The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-02-24

ucular facts relating to the actions OF
the present incumbent, and to the
part Of the Audubon society in rec
ommending him. The grounds of
public policy, to my mind were COM
pelling. The time has passed when
private society, subject TO private
interests and private motives, should
be instrusted with a public function
IN naming q State officer; but in
view of your passage of this bill. I
feel it my duty to iay before you
specific facts.
Il have information that before
the incumbent, Mr.. A. A. Richard
son, was recommended for reappoint-
ment by the society, he or his friends
brought about the admission of about
oo new members to the society, and
through them was able to direct it's
action. This regrettable incident re-
veals much to be criticized: and be-
SIDES this, the passage of this bill
would lesislatc into office as chief
game warden, Mr.. A. A. Richardson.
by means Of the boldest lobby this
legislature has ever been subjected
to. The chief game warden now has
great power in appointing and paying
MS deputies, directing their important
activities, and determining the ex-
penSeS of his office.
Even those great powers have been
exceeded. From many sources, by let
ters and by word of mouth, I have
received complaints that Mr.. Richard
sons deputies, with his approval, have
made illegal collections of money:
that they have held up presumed vio-
lators of the game laws, in the field.
and demanded cash payments Of
fines, without process provided by
law.
About $4,000 was collected by this
department during the year 1916, and
about $4,000 has gone to the public
schools, as shown by the report of the
assistant bank examiner. The balance
of this fund collected has been ex-
pended by Mr.. Richardson in the ex-
penses Of the deputies he appointed
and in the administration Of his Office
Mr. Richardson's travelling expenses
have exceeded the amount prescribed
by law. That limit is $1,000 He has
spent on this item alone s1.264.56.
plus mileage books, $120; incidentals
$1S4; automobile and boat hire, ST.
59S.41. This alone would show the
necessity for restricting and safe
guarding the expenditures of this
department, and requiring a compli-
ance with the law.
1.-THE effect Of your bill would be
to continue the beneficiary of this
system in office beyond all restric-
tions and safeguards, till after the
election of 1918.
II do not withhold my approval
because. the bill provides for popular
election, though I believe better plan
would be to put this office under the
control Of the fish and game commits
sion. The conduct Of the office Of
chief game warden under Mr.. Rich
ardson, and the bold lobby for this
legislation, forced me TO the conclu-
sion that the election at the remote
date specified was simply proposed as
a screen to blind you to the sinister
aspects OF a deplorable situation. The
principle and practice of legisiating
any man into Office should be avoided
as dangerous one, as also would be
the practice Of legislating any man
out of Office. I urge that the regula-
tons of this department can be taken
up at the next session of the legisla-
ture and receive then the calm con-
sderation which it's Importance de-
mands. Excitement and partisanship
should be put aside, and the whole
question considered in the light of
giving the best protection to game
and the wisest and safest regulation
with legal enforcement Of the laws
pertaining to game
THE lobby I have referred to has
been apparent to the members Of the
general assembly. The chief game
warden, Mr.. Richardson, and his as
sistant, Mr.. Funderburk, have been
continually in evidence in this work