The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-06-20

Is into Il discussion Of this matter, but
as the campaign progresses, | hope to
elaborate my views in this regard. 1t
seems to me that some plan can and
should be devised by which we can,
approximately at least, secure a more
just and equal assessment of our
property for taxation. Every honest
man is willing to bear his pro rata
share Of the burdens Of government
He ought not to expect less, and he
should not be required to do more.
l do not suppose there is a man in
this audience who Goes not fully real
iZc that another one Of the most i'm
portant matters which should engage
our attention at this time is that of
improving our public highways. Ger
tainly nothing can be Of more mater
ial benefit to our farming population
The farmers transportation tax is,
and has been for Il long time, one of
his chief difficulties The furnishing
of good roads will not only enhance
tho value Of farm property and add to
the comfort and cOnveniences of farm
life, but will increase the prosperity
of the State in all lines. 1t is useless,
however, to advocate the furnishing
of better highways, and at the same
time vote a reduction in taxes, be-
cause, my friends, it is going to cost
money to have improved highways.
The fundamental basis Of our ma
terial prosperity is, and will continue
to be, our agricultural resources.
South Carolina is, and must remain ain
agricultural State. 1 would not dis
courage our manufacturing industries,
nor would ] minimize their import
ance, but when all has been said, our
agricultural industries remain Of
prime importance. What we need to-
day in our State is that more of our
white people who must look to the
farm for a support and for a home.
should be owners Of their farms.
trust that the national government
will, with as little delay as possible,
enact a rural credit law. and that the
State will take the necessary steps to
encourage our people to become own
ers of the farms on which they must
live. In this connection. / think that
Clemson College which has been, and
is doing so much for our state, should
establish and operate demonstration
farm schools in every county in the
State, because there can be no real
development and substantial improve
mcnt in the condition Of our farms
until their owners have acquired the
information necessary to take advan-
tage Of the many economics in prep
aratiOn Of soil, use Of fertilizers, ETC.
Clemson College is a great institution
and is doing a great work, but in my
humble judgment it's benefits can be
further extended as suggested!
Another matter which should en-
S"SC oVi IIloSl SdIcluI dlteItiOH IL
that Of the public health. We prob
ably do not need any additional legis-
lation in regard to this matter, but
proper facilities should be provided
and adequate steps taken. to stamp
out as nearly as possible, contagious
and infectious diseases which, year
by year, are claiming their victims in
our State. I believe that the medical
fraternity have about reached the
point where typhoid fever and many
other dangerous diseases can he
practically eradicated, certainly pre-
vented. 1 have confidence enough in
the medical profession Of South Caro-
lima to trust it to cooperate effectively
with the State for the elimination and
prevention Of diseases if the proper
facilities are provided.
In conclusion, l refer again to the
| chief functions Of the chief magis-
trate of the State. The constitution
says "he shall take care that the laws
be faithfully executed in mercy" 1t
is not contemplated that the governor
will be a tyrant. 1t is not contem-
plated that he will enter upon the
| discharge Of his duties with a spirit
of vindictiveness, but that he will see
that the laws are faithfully executed
in mercy. We should bear in mind
that the freedom and liberty of peo-
pie increase in proportion as the laws
are faithfully and impartially eXecut-
ed. There is nothing that means
more in the happiness and prosperity
OF State than that the laws shall
provide and furnish adequate protec-
ton to it's citizens. If elected gov
crnor / shall have no enemies to pun
ish, and no friends to favor in this
regard. l should feel it my duty not