The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1907-08-01
MR.. DlBBLE's REPLY
To An Article Published in the
BranchviIIe Journal.


He Gives Some Figures Pertaining
to the Formation Of Branchyille
County.
The following was published in the
Branchville Journal on Wednesday,
July "a, under the caption of
Opposition to New County.
Ex-Congressman Samuel Dibble of
Orangeburg was is Walterboro for a
few hours Tuesday and while here
met a few of the business men of
Walterboro and had a conference rel
atiye to the proposed formation Of
Branchville county. Mr.. Dibble is
opposed to the dismemberment of
Orangeburg county, and the purpose
Of his visit to Walterboro was to as
certain the sentiment existing in this
county and discussed at the confer
ence matters pertaining tc the pro-
posed taking off of portion of Col
Teton county and some work in oppo-
sition thereto was done.
There was a unanimous request by
those in the meeting that A. j..
Lemacks be appointed by the delega-
ton as one of the commissioners op-
posed to the dismemberment of Col
Teton county. Mr.. Lemacks being a
hninC in nnCCnScJnn Of
a great deal of information respect
ing the portion to be cut off, it was
thought his services on this commits
sion would be invaluable.
There were other committees ap-
pointed who are to take UP the work
actively, looking to vigorous protest
against the dismemberment of old
Colleton.
So this is the way they go about
defeating the will of the people in
the new county scheme. Evidently
they think over in Orangeburg that
Colleton county is the most easily in
fuenced.
They are afrad that Colleton coun-
ty is not capable Of managing her
own affairs, so they send their only
Ex-Congressman over there to stir up
a hornets nest, but we know the peo-
of the county and we do not believe
those living in the proposed new coun-
ty are going to be influenced
by Orangeburg's Ex-Congressman's
schemes.
We would urge on those living in
the proposed new county over in the
Colleton side to beware Of arguments
made against BranchVille county be-
cause they are likely to have the
"Dibble" in them.
Mr.. Dibble's Answer.
Bowman, S, c., July 27, 1907.
To the Editor of Branchville Journal:
In your article entitled Opposition
to New County" in your issue of July
Path, you were pleased to state that
Ex-Congressman Dibble was sent by
Orangeburg people ito stir up hor-
nets nest in Colleton county against
the proposed County of 3ranchville.
You are absolutely mistaken in sup
posing I was sent by anybody. l went
because l am taxpayer In Branchv1lle
and Cowcastle Townships, and inter-
ested in the prosperity of both town
ships and in. the advancement Of the
towns Of Bowman and Branchville;
and I believe that the making of
new county will be disaster to
Branchville and 5owman, and to the
farmers and others who have the
taxes to pay within the area of the
proposed new county. This is a ques-
ton of business, and not buncombe;
and it is a matter for the people
within these limits to understand full
ly before they make so serious mis-
take as to vote on sentiment, and
not on knowledge of the facts.
For instance, in Branchv1lle Town
ship and in Cowcastle Township our
school funds will be badly damaged
by the change. The mill school tax
is paid on the value of property In
each school district, but is distributed
according to school attendance. The
books of the County Auditor and
Superintendent of Education show
that school district No. IT, South
Branchville," paid S77.4O for mill
school tax, and received on her school
attendance from the same tax Slb6.,
Il gain of $3.50, owing to the fact
that the. city of Orangeburg pays sew
eral thousand dollars more OF the 5
mill tax than she can get by her
school attendance; and this helps the
school funds over $4,000 in other
parts of Orangeburg County. In IKE
manner East Branchville No. l6 get
s2S7.1S and pays only S166.92, gam
ing s12O.26, which she will not get
If she leaves Orangeburg County;
West Cowcastle, in like manner, gains
s1S7.6S surplus; Canaan No. 81, IN
Edisto Township, gets from the
mill tax $235 more than she pays.
Let the school trustees consider how
they will run their schools on SO
much less money; for the town OF
Branchviue cannot help them, Tor
it gets SIG more than it pays.
Now as to the town of BranchVllle..
where l claim voice by reason OF
having lands in your town, and L
am interested in your prosperity Inc
new county scheme will injure your
town in business way. The Court
House and Jail will cost S2O,O00.
Your worthy Mayor built the Dor
chester Jail for $4,000, and he will
tell you it cannot be built now, ex-
cept for upwards of $1,000 more.
The Dorchester Court House is too
small, and it cost $4,000. If Branch
Vile town is going to pay for these,
as a few of her citizens promise (not
the majority of her taXpayers)
will be burden without equal re-
compense. l notice that Dorchester
Comfy has her Court House to pay