The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-06-23

I frankly admit that there is force in
this position, out it is condition,
and not a theory, which confronts Us.
The fact is that no more than five
Ler cent. Of the children who could
enter college can ever participate in
this provision. 1t may be said that
we would na, difficulty in collecting
these loans. | can not think favor
ably CT this view. | believe that any
boy or girl who is desirous Of COM
pleting a college course, and who
signs an obligation to the State,
agreeing to pay back the money nee
essary to complete his education, will
regard it as debt of honor If the
colleges are not furnishing an educa
ton which will enable one who has
taken the course, so to increase his
earning capacity as to be able to re-
pay the lean without any hardship,
then there is something wrong with
our education. And, if, on the other
hand, the colleges are not turning
out boys and girls who would regard
debt of this kind as being one which
must be paid, there is something radi
cally wrong with the work of such
institution. 1t is immaterial to me
how this fund should be managed,
who should handle it, etc. We now
have a State board of education. Pro-
vision could be made for them to pass
upon application and grant loans, or
the governor, comptroller and State
treasurer might do so, or the presi-
dents of the different State colleges
might be authorized to handle it.
This is a matter Of detail which can
easily be worked out. Now, my
friends, | hope that no one will say
that l am opposed to higher educa-
ton by the State This is the settled
policy. 1t is not an open question.
The State is committed to it and my
desire is to see these institutions so
managed as to increase their effec-
tiveness and enlarge their fields, and
at the same time, so administer it as to
give equal advantages and opportun-
tiles to all. l make no charge against
any one, l do not criticise any one,
but it is notorious fact that in all
the State colleges and universities of
today many students are enjoying
free scholarships and free tuition
who are amply able to pay, without
the necessity of borrowing money.
If they did pay it would increase the
revenue of the colleges and
would enable them to do more
and better work, and, also, enable the
State to assist others who are un-
able to pay by the plan which l have
suggested.
l have already given out state
ment to the press in reference to the
State warehouse system and the fire
marketing our agricultural products
is one of Importance. believe that
the State should provide a system of
warehouses and such regulation of
warehouses as will enable the farmer
to market his products to the best
advantage, and to enable him where
necessary to borrow money on cot
ton warehouse receipts at the lowest
rate of interest.
The regional reserve banking law
enacted by congress is one of the best
pieces of legislation enacted by any
legislative body within fifty years.
With the enactment of rural credits
law and the operation of the regional
reserve banking system, and the de-
velopment of our agricultural inter-
T OIL in
is no reason why any man who is to
spend his life on the farm, should not
own his own home and cultiFate his
own land.
Fire insurance as I stated some
time ago, is not only desirable in our
business life, but it is necessity and
l believe that some plan can be de-
vised by which the interest Of the
policy holders can be protected and
at the same time not drive out the
fire insurance companies. These
companies are in the business to
make money, and they will operate in
any field which is attractive to them.
It seems to me that rating board
similar to the law now in operation in
Texas, would be a proper adjustment
of this matter. The State can not
afford to surrender it's right to reg
ulate any business in which the pub
lie is Vitally interested, but the
State does not desire more than even
and exact justice between all parties
concerned. l am sure there is some
common ground on which We can
meet and solve this difficulty.
Now, my fellow citizens, in conclu-
sion, it is the duty of the governor to
see that the laws are enforced. l
have cot changed my position one
iota in reference to this matter. Two
years ago, / stated repeatedly that
this was one of the important ques-
tions. l know, and you know, that no
people can ever become a great peo-
pie, that no government can go for
ward in it's material development, un-
less the people who compose the gov
ernment shall enjoy the equal pro-
lection of the law. I believe there
should be one measure of punish
u