Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-01-14
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Chief Executive Ansel Makes Impor-
tant Recommendation to General
Assembly.

tant Recommendation to General
Assembly.
Special to Yorkville Enquirer:
Columbia, January 14.-Governor An
sells annual message to the general
assembly was read to the house and
senate Immediately upon the conven-
ing of those bodies today at noon. 1t
is rather shorter than the average Of
such messages; but it is quite an in
teresting document, especially so In
hat II goes directly to the point of sew
eral vital questions in which the peo-
pie of the whole state are deeply in
terested.
The general assembly is reminded
that ii is not obeying the constitution
in the matter of levying an annual tax
sufficient to defray the state govern
ment, and that the state is now about
one year behind in its revenues. His
eXcellency recommends the levy of two
extra mills in order that the state may
be able to get on cash basis. This
would increase the levy to 81 mills.
His eXcellency also calls attention to
the fact that the constitution Is not
being obeyed in the matter OF the as
sessment Of property for taxation, In
that the present regulations on the
subject are not calculated to secure
lust and equitable assessment. He rec
ommends the adoption Of strict In
uuisatorial plan under which the audi
tor will require the taxpayer to take an
oath publicly and correctly answer
questions intended to bring out infor-
nation as to all the personal properly
he owns and the value Of the same. He
suggests that in this way it Will be
practicable to get on the tax books not
CfnnkG
bonds, notes and other forms of credit
that now largely escape the assessor.
There Is a recommendation for the
passage of an act requiring that LABOR
contracts be put in writing and record
ed with the register Of mesne convey
ance and that provision be made Tor
the punishment of landlord or laborer,
whichever shall violate the same. He
thinks that such an act, with the act
now of force against the enticement or
laborers, the labor question Will be
nearer solution.
The repeal Of the lien law is recon-
mended. His excellency says he thinks
this law has served its purpose, and as
reason for repeal says that too often
the lien is taken up before the crop Is
planted. and often but little work is
done after the lien is taken up.
The governor recommends that there
shall be only one diSpensary in each or
those counties that permit the sale OF
liuuor, and that when in the case or
election on the question of voting out
a dispensary If, on the face of the re-
turns, it appears that the dispensary
has lost it must be closed Immediately
and be kept closed until the matter Is
finally decided otherwise by the elec-
ton canvassers or the courts.
A complete revision Of the reglstra-
ton books is recommended. and 1t Is
suggested that provision be made for
new books upon which shall appear the
names Of all voters who are alive and
entitled to vote.
Both Winthrop and Clemson are COM
mended for their splendid work and a
new dormitory is recommended FOR
Winthrop.
A liberal appropriation is recon-
mended for needy Confederate veter-
ans.
The governor states that his eXpendi-
lures in maintaining an establishment
in reasonable keeping with the dignity
of his position are more than one thou
sand dollars over and above his salary
and suggests that the salary of the
governor and judges at least, might be
restored to what they once were.
The balance of the message is de-
voted mainly to calling attention to the
reports on various state institutions.