The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1920-12-22

Columbia, Dec. 17.-Reduction of
taxes. or at least prevention of any
increase, will be the chief matter of
business before the 1921 Legislature,
which convenes January IL, accord
Ing 10 prominent members of the gem
crai assembly, i'm Columbia today for
the conference called by Governor
Cooper to consider the tax question.
II Is evident that all members Of the
legislature will come to the capital
prepared to do their best work in
bringing about whatever is possible in
tax reform. More sources Of revenue,
but no increase of tax levy, is to be
one OF the keynotes Of the 1921 as
scmbly.
a score OF prominent legislators are
meeting with the governor this after
noon, to consider the tax situation.
They are beginning their considera-
lions with a view Of the state budget,
as prepared by the budget commits
sion recently. after receiving the re-
quests for appropriations from all de-
partments OF state government and
state institutions This budget calls
for appropriations totaling approxi-
mately ten million dollars, the heaviest
budget the state ever faced.
1t is believed that strenuous efforts
Will be made during the legislative
serm beginning in January. to reduce
the appropriations below this budget
Advices have been received i'm Column
oia OF resolutions adopted at q meet
ing In Anderson. protesting against
increased appropriations. and pro-
tests have also been made from other
sections.
Senator Thomas IL. Pearce, Of CO.
iumbia. stated that he believes the
tax situation will be the main SUBJ
| Ject OF legislative consideration next
year. There will bc a tendency on the
part or legislators towards liberality
In appropriations for common school
education. There will be q tendency
10 mold back In appropriating for 9TH
er state institutions and for various
departments, 1t Is said. Most Of the
state departments arc asking for in
creased appropriations to cover the
cost OF proposed extensions Of opera
tions.
| A resolution will be introduced. IL
rs stated, possibly by Senator Marion.
VI thcStci, proNiulng Tor rcfercn-
dunn on an amendment to tho consti-
tuition. to allow tho legislature to clas-
silly property for taxation This was
recommended by the legislative com,
mission studying the tax question
this year, and this commission will sec
that the resolution is introduced. The
idea is to get on the tax books at the
proper rate of taxation certain prop
erty now escaping taxation. For in
stance. IL was pointed out at the con-
Terence in Columbia today that Sc
curities bearing six per cont interest
were taxed in Columbia, where the to-
tai levy is II mills, on the basis OF
forty-two per cent of their income "a
assessment value. Half of the income
from these securities would go To
taxes. To right this situation ii was
pointed out, there is need for an
amendment to the constitution which
will allow the state legislature to class
ify certain kinds Of property for q
different tax levy from other classes
IL Is the aim OF legislators to worl,
for beginning this year OF tax re.
FORMS. Measures will also probably
be introduced looking to new source.
or income, such as an inheritance
Within few years there will also
probably be q state ncome tax
though this is not expected for 1921.