The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1920-01-16

and got down to work in short order.
Governor Cooper did not deliver his
message on the first day, but ad-
dressed the members on Wednesday.
There are some far-reaching sug-
gestions in his annual message, many
OF which are along constructive lines.
Calling attention to the prosperity,
of the state, he launched into a dis
cussion Of what he considers the prob
lens confronting the people at this
time. and his recommendations as to
their solution.
Referring to the budget law enact
ed at the last session Of the general
assembly, ne said the budget was now
in the hands of the members. You
will notice." he said, ''that the eXpen-
ditures daring the year 1919 were
considerably in excess of your appro-
rr:atiors. This is due to the fact
that a large amount CT money is eX-
pended by departments or agencies
that collect it, the law allowing this
to be done" The comparison should
be made between the expenditures
for 1919 and the total recommended
for 1920. 1t was his belief that we
should work toward the direct appro-
pciation of all money. He recon-
mended that the scope Ct the law be
so enlarged IS to reqiIe county Off
GERS and departments to submit an
annual budget in accordance with
classifcations promulgated by the
state. A complete annual credit of
all county Offices under the direction
of the comptroller general was also
urged.
In this connection, in order to
obviate the necessity of borrowing
funds in anticipation of the collec-
ton of taxes each year, he recon-
mended the changing of the fiscal
year so that it shall run from July
/, instead of from January 1, as at
present.
Saying that the present constitu-
ton has been in effect for nearly
twenty-five years, and that many of
it's provisions are not particularly
we'll adapted to the present needs of
South Carolina, he recommended that
the question of calling another con-
stitut;onal convention be referred to
the people.
"A board Of control for all penal
and charitable institutions would be
in line with proved principles Of eff
cient state government" he said: and
he recommended that such board be
created.
A similar coordination of authority
with REGARD to the states educational
institutions vas also recommended.
Eve should have a general educa-
tic:al board which should perform the
duties Of the present state board Of
edilcatior, and in addition have pow
er to determine the educational pol
icv Of the state" He did not recon-
nerd the abolition Of the various
5oc"ds of trustees; nor that this gen.
eral board should have power to
select teachers, or make local rules
for institutions or school districts.
Purely local matters, he said, were
best handled by trustees. On the
p.cpcsed general board he recon-
the placing Of the chairmen
of the committees on education OF
the senate and the house, the state
and the governor, eX-
oficio, and other members who
would represent all phases of public
education.
He reiterated his suggestion made
heretofore for a scholarship loan
fund. to enable worthy young men
ard wcmen 70 atto~1 c"''c"o.
He strongly called attention to the
inauequate ou!a;l;-o rW -. =
in the common schools, and urged re-
lief along this line.
The public health departments
activities were strongly commended.
With regard to good roads, he
called attention to the bill which had
been prepared during the year and
sert to the members for their study,
as basis for discussion. He SAID ne
believed this bill, or one similar to it,
would bring results quickly. it would
leave to the several counties the mat
tcr Of construction of local highways,
while the state would undertake the
maintenance CT all trunk lines. The
form of the legislation, however, he
said, was ret Of first Importance.
V hat was wanted was al act that
vculd result in good roads all over
the state.
He advocated the abolition Of the
county chain gang system, ard the
esta blishment of q state system.
He renewed his recommendation,
with regard to the assessment OF
for the apportionment OF
The total amount Of state taxes among
the several counties according to
their taxable wealth.
He was convinced that additional
sources of revenue must be found,
but said he would discuss this matter
in special message.
An investigation, he said, would
show that there are thousands of
acres of land, and also other property,
not on the tax books of the state, and
he earnestly recommended a survey
by state, county, township, school dis
trict and private property lines: No
would be needed for
this work, he said, as all expenses IN
cured could be met from delinquent
taxes collected.
He recommended an administration
huilding. to house the various depart
nents of government now renting