The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1916-01-27
SALARY INCREASE BILL.
House Denies State Officials Raise in
Pay.-Camel Parable Used.


night by the decisive majority OF g.
to -. The bill had received a major
ity unfavorable report from the ways
and means committee, although its
provisions we're not to become effect
i've until after the expiration Of the
terms of the incumbents.
The psychology of the situation, as
seen by a member of the ways and
means committee, was presented thus
by Mr.. Sellers: DO YOU not realize
that once the camel has his head un
der the edge of the tent he will not be
satisfied until he gets his entire body
inside the tent?'
The bill provided that the salary
600, those of other State officers to
$4,000. those of justices of the su-
preme court to $4,000 and those Of
circuit Judges to $1,000 The salary
of the uperintendent Of the State
Hospital for the Insane was to be de-
creased to $4,000 and the salaries
of superintendents of other institu
tions we're to be made $2,400.
Proponents of the measure held
out in vain that it is big blight on
the name Of the State to pay its off,
cials a salary of only $1,000.
Mr.. Moore moved to strike out the
enacting words.
Author Defends Measure.
Mr. Smith. author of the bill. said
that the salaries of the State officers
were fixed several years ago, since
which time new offices. such as those
of insurance commissioner, ware
house commissioner and secretary of
the State board of charities and cor
rections, have been created with sala-
ries of $4,000 as compared with the
$1,000 now paid State officers. He
pointed out that man Of ordinary
means cannot be governor at the
present salary of only $500. He
said that a number Of professors in
the State colleges get more than the
secretary of State.
DO YOU realize that clerks often
get $500 in a department where
the head of it receives only 1900?
asked Mr.. Smith. I'VE must not al
low the judiciary, the State offices
and other offices to deteriorate 1t
is an Indictment against the State to
have such low salaries for our Of
fees" He pointed out that the work
and travel of the judges necessitated
an increase.
Mr.. McNIahan said that the present
salaries of $1,000 we're fixed in the
early '90s. since when the expenses
of living have materially increased.
He insisted-that it is vital to the
principle of true Democracy to give
ADEQUATE salaries. Mr.. McMahan
wanted the salary Of the governor
made $4,000 and the salaries Of cir
cult judges $4,000.
Mr.. Moore, opposing the bill, said
that there are men in the State ready
and willing to step in and take the
position of any State officer at the
present salary. He urged the legisla-
ture to proceed with care; especially
as the return of good times is not yet
assured in his opinion. LET us not
increase our appropriations, he said.
but pursue a policy of retrenchment
and reform"
Mr.. Smith and Mr.. Moore got into
colloQuy over supposed remarks re-
garding the ability of members OF the
ways and means committee.
Mr. Sellers said that the unfavor-
able report had been submitted as
result of the resolution adopted by
the ways and means committee 10
stay the appropriation bill within
$4,000, 900, with the exception OF
such money as is realized from o!2sT
sources than the State tax -eVy.
Mr.. Searson favored the III. AID
said that it is not fair to tax 2@Ta---
-a5a OF man S patriotism.
The bill was killed on a "a All
-aE vote of 63 to "a.
In Advance.