The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1920-02-18
Reply to Nh. Gray.
,dycrtiSor.


From the introduction of an article
by'Mr. Jonas Gray of Spartanburg in
a recent issue Of the Advertiser, one
expected discussion of the merits Of
the poll and road tax. However, the
article concentrated its forces upon
the duplicity of our Representatives in
the lower house; the incompetence
and the hidden facts of our county Of
flcers; the relative amount of taxes
paid by him; and Il note Of warning.
cuss the wisdom OF such taxes; will.
in passing, appreciate the motive that
prompted such q warning; will con-
gratulatc the gentleman for his hav-
ing such thrift and energy with which
to accumulate such an amount of tax
able property; and will discuss, brief
ly, the other phases Of above men
toned article.
TO have a citizen and representative
Of another county tell us Of the dcma-
goguery of our representatives is hu-
initiating to our electorate. Would
that our county could produce and
our people elect such men as our writ
cr desires. Yet. perhaps, with due
vigilance. the people Of I.aurcns coun-
ty will not be done an injury The
representatives Of other counties have
duties enough to their own constitu
cncy without having TO look after the
affairs Of local character in LaurenS
county. Some men. however. are en-
dowcd With such feeling for the
masses Of the people that such a task
Of looking after local matters in 9th
Crs counties becomes pleasure. Men
of this type are fitted to sit in the halls
nf onr National Assembly where such
interest Will be more highly apprcciat-
ed -
The opening UP Of the Incompetence
and the challenging of the hidden
facts Of the county officials is also hu-
initiating. If the writer of the article
had selected the county officers, as he
attempted TO do that of the magis
tratc and the members Of the cQualiz-
ing board in Youngs township, per-
hapS we would have more efficient Of
ficers in the county. Therefore if the
writer Of said article does not aspire
for congress, we suggest that a group
of our citizens approach him and sis
gest that he come over into this coun-
ty anl help clean up the vile situa-
ton. Come over into Macedonia and
help us" we cry.
And meanwhile let the representa-
tive from Spartanburg look moro
closely after the road situation in his
own county So far as we know, no
part Of Laurcns county has wished to
join Greenyillc county because Of our
roads. " he will devote more of his
energy TO his own people perhaps
there will be no more unrest in the
county. Let him first remove the beam
out Of his own eye and then he can
see more clearly the mote in his neigh
bor's eye.
Since when have the officers Of this
county been mailing out statements to
citizens Of another county as to the
financial doings OF the county? IN
speaking for the officers we dare say
that each is willing to render an ac-
count of his stewardship any day TO
any citizen OF the county. But these
officers do ask that an account be Civ
en- before such dark insinuations are
published as Of several weeks ago.
And finally, who is the poor mans
friend? He who attempts to deprive
him Of an adequate free school cduca-
ton? lie who attempts 10 destroy To-
cal democracy by substituting his own
rights and views? He who assesses his
own property in the name OF his ten
ants? These are questions that the
representative from Spartanburg may
ponder while We Of Laurcns county
ponder his advice. And if more con
crete evidence cs the above queries is
desired il Will be sent on request.
"ONFtCERS."
j',,nIit;,Y -. N,.,,