The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-01-13

portance, and the recommendation for
the treatment Of tubercular patients
at the State Park Is worthy Of your
careful scrutiny and investigation. A
reduction in the number Of tubercular
patients shows that good work is be-
ing done. We must aim ut the exter-
mination of this dread disease, and
money will be well spent in accom-
plishing this purpose. 1t is a matter
OF public education. and if the pub
lie mind can be aroused, marvellous
results can be accomplished.
PENAL AND CHARITABLE INSTI-
TUTIONS.
I invite your attention to the re-
ports of the penal and charitable in
Of the State.
State Board of Charities and Corrcc-
tons.
The work Of this board abundantly
justifies It's creation. BY it's investiga-
tons and suggestions, it Is Leading the
way to enlightened. sane and humane
treatment Of those who come under
their observation; and It's recon-
mendations deserve, and should have,
most careful and thorough consider
alton at your hands and mine.
Confederate Veterans.
Tho number Of Confederate vete.-
ans Is growing smaller and smaller
These men gave their services and
risked their lives in defense of our
homes and State. Their increased
infirmities and needs make it incum-
bent on the State to provide for their
support and comfort in their declining
years.
I again call your attention to the
increased comforts and better care
given within the last two years to
those in the Confederate Infirmary.
urge that liberal appropriations be
made for their support and comfort.
Insurance.
The result Of the passage of cer-
tain insurance laws at the last session
of the legislature has produced a con-
dition which was not anticipated. In
consequence. a large majority of the
insurance companies have withdrawn
from the State, and the result has
been inadequate insurance, no reduc-
tion in rates. but even an increase,
and, in some cases, the kind OF in
surance obtainable is not a guarantee
against loss.
Realizing the importance of this
matter, L appointed, commission
with the State Insurance Commission
er as Chairman, to study the entire
insurance situation with view Of
recommending a complete revision of
the Insurance laws of the State.
~ This; commission has devoted time
saa aodx - tAitcMRtsct; hisd gained
valuable Information. and Will submit
to your honorable body the result of
It's work.
urge legislation which will adjust
our difficulties. protect our interests,
and be fair to all parties concerned.
Salaries.
I am we'll aware of the impera-
tive need for economy in the admin
istration OF the State. I am equally
aware Of the necessity Of the Statos
being just with those who give their
time and services.
The salaries now provided for by
law. Of judges and some other State
officials. we're fixed at time whem
the cost Of living was very much less
than now. I can speak on this sub.
ject in an impersonal way, only as O.
matter Of business and right and
proper policy for thes state. 1t Is a
simple matter of Justice that these
salaries should be increased to meet
the Increased cost OF living. and also
to provide adequate compensation for
those who are capable and efficient
and qualified for the positions.
/ hope that your honorable body
will look at this proposition with un-
prejudiced minds. and that you will
recognize the justice Of providing
compensation that will be just for the
services rendered.
Finances.
In Message No. 8, on February iG,
1915, / called the attention of the
General Assembly to the deficit in rev.
erue over income for the years 1913
and 1914. as follows:
Pages and s of part of the
report of the Comptroller General 10
your honorable body at the present
session, showing that there is an ex-
tstinG deficit of about $500, 900. 90