The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1912-11-27
MEETING
WAS A SUCCESS.
Speeches Awoke Enthusiasm of
A Representative Audience.
Bonds Issue Advocated.

Of an engineer and the widening and
grading of the roads.
Mr.. Hood said that Gui1ford county
had not found it necessary to in
crease the rate of taxation in order
to provide for the retirement of the
bonds issued, but that this had been
more than met by the increased vail
ues by reason Of the development Of
unimproved lands and the steady en-
hancement Of real estate.
1t was story Of wonderful prog
'ress related by Mr.. Hood and he sub
mitted figures taken from the auditors
books to substahtiate them.
Mr.. Hoods talk was immensely en-
joyed by his hearers, and ELECTED
warm approval upon its conclusion.
Commissioner Watson
Hon. E. ]. Watson, Commissioner of
Agriculture, Commerce and Indus
tries, was the next speaker. Mr.. Wat
son is a .forceful and eloquent speak
er and his speech was frequently
punctuated with applause. MIR. Wat
son indorsed fully what Mr.: Hood had
said and stated that the facts cited by
u1ul 40 " taC oCSOloRLAOhS WILMA AoA
| followed the building Of good roads
was well known to him.
Mr.. Watson stressed the point that
the farmers each year lost q consid-
cradle sum, running into millions, by
reason of the heavy freight charges
imposed by reason of bad roads. He
pointed out that with frst-class roads
it would be easier for farmers to take
advantage Of rise in the market,
thereby realizing considerable
amount each year. 49,
Mr.. Watson cited some statistics
from the department Of agriculture to
show that Abbeyille county had not
kept pace with the rest Of the State In
increase in population, in yield per
acre and in other ways, and he believ-
ed that nothing would so stimulate to
renewed activity as road improvement.
The speaker said that the lands OF
old Abbeville county were as good
naturally as any In the world, tnat
there were no better people to- De
found anywhere than right here, but
for some reason the county had not
kept pace with the forward movement
of the rest of the State. He expressed
his love for Abbeville and hope that
the present movement evidenced an
awakening that would in time place
the county in the foremost position
which she had so rightfully held In
years gone by.
Mr. Watson's speech was received
with enthusiasm and he was roundly
applauded on concluding.
Mr.. W. w. Bradley took issue with
a statement by Commissioner. Wat
son that Abbeville county had 1000
miles of road, stating that according
to his figures there were less than
200 miles of main highways in the
county. - .'.- ..v,...i
MIR. Graydon
Hon. W.. N. Graydon, being called
upon by DR.. C. C.. Gambrell, in a few
well chosen remarks endorsed the
movement heartily, saying that, In
his opinion, the building OF good roads
held out more hope Of progress n
agriculture, education, religion and
ali worthy endeavors than any work
in which the county could engage. He
urged upon all present to sign the
petitions and have their friends and
neighbors to do likewise.
Supervisor Stevenson :.
T Mr.. w. A. Stevenson, County Super
visor stated that after figuring over
n the proposition, he believed that Win
proper management bond issue OF
$3.50 900 could be retired ia IA years
by allowing the levy to remain as at =
present. This was based upon a rate
of 4 per cent. for the bonds and the
oyerturn of the sinking fund at the
rate of per cent. Mr.. Stevenson be-
llieved that by selling some OF the
mules now owned by the county and
the investment Of the proceeds In an
other tractor practical economies
could be effected that would mater
tally reduce the cost OF road pulialng.
On behalf of the farmers Mr. I. r.
Thomson expressed the bellef that the
farmers would generally be perfect-
ly willing to vote bond issue proVld-
ed they could be assured that proper
safeguards would be thrown around
the expenditure of the money.
All in all, the meeting was most
successful one, and those who were
responsible for the gathering were
much gratifed at the interest mani
tested and the enthusiasm with Whlch
the movement was received by repre-
sentative men from all sections OF the
county signing petitions.
. Reports to The Press and banner
from several sections of the county
are to the effect that the petitions are
being numerously signed and that the
movement is meeting with little oppo-
sition.