The dispatch-news. [volume] (Lexington, S.C.) 1919-2001, 1921-11-30

rate.
\ little further analysis OF the tax
commissions statement shows that
the largest single item was for the
rublic schools and that this added
to the appropriations for higher
learning. makes a total Of practically
II per cent, Of the whole approprla-
ton bill. Another 80 per cent. in
round numbers went for the support
of penal and charitable institutions,
public health and Confederate pen
sions, leaving is per cent. to take
care Of all other activities, including
the salaries Of court officials, auditors
a:1G treasurers, interest on the public
debt and other items This is a pro-
gram in which the whole people
share. AS matter Of fact, aside
from the protection CT property, the
poor are the greatest beneficiaries of
the present system. 1t is not hard
for anyone to call to mind some man
who has several children in schoo;
who is paying for all purposes Of gov
eminent only very few dollars.
Compare this with a case which came
under the writer's observation some
80 odd years ago, when a woman who
earned her money with a needle paid
each year 1925 90 for the tuition OF
her children. Thirty years ago
taxes were low in South Carolina. Do
we want to go back 80 or more years?
But with something like a million
and half dollars in tax eXecu-
tions in the hands of the sheriffs OF
this state for 1920 taxes still uncol-
lected and the 1921 dues being with
held by many people because of ina
bility to pay, it would seem that the
legislature must find a way to lower
the taxes. The Tax Commission pro-
poses a method by which the state
could be adequately supported by rev.
enue raised by the painless extrac-
tion'' method, and the levy for state
purposes abolished. Undoubtedly
some of the measures proposed by the
tax commission are in line with the
best modern practice, and all of them
will bear close investigation by oui
"best minds" One thing is certain,
we shall arrive at improvement only
by calm discussion and not by grumb-
ling, mud-slinging and blind destruc-
ton of governmental agencies.
If we continue to progress as
state by providing better school facili-
ties, better roads and humane treat
ment Of society's unfortunate-the
poor and helpless-it will require
money, which must be raised in sOmt
manner. We must find the way to
raise money in the least troublesome
way or lapse into still more de-
plorable condition of ignorance.
Next year is campaign year. The
kind of men we send to the legisla-
ture will determine the kind of tax
reform we will secure. For, under
our constitution, it is the legislature
that regulates tax matters. The pres
ent general assembly will have good
opportunity to perform real SER
vice by starting the ball rolling for
tax reform, but the constitution must
of necessity be changed before real
progress can be had. It will require
a good deal of educational campaign
ing to secure the change, but the re-
suits will be worth while.
The levy for state purposes can be
cut by a considerable sum if proper
economy be used, but even should
three or four mills be taken from the
states bill, and it is not too much to
hope that such may be the case, there
will still remain for this county-and
it is one of the most fortunate in the
state-an average levy Of some 33 or
81 mills for all purposes.
BOX SUPPER AT PINE RIDGE.
There will be box supper at