The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1918-01-17
SOLONS DOWN TO WORK
MUCH BUSINESS TRANSACTED IN
FIRST WEEK.
Senate Votes to Take Pardon Power
Away from Governor.-Oth-
Matters of Interest.

Columbia, Jan 12.-It is very
doubtful if there has ever been ses-
sion of the general assembly at which
more business has been transacted
the first week than has been transact
ed in the first week of the present
one Both houses have shown a dis
position to get right down to work,
to pass what legislation is necessary
and to go home. Night sessions have
been held in both branches the first
week, something very unusual.
The ways and means committee of
the house is hard at work on the ap-
preparation bill and hopes to report
it in record time. It is the appro-
priation bill that always delays the
adjournment of the assembly. Chair
man lilies and his committee mem
bers hope to get the big measure in
shape early enough not to interfere
with early adjournment plans. The
members of the various county dele
cations have been requested to fur
nish their county supply measures
at once.
Probably the most important meas
ure passed by either house the first
week was the bill offered in the SEN
ate by Mr.. Bonham of Greenville and
passed by that body to submit a con-
stitutional amendment taking from
the governor the pardoning power
and investing it with the board of
pardons provided by the general as
sembly. This measure has been sent
to the house. The senate was practi-
cally unanimous in favor of the bill.
Just what reception it will meet in
the house cannot be predicted.
The senate also passed a bill re-
pealing the State income tax law, the
enforcement of which has always
been a farce, according to Senator
Sinkler, the author of the measure,
repeating it. This bill, too, has been
sent to the house.
The house of representatives went
squarely on record against the pro-
posed assessment of personal prop
erty and lands at so per cent. of its
value. It seems that the tax commits
sino has issued instructions to county
auditors to increase the assessments
this year to that extent. The house
is "agin it," The concurrent reso-
lutions asking that the assessment
be made at the same rate as in the
past has been sent to the senate, but
has not yet been brought up in that
body. There is little reason to doubt,
however, that it will pass the senate
with the same vote that it passed the
house.
Senator Williams, of Aiken, has
introduced a bill to abolish the tax
commission.
The Prohibition Question.
The opposition has arisen to the
proposed ratification to the national
prohibition amendment, but the con-
census of opinion seems to be that it
will be ratified. The question of
Estate rights has arisen and is be-
ing used vigorously by those who op-
pose the amendment. The strongest
opposition seems to be in the house.
No sentiment against it has develop
ed in the senate to date.
Senator DuRant has introduced a
bill in the senate to tighten the
uuart-a-month law. This bill seems
to have the backing Of the prohibit
ton leaders and may be said to con-
stitute the prohibition programme for
this session so far as local or State
legislation is concerned. The bill,
briefly stated, would require the head
of a family, before sucuring per-
NIT from the probate judge, to Sc
cure>a doctors prescription stating
the name of the sick person for whom
the whiskey was wanted and giving
the nature of the disease.
It is very probable that deter
mined fight will be made upon this
measure.
It is said that several "bone dry"
bills will be introduced during the
coming week.
This Bill Was Killed.
A bill by Senator DuRant provid-
ing for the removal of unfaithful
sheriffs or other peace officers was
killed by the senate after lengthy
discussion. Senator DuRant and
Senator Bonham argued long and ell
oquently on the necessity Of such
measure, while Senator J. F. Will
liams, of Aiken, argued just as long
;,,,+ no in Of If The