The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-02-22

ed happened. Word had gone forth
among the members that Governor
Biease would approve the appropria-
ton bill as Il was sent him; almost
half the members went home, for a
bare majority was here when the sur
prise came. Every Act had beea rati-
fed and the House was about to send
message TO the Governor. asking IL
he had any further communication,
when the surprise came in the shape
OF disapproval Of items aggregating
$4,000. The House, caught mapping
was very badly shocked. Many had
gone home; others had arranged to go
home and they did not know what to
do.
On the first yea and nay ballot. 81
members out OF 124 were present, and
on subsequent ballots 63 voted. Mr.
Stevenson had to go home and such
leaders as Osborne. Mower. Stevenson,
Gary and others had gone home, Sc
cure In the belief that all was we'll
and that the coast was clear for GO
ing home. But II was not.
The Citaders new wing was spared;
winthrop's new science hall was re-
tanned. but the addition to the infirm-
airy at winthrop was vetoed. The Uni
versity of South Carolina was denied
Its new auditorium and its heating
plant is TO remaiA uselesl IL takes a
two-third vote 90 retain an item In
the Appropriation Act over the Gov
ernor's vetJ. and with the slim at
tendance and general decentralization
this seeraed dificuit.
After taking six ballots the House
rtoss<.s recess for an hour to try and
catch Its lreath and see what It all
meant. The members had only 40
minutes In which to discuss any ques-
tion. that rule having been adopted.
but II the time had been logger out
OF the 64 or 65 present there were and
have always beea enough economists
and adherents OF the Governors
policy to let the axe fall without really
fguring the ultimate cost.
IL was the most remarkable scene
and demoralized situation I've Witness
ed. In reporting the General Assem-
bly, continuously since 1892. and in
passing 1t is the first time a single
item In the appropriation bill has
been vetoed. The Governor has not
had time sufficient to investigate the
situation. as has the ways and means
committee aad the finance commit
tee.
The House must first consider the
items vetoed. as the appropriation
bill originated in that branch. The
Senate looked on for while. voted 20
take a recess until S o'clock and then
the House wondered what 1t would
do. IL wrestled with six disapprovals,
then took "a recess for an hour. met
at 7:15 and thea there was no quorum.
When the House reassembled. Mr..
tion. resembling the resolution - ad-
journ today at noon and agree to ad-
journ at Wednesday noon. This will
give an opportunity for the sixty alb
sent members to- return and take up
an unexpected situation. A mere
handful! cannot and should aot meet
this serious and new situation.
Mr.. Williams wanted The House to
go ahead with It's work. Members
we're elected To- attend to their duty
and should be here. Dr. Dick said
this would mean work on Sunday and
ne protested against such a course.
The members objected To MIR. Nc
Dow's resolution and dispensed With
Its consideration.
Speaker Smith pointed out the dan
ger OF the situation. There was bare
quorum. and II quorum were not
shown TO be present II would involve
serious trouble. because the House had
on It's Journal that II would adjourn
at noon today. and II an adjournment
was taken from day To day to secure
quorum. II would be shown by the
Journal and that would seriously
jeopardlze all work done today.
Mr.. Mellow said II was pitch dark
and the hour of nooa had long since
passed. Speaker Smith said he wish
ed to point out the danger OF the sit
uation OF no quorum showing. Then
half a dozen members started to walk
out and break the quorum. ten mem
bers having objected To- the McDow
resolution to change the day for ad-
tournament. Mr.. Brlce said II was a
substantial objection TO consider such