The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-01-23


X. Breedin. in an interview given to
the press last week From some
experience that l had last summer
learned that much more can be accom-
plished by an aroused local officer
sometimes with special assistance.
than by employing special constabu-
larry. The commissionershlp,
as | conceive it, should accomplish
much better results for the State at
less expense than heretofore
What the legislature is going to do
with the whole matter, nobody knows.
That the discussion will consume con-
siderable time during the session
seems certain. There is general dis
satisfaction with present conditions.
but the various ideas Of how to i'm
prove the situation differ so widely
that it may be impossible for a ma
jority of each house to get together
upon any change. The whole matter
will be threshed out in it's every
aspect
Biennial Sessions.
The proposition to provide for BIZ
ennial sessions of the general assem-
bly, will be taken up shortly. Bien-
nial sessions were recommended by
Governor Manning in his inaugural
address, and the measures which
have been introduced along this line
seem to have a better chance of sue
cess this year. The question has been
agitated for number Of years past.
and has been strongly urged, but
previous legislatures have failed to
submit it to the people. A constitu-
tional amendment would of course be
required, which would necessitate q
referendum.
F0ur-year Term.
A four-year term for the governor
and lieutenant governor, and making
them ineligible for reelection, is pro-
posed in measures which have been
introduced. This also had the en-
dorsement of Governor Manning in
his inaugural address,
The two-cent fiat passenger rate
on railroads will again come up this
year, measures having been proposed
which would limit the charge to two
cents per mile, whether upon ind1-
dual tickets purchased or mileage
books issued.
An institution for the reeble-mind-
ed has been proposed in measures IN
troduced in both houses. An appro-
priation of $4,000 is fixed by the
bills.
Mr.. G. L. Toole's measure in the
house, which would require a tax Oh
certain soft drinks, is of Statewide
interest. 1t is urged by those in fav-
or Of the bill that this would be OF
benefit in helping raise the additional
revenue for the State which is neces-
saSy, and that it will also provide
regulation upon the State of certain
drinks which would be of benefit to
the people.
Woman Suffrage.
Equal suffrage for women will be
one of the interesting issues of the
session. A persistent campaign has
been waged during the first two weeks
for a referendum to the people looA-
ing towards constitutional amend
ment which would give women equal
privileges with men in the matter OF
voting. Measures have been introduce
ed which would refer the matter to
the people for their decision.
Probably the most important mat
ter to be considered by the legislature
is the serious financial condition of
the State. AS has been pointed out
in this correspondence, both Comp
troller General Sawyer and State
Treasurer Carter have called atten-
ton to the situation, and Treasurer
Carter, in speaking Of the activities
of the borrowing board durings the
past year, states in his report to be
submitted this week, that, summing
up, We found that it was necessary to
borrow or to arrange for funds to
carry on the government until taxes
were collected, the enormous total OF
$1,12O,00o."
The Ten-Mill Levy.
The amount necessary to be bor
rowed next year, in anticipation OF
the collection of taxes, is called at
tention to in the report of the State
treasurer, and it is estimated that in
order to meet the appropriation ask
ed for at this session. a levy of ten
mills will be necessary. and it has
been stated by one who has closely
studied the tax problem that if ap-
propriations are held down to the
minimum, the present financial con-
dition of the State will necessitate
levy of nine mills. The members
the general assembly will be called
upon to give the appropriation bill
and the question of raising revenue
their most serious and careful consid-
Grafton. and, with the best that can
be done, it is going to be hard mat
ter to hold down considerable In
crease in the levy.