The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1919-02-11

two houses must agree, in order for
measure to become law, and when they
disagree over details, the only way to
settle the differences is by joint COM
mittee. The only criticism which has
been offered by those conversant with
legislative affairs Is the disposition to
rush through important matters in the
closing hours of the session, wheen
there is little time to digest the re-
ports of these committees. But leg
islature is somewhat like jury in a
court-the general meeting Of all the
minds upon the essentials usually cor
rectiy fxges what the general intent
of the body is.
Constitutional Convention.
The necessity for constitutional
convention to frame new fundamen-
tai law for the State is being yigor-
ously urged, and the Legislature may
call a constitutional convention-or,
rather, submit the question to the
people in the next general election. 1t
has been argued with great deal of
force that the constitution ratified IN
1895, in the heat of the Reform
contains too much legisla-
tion, and that it is rapidly becoming
a patchwork of amendments. AS was
done in 1895, the convention itself
could pass the necessary legislation,
and session of the general assembly
would not be necessary during the
year in which the convention sits.
The legislature, however, has given no
definite indication yet as to Its dispo-
sition in the matter.
A bill has been introduced in the
house, carrying out Governor Cooper's
views as expressed in the campaign.
last summer, to provide loan fund
for students in State institutions of
higher learning, in place Of the pres
ent free scholarships. This was one
of the governors definite planks in
his platform during the campaign.
In connection with this question OF
education, it has heretofore been stat
ed that largely increased sums are
being asked for the public schools
by the department of education. This
matter is of course up, first of all, to
the ways and means committee. whose
always have large
weight with the house, and, indirectly,
with the senate as we'll.
Representative Mcmillan of Charles
ton has measure which looks towards
educating free, at State institutions,
ali soldiers and sailors from the State
in the great war
The Price of Cotton.
Representative H. H. Evans, OF New
berry, has a far-reaching measure be-
fore the house of representatives to
prevent the sale of cotton for less than
thirty-fve cents a pound. It provides
sthat it shall be unlawful for any per-
son. firm or corporation to sell, ship,
barter or exchange any cotton in bulk,
seed or bale beyond the borders OF this
State for less than 35 cents per pound
for lint cotton. Any person, firm or
CORPORATION violating the provisions OF
this act shall be fined not less than
81 900; or imprisoned for not less
than two years, within the discretion
of hte court. That each and every sale
shall be deemed and considered sep
arate offense."
In connection with the general ag-
ricuEtural situation, bill has been IN
trodnced, at the request OF the State
Farmers Union, which would create
a State board of agriculture to advise
and cooperate with the present depart
ment. The board would be comprised
of the commissioner of agriculture.
from the State at large
and one representative from each con-
gressional district.
Booze and Substitutes.
The liquor question has so far
come in for very little agitation. The
judiciary committee of the house has
reported a substitute bill, for one in
troduced by Representative Hart, OF
York. The substitute committee bill
would prohibit the sale of "tonics, bit
ters, drugs, medicines or compounds
containing alcohol, if the alcohol con-
tanned in such compounds or prepara-
tons is in a greater quantity than is
necessary for the purpose, solution or
preservation, and unless such COM
pounds or preparations are sufficiently
medicated so that they can not be used
as beverages The bill would also
prohibit the retail selling of favoring
extracts in other than small quantities.
It would make unlawful the act OF any