Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1915-04-28

dependent upon their cultivation
and develcpment-their education
Phe American people are no,
ruled by a monarch. Each individ-
dal is sovereign, and the standard
and quality of our government is
determined by the people them
selves. An educated citizenship will
demand high standards in govern
ment. Man is by nature clanish, a
social being who is not satisfied to
live alones and through educa-
tion there is constant advancement
and improvement being made in
our social system.
The speaker said: We "Hear the
cry Back to the country, but country
life will become more attractive as
it becomes less isolated. Country
| life needs to be more attractive, es-
pecially for women. The business
affairs of men take them away from
home and cause them to mingle
with their fellows in town and
country, but the women are denied
this division. More attention given
to education will result in improv-
ed conditions in the country and
will render rural life more attract
i've. Better roads are needed in or
der that children may attend
school and so church services can
be attended ON Sunday The back
ward schools should receive more
attention. Should not be left to
themselves.
Mr.. McMahan advocated govern
ment aid in providing better mar
keting system. At present the more
cotton that the southern farmers
make the less they receive for it. A
small crop sells for more than
large one. Our financial system is
lacking. Men are not free to make
developments and permanent i'm
proyements. A rural credit system
is needed. Mr.. McMahan cited con-
ditions in Switzerland as a ma
tional government coming to the
aid of the individual. In Switzer,
land 80 per cent. of farmers own
their land and live on it. There the
government lends money to the in
dividual for farm development.
| Mr.. McMahan hurriedly reviewed
the work of the past session of the
legislature, stating that much was
done to place the state upon high
er plane. A compulsory education
law was enacted. Medical inspection
of school children was provided for
Inoculating material for legumi.
nous plants was provided for farm
ers at actual cost, and other mat
tiers affecting the practical side OF
life received consideration at the
Ehands of the law makers. He would
have convicts in the penitentiary
J. prepare lime for fertilizers, thereby
enabling farmers to purchase this
needed plant food at a reasonable
price. Lime is required in the soil
J for the successful growth Of alfalfa
and the clovers. He spoke Of the
| profitable returns from the use OF
lime in the state of Illinois.
In closing his address Mr.. McMa
han referred at some length to the
work of the county physician OF
Richland county who is employed
to examine children in the public
school, to prevent an epidemic OF
fevers, etc.. to look after the stamp.
ing out of contagious diseases and
to treat and advise with victims of
tuberculosis so as to prevent the
spread of disease. The medical Off
Ger of the county is appointed by
the state board of health, which
takes the office altogether out of
local politics.
i Hon. John E. Swearingen.
The next speaker presented was
State Superintendent of Education
John E. Swearingen who, like those
who preceded him, could not refrain
from handing out a bouquet of
choicest flowers to the good people
of Johnston in recognition of their
splendid achievement in the erec
tion of the new plant for their
school. He said the new building
typifed the new Johnston spirit