The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-01-09

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tain insurance laws at the last ses-
sion Of the legislature has produced
a condition which was not anticipa-
ted. In consequence, large MAORI
ty of the insurance companies have
withdrawn from the State. and the
result has ben Inadequate insurance,
no reduction in rate, but even an m
crease, and, in scme cases, the Kind
Of insurance oDtainaOle is rot a guar
antee against loss.
Rai2irg the importance Of this
mater, / appointed commission with
ne SAFE Insurance Commissioner as
chairman, to study the entire insur-
ance situation with view OF recon-
mending a complete revision OF the
insurance laws of the State
This commission has devoted time
and study to this subject; has gained
valuable information, and will sub
nit to your honorable body the re-
suit Of its work.
| urge legislation which will ad-
just our difficulties, protect our in
terests' and be fair to- parties csn7:
cerned.
Salaries.
l am we'll aware of the imperative
need for economy in the administra-
ton of the State. | am equally aware
Of the necessity Of the States being
just with those who give their time
and services.
The salaries now provided for by
law, of Judges and some other State
officials, were fixed at a time when
the cost of living was very much less
than now. I can speak on this sub
Jet in an impersonal way, only as
a matter of business and right and
proper policy for the State. 1t is q
simple matter of justice that these sa-
iaries 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 he j.ast for
the services rendered.
Finances.
In Message No. 9, on February 18th,
1915, called the attention of the
general assembly to the deficit in rev.
enue over income for the years 1913
and 1914, as follows:
pages and 8 of part 2 of the rt-
port Of the Comptroller General to
your honorable body at the present
session. showing that there is an ex-
listing deficit Of about $500, 100000
brought over from the years 1913 and
1914 to the year 1915, On account OF
the extraordinary expenses made at
the State Park in 1913, and the ap-
preparation made at the extra session
Of the general assembly in October,
1914.
"The general assembly in 1914 fail
ed to provide a tax for meeting these
expenses. This situation makes It
necessary that the State should bor-
row, in anticipation Of the collection
OF taxes for the year 1915, about
100000 90 instead Of $460,0o0.Oo, as
was borrowed in 1914 to meet the cur
rent appropriations, and this amount
must be borrowed much earlier than
in 1914. Some provision should be
made by your honorable body to meet
this deficit, as we'll as the amounts
to be appropriated by you at the pres
ent session.
"You will note that it is estimated
by the comptroller general on page
8 of his report. that the estimated
revenues OF the State, with 6-mill levy
for all State purposes, together with
license taxes and other revenues, will
be $2,136633.29. Any amount appro-
priated in excess of this estimated
revenue, will not only leave the de,
felt brought over from last year un-
provided for, but will further Increase
it.
81. therefore, call these matters to
your attention in order that you may
take such action as you deem WISE"
The general assembly in 1915 in
creased the tax levy to Z mills, which
produced s67,726.64 over the curren.
expenses Of 1915, but not sufficient
funds to pay the deficit brought over
from the years 1913 and 1914 refer
red to in MY message.
In 1916 the appropriations by the
legislature carried s2,596169.OS. The
revenue for 1916 for taxes, if col
lected in full, will. amount to ST.
S23, ,2S1 80, showing a deficit for the
year Of s294,8S778. In addition to
this, in 1918, there was loan made
to the State Park commission of s175,-
100000, which has never been provid-