The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-08-26

ernments to deal with. No system
that is dependent upon Unite men for
it's enforcement can ever be perfect,
or perfectly enforced. The chief trou-
BILE with all systems is the difficulty
that exists with reference to equallza-
ton. So long as every citizen pays
upon the same basis of valuation no
injury is done. But to secure this
equalization has been the trouble ever
since government was organized. The
man who can solve this question will
solve the most difficult one connected
with governmental affairs.
There is one thing with reference to
taxation, however, upon which all
property-holder are agreed, namely:
We do not want to pay any more tax
es than are necessary to good govern
ment. It can not be denied that the
tendency in modern times is towards
extravaganza in Individual and III
governmental life. 1t is easy to make
large appropriation and spend the
hard earned money of the people. A
halt must be called. Taxation has
gotten to be a burden upon OR peo-
pie. If I am correctly informed, we
are now paying more State taxes than
we have ever paid.
Of course,it must be borne in mind
that increase in population and prog
ress along other lines call for the ex-
penditure of more money in order that
the efficiency of the public service
may be maintained. But is it not true
that the increase of taxable values
shown on the books from year to year,
ought to be ample to meet the in
crease in our expenditures? 1t oc-
ours 10 me that such is the case, and
there should be no further increase in
the rate of taxation.
am in favor Of economy: I am
not in favor of impairing the public
service by niggardliness.
In this connection, want to say
that l am in favor Of biennial sessions
of the general assembly.
Once every two years is often
enough.
I am also in favor of fewer elec-
tiGns. In my Judgment all State and
county officials should be elected for
term of four years. A change in
these respects would bring about a
considerable saving to the tax pay
ers and would prove beneficial along
other lines.
The last thing which I desire to
touch is the enforcement of law and
order. The sorest spot in our gov
ernmental life is the weakness OF our
people along that line. They must be
taught to respect and OBEY the law.
Herein lies the only safeguard to life,
liberty and property. Government is
worthless it it does not protect these.
How shall the enforcement of law and
order be made more efficient? I an
swer:
First: By better discipline in the
home.
Second: By getting better men in
the jury box.
Third: BY infiicting punishment
commensurate with the Ofense.
Fourth: By a refusal on part OF the
CulSl SASCUIlfS ~ pa oOA1 A-NA-
have been convicted. 1t will do little
or no good to convict men OF crime
if they know they will likely be par
doned. The pardoning power should
not be employed save in rare cases.
There are numberless other matters
to be given due attention in the cam
paign. But these five questions are
fundamental: Prohibition, administra-
ton, education, taxation, law enforce
ment.
In conclusion let me say that, ii
elected, shall endeavor to perform
my duties fearlessly and impartlally;
that in their discharge I shall know
no section, no man, nor set OF men.
F. 81. Hyatt.