The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-01-09
LEGISLATURE MEETS TUESDAY
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF SEES
SION WILL BE INCREASED
TAXATION.


All Supplies Call for More None,
to Support State Institutions Out
line Of Important Measures to B.
Proposed.
Columbia, Jan. 1.-THE war ses
sion of the general assembly Of South
Carolina begins tomorrow at noon
The session should be marked by the
passage of many measures designed
to aid the United States in the prose.
cution Of the war against Germany
On the other hand it may be marked
by pickering and petty politics. The
members have a great opportunity fol-
real service. There is every indica-
ton that both houses will get down
to business Immediately after con.
vcning.
The first important business before
the house will be to elect a speaker
to succeed James A. Hoyt, who has
left the State; II. p. Cothran Of Green
Vile; n. G. Evans, of Edgefield, and
Joseph Berry of Orangeburg are the
ccntenders for the position.
There seems to be disposition on
the part of practically all Of the lead
ers to complete the session as soon
as possible. j. T. Lilies, chairman OF
the ways and means committee o.
the house. has been in Columbia for
several days working on matters in
connection with the appropriation bill.
He hopes to be ready to introduce the
bill within two weeks after the ses-
sion begins The hearings on the va
r!ous items in the bill will begin with
in several days after convening.
Estimates by the heads of the va
rious departments indicate that more
than 100000 will be necessary for
the maintenance of the State gov
ernment. This will mean a State tax
levy Of more than nine mills. Many
of the State institutions are asking
for larger appropriations.
Gov. Manning has practically COM
pleted his annual message. The mes
sage will contain some very import
ant recommendations. Gov Manning
has stated on many occasions that
the only business before America and
South Carolina is to win this war. Ii
Is practically certain that. his entire
message will bear this policy. How
ever, he does not believe in Gripping
the efficiency Of any of the depart
ments Of the government, because Of
a lack Of funds. This in the opinion
of the governor would be false an
unsouhd economy. The governor will
deliver his message to the Joint as
sembly, very probably. on 'Wednes
day or Thursday. 1t all depends OF
the time to elect speaker for thu
house
The State officials have completed
their annual reports and these will b.
ready for the members of the gener
al assembly during the first week
Some important recommendations ar
in this report. However, i
might be stated that few members
the Legislature ever read annual re-
ports while the session is in pro.
gress.
Members Of the legislature will this
year have a rough time in Columbia
The pay of a member is $4 per day
1t might be stated that 81 goes
very short distance in the State capi
tai under war conditions. Then. too
the members will have a hard time IL
securing rooms. ]. Wilson Gibbes
clerk Of the house, has engaged all
the available rooms.
Advocates of prohibition may at
tempt to secure q Statewide prohibi
tion law at the coming session. This
would cause much discussion. The
woman's suffrage party will try
have the cause submitted to the peo
pie for vote. An attempt will b,
made to strengthen the election laws
Provision will have to be made fO
the voting OF the many thousands
South Carolinians who have been call
ed to the colors.
The legislature will be asked t.,
make ample provision for the con
tinuance of the improvements at the
State hospital for the insane. The i'm
creased prices on food products vii
cause a considerable increase Of tn,
appropriation for the maintenance o.
the State hospital for the insane.
Liberal funds will be asked for th'
maintenance of the regiment of hom.
M 10, L.. mi