The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1915-04-07
Manning, S. c.. April 2. 1915.
Hon. Richard I. Manning, Governor

Columbia S. G.
Dear Governor:-I have
yours dated April 1sr, relating to Act
ITO prohibit auto trucks doing busl-
ness in the Counties OF Aiken. Claren-
don and York by non-residents, with
out 6rst procuring an annual license
therefor"
These auto trucks are very heavy,
when loaded they weigh several tons,
the complaint IS that they cut up the
roads and damage the bridges: load
ed truck running ct the rate OF Is or
twenty miles an hour striking an ordl-
nary wooden bridge loosens it at eYerV
joint and therefore makes it dangerous
to the travelling public.
The County Commissioners request
ed the delegation to secure some legls-
lation for the protection OF the County
from these road locomotives, that II we
could not prohibit them, to impose
such license as would at least help to
pay the cost of repairing the bridges.
I cannot understand why any citizen OF
this County should write you request
ing you to withhold your approval OF
the Act, unless it be some who have
been solicited by the owners OF trucks
from Sumter, for since came home
many citizens have expressed their en-
tire approval of the Act and the hope
that our officers would enforce the law
strictly.
Governor, as to "cripple conditions
rather than to cause any benefit to
arise" cannot see it so.
The goods sold and delivered by
these trucks consist mainly Of Coco
cola. Chero-cola. Pepsi-cola and other
other soft drinks, (bottled) Of doubtful
benefit to the welfare of the masses; IN
my opinion, they are sold aud deliver
ed to many who are not engaged IN
legitimate business, especial? during
the cotton picking season-little shops
along the road, some of which are sus-
pected of being bliEd tigers, and are
frequently run by negroes. would be
pleased to know who it is in Clarendon
that has requested you not to sign this
Act.
Personally have no interest IN it
whatsoever, but do think it just that
those who sell and deliver such goods
in extraordinary heavy vehicles should
at least contribute toward the cost OF
keeping our bridges repaired.
Should one. OF these tremendous
trucks break into bridge and it was
damaged the owner would, l have no
doubt, involve the County in damage
suit. and if be succeeded in getting a
verdict the taxpayers would be mulc5
for that much.
The trucks which run over this coun-
ty come from Sumter, and know that
objection to this Act is made BY their
owners, however, this should have no
bearing upon the merits or justice of
this Act-it is either a good or bad
Act. and the Counties named therein
through their Representatives felt the
need of such an Act or they would net
taken up the time of the General As
sembly with it.
The trucks which run over this coun-
ty come from Sumter as I have already
said but this action was not taken in
any spirit OF opposition to Sumter. but
really for the protection OF Clarendon's
taxpayers solely.
Fl such heavy vehicles are to be
permitted to cut up our roads and
weaken our bridges thereby leopard
izing their safety without contributing
to the expense OF making these roads
and bridges safe for the general travel
ling public, then in my opinion, non-
resident. and a uon-taxpayer has priv
ilege which a resident tax payer
would not be permitted to enjoy with
out protest.
Therefore sincerely hope that you
will allow Clarendon the privilege OF
collecting from non-taxpagers some
thing to help repair the damage they
do. With much Respect
Ioro vcnrc 2-r