The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1921-01-25
PLAN TO CHANGE
TAXING SYSTEM
Rogers Would Establish Board of
Reyiew-Three Mill Tax Under
Fire

The State, 21st.
Senators Marion, Laney and Chris
tensen introduced two joint resolu-
tiors in the senate yesterday, one to
confer upon the general assembly
the power to establish a just and
equitable system. of raising public
revenues to be known as article three
of amendments to the constitution"
and the acond to abolish the three
! mill constitutional school tax and
amend the constitution go as to allow
the general assembly power to fix the
rate Of the school tax. Two resolutions
ard one bill were put before the up
per house asking for censors Of NOV
ing pictures.
The two joint tax resolutions
would submit to the people Rth pro-
posed amendments in the next general
election. The intent of the three SEN
ators is to have the general assembly
given power to establish and main
tain a just and equitable system OF
taxation for state and local purposes
in lieu Of the present system. The
resolution provides that taxes shall
be levied in like manner and on like
subjects equally throughout the state
as shall be governed by general laws.
Provision is made for property used
exclusively for state, county, rcigl-
Gus, benevolent, charitable, municipal
and educational purposes to be exempt
from taxation and also household
goods of the head Of any family up
to at least $100. This resolution re-
ferred to the finance committee.
These three senators also offered
the Joint resolution to amend Section
6 of article XI by striking out the
provision calling for levy of q three
mill constitutional school tax and IN
lieu of this section confer upon the
general assembly the power to fix the
school tax rate to be levied. This res
olution would also submit the ques-
tion to the electors at the next gener-
al election. 1t was referred to the
| finance committee.
Senator Rogers bill to provide a
state board Of review for the censor
ing Of moving pictures would have
each and every picture, reel, ETC., re-
viewed by this board before allowing
them to be shown in any theatre in
the state. The measure provides for
the appointment of board Of three
by the governor for term Of six,
four and two years with a chairman,
who is to receive $4,000 year, and
the other members to receive $500
a year.
All films and pictures as well as
! advertising matter deemed cruel, 'ob-
scene, indecent or immoral would be
prohibited. A fine and Jail sentence
is provided for any violators Of the
act. The bill further provides for a
fee of 50 for each reel or picture re-
viewed and tax Of FIVE cents a year
on each seat in every theatre in the
state. A license would be issued by
the board and upon more than one
violation this would be revoked. Ap-
peal to the courts could be taken if
any theatre wishes to take action. An
appropriation of $4,000 is asked by
Senator Rogers to carry on the work.
The bill was referred to the committee
on education.
Resolutions from the Presbyterian
synod and the Lutheran synod calling
en- the general assembly to enact
legislation to censor movies were both
received as information by the SEN
ate.
The finance committee submitted
an unfavcrable report on the meas
ure of Senator Wightman to abolish
the board Of public welfare. Discus
sion on the report will be IN order
today.
The japanese explain the conduct
of the sentry who shot the American