recommend that the
county boards of control be abolished,
and the dispensers appointed by the
State Board of Directors upon the rec
ommendation Of the legislative dele
cations OF the various counties.
It should never be the policy Of the
State to force dispensaries upon coun-
ties or communities desiring prohibi-
bition, nor to maintain them when it
is the wish Of the majority Of the peo-
pie to substitute prohibition in their
stead.
Legislation should be enacted at this
session to free the system from the
abuses which have crept in, to en-
phasize its restrictive features. and
20 ensure proper compliance with the
strict letter of the law. This matter
will certainly be brought to your al
tention at this session of your body.
sincerely trust you will give it your
most careful consideration, and that
you will. with realization OF your re-
sponsibil;ties. make a fearless and de-
termined effort to effect such changes