The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-01-15

legislation of kind heretofore un-
touched by General Assemblies in
South Carolina, and aimed largely at
relieving the burden in the state, is
recommended by Governor Cooper in
his annual message to the Legislature,
delivered to the joint assembly today.
The message opens with a statement
as to the condition Of things in South
Carolina, in which the chief executive
recognizes the Universal dissatis.
Saction throughout the state with the
present levy on real and personal
Di operty. This dissatisfaction Is we'll
rounded" the message says. Among
the governors recommendations are
the following.
Income Tax
A state income tax, against indi
Viduals and corporations, with ST.
600 and $4,000 exemption, 5000 for
eaoh dependent. returns to be the
same as those used by the United
States revenue department. The gov
ernor suggested a graduating tax, as
follows: income up to $4,000, one-hatf
of one per cent; up to $4,000. one per
cent; up TO 10000. two per cent;
up to $4,000, three per cent; over
$5O.O08, four per cent. lie suggested
that dividends, cash or stock. be in :
cludcd in taxable income. He sug-
gested that tho tax commission ad :
minister the income tax law.
Inheritance Tax
A state inheritance tax. The gov.
enror called attention to the fact that
Alabama. Florida, mississippi, New
Mexico and South Carolina are the
tax.
Business Tax
A now law providing for corpora
tion and privilege licenses. producing
more revenue from these sources than
is obtained under the present law.
Tax OH Gasoline
consumption tax on gasoline, to-
hacco and soft drinks one per cent
on gasoline, which would yield ap-
proximately 100000; one-half Of one
per cent on soft drinks, tobacco and
the like, sold Wholesale.
resolution providing for en-
amendment to the constitution, au-
thorizinG the legislature to classify
property for taxation, with view
to distributing the tax burden in ac-
cordance with tax paying ability.
Liberal appropriations for educa-
tion The governor refers to the re-
quests OF the department Of educa-
ton for appropriations totaling moro
than two million, and he urges con-
sideration Of these requests. He states
that he will send another message
later on the subject Of education.
For Agriculture
The governor took a firm stand for
support of measures benefitting agri-
culture. Standardization of all state
warehouses and public grading of
cotton and other commodities stored
in state warehouses was suggested
re urged provision that no certificate
be Issued by n warehouse owner, but
only by the state official designated cd
for the purpose.
Bond Issue for Buildings
a bond issue for permanent i'm
provemonts including buildings a.
state institutions.
For Law Enforcement
An enlargement OF the state con-
s.abulary for the enforcement OF laws,
with all police authority, state, county
and municipal. subject to the orders
of the chief executive. The governor
called attention to the many reports
of violation Of laws reaching his office
daily.
Bail for ROotlccGcrS.
Amendment to the states prohibi-
ton laws. so that person found
guilty of wilful violation Of the prohi-
bition law should serve a term Of i'm =
prisonmcnt and that the payment OF
any amount Of money should not be
sufficient to relieve from tho service
OF the imprisonment sentence, and
that there should be no suspension of
such sentence except after the ser
vice OF from three to six months.
Change i'm Auto License
n cha ngc in the system Of licensing 4
motor vehicles. this 10 be handled by
the secretary Of state. instead Of the
state highway department. and every
county clc"k 10 collect license fees and
deliver IN tor vehicle liccnse plates.
The Pension System
complete revision of the pension
system. pensions to be paid only 10
Confederate veterans who are in fl
nancial need. the pension law to be
administered by the comptroller gen
cral.
Abolish Game Office
Abolition of ,hc office of Chief
Game Warden and state Board OF
Fisheries new commission to bc
created, with paid director, TO be
known as Commission ON Game. Fish
and Forestry, designed to conserve the
natural resources Of the state.
Gentlemen Of the General Assembly.
Th" constitution provides that the
governor shall. from time to time.
give To the General Assembly. infor-
nation o. the condition of thc state,
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