The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1920-01-13

of the merit of equal suffrage, 1t is
a dangerous thing for the legislature
70 do, to surrender a vital right of
the state in this particular. Equal
suffrage is not as strong IN this state
as in a great many others but the
legislature may leave it to the people
in the election this fall. That would
probably be the wise course.
Constitutional Convention.
That the state needs new constl-
tuition, most of those who have come
in contact with the question, and a
great majority of all the lawyers, will
agree. The present constitution was
adopted in 1895, and succeeded the
constitution of 1868, written under
Radical rule. The 1895 constitution
was written in the height Of partisan
factional politics, and it needs amend
ment in q great many particulars.
The late Mr.. Lesesne, a member of
the house from Clarendon, was a
strong advocate of resolution pro-
viding for a constitutional conven-
ton, and, had he lived, the matter
would probably have been more
speedily attended to before. MIR.
Lesesne died not so long ago, while
he was a member of the house.
The Educational Program.
Enlargement Of the educational
program-or, rather, the necessity for
such-will be feature of the session.
Common school facilities have got to
be looked after, and, particularly,
some means have got to be provided
for the increasing Of the salaries OF
the common school teachers, or we
are not going to have many efficient
common schools. This has come to
be a matter of such general knowl-
edge and complaint that the legisla-
ture will no doubt take good care of
it. Nobody wants to do anything to
iriure in one iota the institutions of
higher learning, but the matter OF re-
tanning competent teachers in the
common schools has become serious,
ard has been called attention to sew
eral times lately by the state super
intendent Of education.
Col. J. Fred Scnumpert, Of New
berry, sergeant-at-arms of the senate,
has been here getting the hall ready
for the session, as has been Sergeant
alarms of the House, James S. VIII
son, of Lancaster Everything is in
readiness for the start Tuesday noon,
when the house will be called to or
Ger by Speaker Colhran, ard the SEN
ate by Lieutenant Governor Lilies.
Other Matters.
The Columbia State calls attention
to the other measures herewith which
may occupy the attention of the as
sembly:
Another important measure on sec
ond reading in the lower house is that
by Messrs. Davis and Kinard to pro-
hibit free tuition at state institutions
of higher learning. The bill proposes
the a5olishing OF state scholarships
and the creation Of a loan fund for
worthy students. Benefciaries of the
fund would be allowed to attend any
school of their choice, whether state
or denominational college. The plan
has had the Endorsement of Governor
Coorer, and strong fight will likely
be made for it's passage this year.
The bill by the house committee on
fish, game and forestry, proposing to
abolish the oGice of state game war
den and TO devolve the duties on
county game wardens, is also on sec
ord reading.
Measures pending in the upper
mouse are d1SO VI SIuS1A IiiiPOAs. - ~
olution on second reading, the author
being Senator Ridgell of Lexington,
would provide for the erection OF an
administration building for all depart
ments of the state government now
occupying rented quarters.
Another bill by Senator Laney and
Banks would create a state board OF
exports and marketing. This bill was
introduced upon the suggestion OF W.
P. G. Harding, governor of the fed
eral reserve board, who was invited
20 Columbia last year by 5. Harris.
commissioner of agriculture, and
while in Columbia addressed the two
houses of the general assembly.
Senator Christensen has a bill on
second reading in the senate which
would provide for a complete survey
bv the state tax commission OF all
lands of the state. The need of this
measure has been strongly urged, as
It is pointed out that many thousands
l. .,.tI