The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1916-04-05
WAREHOUSE SYSTEMS
GREAT AND SMALL
N. B. Dial Tells Of Operation Of Plan
In Laurens and State Organization.

N. B. Dial Tells Of Operation Of Plan
In Laurens and State Organization.
To the Editor of The Advertiser,
Upon my return from Pittsburgh
and New York day or two since, my
attention was called to q piece writ
ten by Senator Banks in which he
mentions my namo in connection with
the State warehouse system and the
recent insurance muddle. In order
to keep the record straight, I will 20
back little, and would state that
the only letter have circulated con-
corning either Of these matters was
the one l had printed in the newspa-
pers on October "a, 1915, copy of
which I will be glad to send any one
upon request. OF course, this could
not have referred to the late insur-
ance legislation. For years l have ad-
vocated a NATIONAL bonded warehouse
system. and, in fact, went to Wash
ington and made talk before the ag-
ricultural committee OF the house
In October, 1914, on this subject I
have these remarks printed, and would
be glad to send to any one upon re-
quest. Senator Banks and Senator
McLaurin have occupied great deal
or newspaper space for some consid-
cradle time, praising the present ware
mousse system, and each praising the
other. 1t was never intended by the
system Of our government that the
state, or county, or any other division
or our territory, should engage in bus
mess. | am opposed to the present
state warehouse system for the rea-
son the State Of South Carolina Is not
liable for the cotton stored in the
warehouses and for other reasons. If
1t Is thought best to have a State ware
house system, then l favor amending
the constitution and putting the credit
OF the State in full behind every re-
cefpt. This present makshift of a
warehouse bill is delusion, and mis-
leading, and was passed only when the
people were in great distress about the
low price Of cotton. The best way for
our people to market their cotton is to
do as we do in Laurens county-build
warehouses by individuals and corpor-
ations. We built one here nearly 20
years ago of which am still president
and we are today charging the same.
dislike to appear in print and to pa
rade our private business before the
public, but since this question is one
that the people seem very much in
terestcd in, will briefly state what
we are doing. McLaurin and his
friends blow loud trumpets about the
low rate Of insurance they are getting,
to wit. $1.5S per 500. Our warehouse
is paying now, and has been for some
10 years., about 10 cents per $100, de-
pending upon return premium. This
could be reduced about one-half pro-
vided we put in additional fire protec-
tion. If the State warehouse system
is such a great success as its friends
claim for 1t, why Is 1t necessary for
the legislature to appropriate money
to keep 1t going? My information is
that McLaurin asked the legislature,
before this last one, to appropriate
$l20,000 to the State warehouse sys-
tenn. What amount they gave him, |
do not recall. He asked the last leg
islature. to contribute $4,000 OF the
peoples taxes to carry on his institu-
ton. They gave him $4,000. 1t oc-
ours to me If the enterprise is good
one, and they have the credit Of the
State behind 1t, as they claim to have,
they could make itself sustaining. On
account Of our warehouse, have no
jealousy whatever OF the State sys-
tenn, because | know we can operate a
warehouse cheaper than the State OF
South Carolina can. and will not ask
help from the State. 1t Is the princi-
pie and management that am opposed
to. I am not certain, but I believe
the State warehouse system Is exempt
from taxation. We pay our taxes like
other citizens. Don't misunderstood
me about wanting to help market our
cotton gradually. because I believe
this Is one OF the great crying needs
OF the times and have been preach
ing 1t for tho last Is years.