The Wilson times. [volume] (Wilson, N.C.) 1896-19??, 1911-01-06

one hand that they may plunder with
the other.
Prohibition.
Prohibition has now been in force
throughout the State for two years.
This IS short period with which to
measure the effects of a reform move
ment. We have done little more than |
planted the seed whose full fruitage |
will be, gathered by coming genera
tions. And yet already the results
fully justify it's adoption. There has
been, as appears from the Attorney
Generals report, based upon Superior
court statistics, marked diminutlon
in crime, even in the crime OF V1olat-
ing the prohibition law. Business has
experienced increased rather than d1-
minished prosperity. Morality, indus
| try and frugality have increased, and
politics and government have been 10
a great extent relieved of one OF their
most ccrrurting influences.
The greatest hindrance to its en-
forcement. except the interstate com
merce clause of the Federal Constitu-
tion. is probably the licensing of per-
sons to sell near beer, and similar
| beverages. Evily disposed persons
use such license as cloak to ald
them in violating the prohibition law;
and they quite frequently obtain
Federal license to sell Intoxicating
liquors. recommend that the near
beer saloons be prohibited. In case
you permit the continuance of near
1 beer license then you should provide
that the holding of Federal license to
sell intoxicants shall forfeit the near
beer license.
Appropriations.
The Legislature two years ago ap
propriated over $500, ,000.O0 more than
| our revenues. l most urgently re
ouest that you practice economy IL
appropriations and that you do moi
appropriate more money than the rea
sonably certain amount of revenut
, which you may provide. without also
providing for securing the necessary
runds. l also urgently recommend
hat the State Treasurer be authoriz
ed upon approval of the Governor an'
. his Council to borrow whateve
: money is sufficient to cover the differ
= ence between the amount appropr1at
:, ed and the revenue received by th'
Treasurer for any fiscal year. fa1l
ure to have such authority has some
. times embarrassed the Treasury an
may some time necessitate spec1a
> session of the General Assembly t
prevent the impairment of the State
% credit.
Revenue and Taxation.
n The State needs more revenue.
e. is doing magnificent work in her v;
,e rious efforts to relieve misfortune
d educate the youth, and uplift tn
,e people, The demands upon her trea
e. ury for worthy purposes are col
II stantly Increasing, with our increa
,e ing population and its increasing a.
ar tiyity and progress. The Health D
as partment the Good Roads and Drail
ia age movement, the old soldiers, tt
"A. schools and the charitable instit
M tfons. all require more funds to re
no der proper service to keep pace wit
It pressing, legitimate public deman'
no nnon them. The fundamental eau:
o. of the cramped conditions is found
RS my judgment in the under valuatle
,ir of the taxable property of the Stat
er 1 doubt not that the taxable proper
to of the State-real, personal and &C
,r porate-is really worth, and wou
ce bring at fair sale, over 81, ,000, ,0O00l
IN yet the taxable values are but $50
20 000,eOO.00 The assessment
lly It's true value of all PROPERTY is lodg'
ed in the hands Of the State Tax Co
to mission and the local assessors a.
ro- listers. Assessors for real estate W
ma this year, under our quadrennial
re- sessment law. be selected by t
Ith county commissioners, who should