Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1922-01-18
Governor Cooper's Annual
Message to the General
Assembly.
Gentlemen of the General Assembly

In my last message l SAID:
"The economic depression which
exists throughout the country and
the world at this time, real and ap-
parent, can not be looked upon light
". We have now recovered sufficient
" from the shock of war to be able to
determine approximately the condi-
tons with which we have to deal.
Legislative programs and government
tai activities, as we'll as business,
must be adjusted to meet changed
conditions. Questions which under
ordinary circumstances would be OF
only secondary Importance are now
demanding primary consideration. II
we deal with the situation in a wise
and statesmanlike manner, a great
deal can be done to strengthen the
morale of the people and to stabilize
the unsettled economic conditions.
This is no time for pessimism-lt is
no time for wavering of faith or hesl-
tation. We must meet the issues which
confront us with courage and contl-
dence. There is universal dissatistac-
ton throughout the state with the
present levy on real and personal
property. This dissatisfaction is we'll
founded. but I believe that we do not
ALWAYS direct our criticism to the real
trouble. The per capita cost of gov
eminent in this state is not high, in
comparison with other states. The
difficulty is that the tax is not dis
tributed according to tax paying abll-
ity."
The past year has been. one of the
most trying since the Reconstruction
period following the Confederate
war. It is not. necessary to discuss the
many causes which have contributed
to our present condition. The fact
is our whole economic system is in a
state of chaos. This condition is not
confined to South Carolina or to any
particular section of u country.
There has been no Improvement IN
the financial depression during the
year. On November 1, 1921, there
was uncollected, from taxes of 1920,
practically s1,25O,O00. Some change
in our tax system is imperative and
That change must be made during this
session of the general assembly, un-
less we propose to make a backward
step. In my previous message l urged
upon you the adoption of measures
which, in my opinion, would have
given substantial relief. The read
5ustment which began more than a
wear ago was not fully appreciated
and few of us suspected it would re-
suit in lowering our standard of liy-
ing to such an extent that the most
of the actual requirements of a de-
cent and progressive life would be
difficult to pay.
Burden on Agriculture
Under our antiquated system of
taxation the cost of a relatively in
expensive government and its insti-
buttons so vital to the life of the peo-
pie falls heaviest as a rule on those
who are least able to pay; namely,
the agricultural element and the
owners of tangible property. Our
method of collecting revenue was
never a well devised system, but at
this time it's inequalities and iniqui-
ties are especially emphasized. We
have adhered too long to a system
which requires those who need the
benefits of government most to bear
too great a burden of taxation. South
Carolina is predominantly an agri-
cultural state. All other business is
dependent upon the production of
our soil. When the farmer is pros
porous, business is good; there is no
fear of bank failures and the ghast-
ly spectre of bankruptcy is not seen
in the land. But when our farms fail
TO yield a profit the merchant is I'M
able to dispose of his goods or col
lect his accounts, the deposits in our
banks decrease and insolvency
knocks at the door of US all.
Any tax system which is not
based .on the principle of ability to
pay is fundamentally wrong and is
certain to be a continuous source of
irritation and injustice. If conditions
were different I would present to you
several important recommendations.
There are many measures / would
~ a.Il h,,4 o,yor1, otbor