Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-01-21
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Some of the More Important Develop
nents In House and Senate,

ments In House and Senate.
The two houses failed to agree upon
the proposition to hold elections on last
Friday, and the matter will probably be
attended to on next, Tuesday. Mr.. It.
P. Cothran having withdrawn from the
race, the probability is that Associate
Justice Gary will be reelected without
opposition.
Mr. Nash's prohibition bill came up
on Friday and by vote Of 49 TO 45 the
house refused to strike out the enacting
words Several members Of the Char
lesion delegation were absent Other
wise, the bill would have probably been
killed. On motion Of Mr.. j. q. Rich
ards, the bill was re-committed, the
object being to postpone debate.
Mr.. Aulrs bill, introduced at the re-
quest of the South Carolina State Press
association to regulate actions for libel
and slander, was killed by a vote of
SO to %.
Mr.. Kershaw was afraid Of the bill
and held that there was now very little
prosecution for slander. He did not
think it wise to pass law to fit spe-
cial case.
Mr.. Aver and Mr.. Aull fully explained
the present status and why the pro-
posed legislation was fair and just, and
only to protect the newspapers against
impositions and petty cases. Mr.. j. P.
Gibson also favored the bill as pro-
posed.
Mr.. Aver explained that no reputable
newspaper would do an unintentional
wrong The members of the bar have
generally saved the multiplicity of suits.
Newspapers do not fear hight at
torneyS. This bill is to prevent petty
lawyers seeking advertisement from
bringing such libel suits. The newspa-
perS have always stood for that which
is best and highest in the state. The
newspapers need such law as is pro-
posed. 1t is the law in many states.
Mr.. Nichols said newspapers were
not as careful as they ought to be-
They ought to be more careful. Cor
rectiOns do not always get the same
prominence as the libel. In the past
it has not always been so. Mr.. Aull
said the law provided for such prom
inence. Mr. Nichols said the fear of
damage suits made. the papers more
careful.
Mr.. Fraser said the constitution was
plain on the question as to what was
the procedure in cases of libel suits
tatiOnS by statute.
Monday night.
During Friday number of new bills
were introduced in the house, among
them the following:
Mr. A. G. Brice'S bill to provide for
the election of public cotton weigher in
Chester county and to prescribe their
duties and to provide for their COM
penSatiOn.
Mr.. Nicholson's bill to make an ap-
preparation to meet the expense OF
criminal prosecutions and proceedings
against certain officers and other per-
sons and to provide for the payment
thereof.
Mr.. Aulrs bill to prohibit the sale or
manufact cture of malt or Spirituous Ii
quOrs, wines or beer. and to provide
punishment.
Mr.. Aulls bill to levy a tax for Con-
federate pensions and to provide its
distribution.
Among the new bills presented in the
senate on Friday were the following:
Mr.. TOoles bill to establish a rural
police system and to define the duties
and hours of the officers thereof, and
of all other officers and citizens of this
state in connection Herewith.
Mr.. Christensens bill to amend sec
"
better provide for uniformity and i'm
partiality in the examination of teach
erS.
Mr.. ChristenSen's bill To make an ap-
preparation to meet the expenses of
criminal prosecution and proceedings
against certain officers and other per-
sons and to provide for the payment
thereof
Mr.. JuhnsonS bill To prohibit engi-
ncel.S from having charge of running
trains while under the influence of al
cUholic on other Intoxicating liquors,
and To prescribe a penalty therefor
Mr.. Brices bill relating to the selec-
ton. drawing and summoning Of ju-
rors in the circuit courts of this state,
substituting judge of probate for coun-
tv treasurer WhereSOever said words
appear in said act, and devolving the
duties of county treasurer relating to
the selection, drawing and summoning
of jurors upon the judge of probate.
Mr.. Smiths bill to compel SPECIFIC
performance of contracts between land
lord and laborer, to punish for con-
tempt of court in such cases and give
them privilege of trial.