The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-11-04

Columbia, Oct. 2S.-At noon the
Audubon Society of South Carolina
held its first annual meeting in the
chapel Of the South Carolina Univer-
sity Most of the members were rep
resented by proxies given to President
Taylor or Secretary Rice. The heavy
downpour of rain prevented many
who were in the city from attending
the meeting.
President Taylor presided and in
opening the meeting gave an interest
ing talk on the work of the Society
since its organization. At every step
the Society had grown in popularity
In the State and he felt that no great
er work could be undertaken for the
regeneration of the State. Protection
of the game and fish meant wonders
to the country, at large. 1t provided
abundant supplies of both as a vent
for the activities of the people in sport
and 1t furnished in the case of fish
valuable food supply to the people.
But important as this phase of the
subject undoubtedly is, he would new
er have undertaken the work to save
hsh and game alone. He had been led
to do what he did solely on account
OF the protection to the agricultural
Interests Of the State. This should
have the serious attention of the Leg
islature; 1T is matter far too i'm
portant to be neglected any longer.
When I undertook the work of the
Audubon Society,"" said President Tay-
lor, II frankly had no idea Of what
an important affair it was going to be-
come. Such imemdiate and aver in
creasing responsibility developed for
the president that / have reached a
point where my business will not per-
NIT my devotlng the necessary time
to It, The secretary is constantly on
the move, and he cannot keep in touch
with the wardens throughout the State
and at the same time attend to his
important duties. This end of the
work, the office work. and the general
direction Of wardens, has devolved
entirely on the president
There are now one hundred and six
wardens in South Carolina, and these
wardens were Of necessity on a con-
tingent basis. the Society having no
means with which to pay their sala-
ries. The practice OF working war
ders this way had never been satisfac-
tory and he should like to see it dis
continued as soon as possible. Not
large number OF wardens would be
necessary If they were all paid and
kept moving.
Since becoming president Of the Au-
dubon Society he had devoted much
time to the study of bird, game AMI
fish protection. and he had compared
the laws of various States on this sub
ject. He found that nearly all had
adopted the license system of raising
revenue to maintain the department
devoid to the preservation Of these
rsources. Tho law had everywhere
worked well with a minimum of
friction. Illinois had raised about
5000, 900 from a resident hunting Ii
cense. and Alabama the first year had
raised $4,000 over and ABOVE the
amount necessary to enforce the law.
This amount was raised although the
State exempted landowners and ten
ants from paying license.
President Taylor recommended the
election Of fish and game commiss-
ioner and asked for an expression Of
opionion from the Society on the
question. He thought such an office
should by nominated by the Audubon
Society and appointed by the Cover
sent Of the state. This would effect
ually remove 1t from politics and pro-
vide all necessary checks to meet any
objections that might be raised. This
officer and department he contended
should be paid out Of the license fund.
He read the treasurer's report and
on the items, showing how
much work had been done for an
insignificant sum Of money.
President Taylor exple'Ccd TIA. ow-
ing to lack of funds trc society had
run behind last year ~ paving t'.r
sccretarys salary and the b ionec WAS
paid during this year.
Secretary Rice made a short talk al