Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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TH " ' . ^ ?; V" ' j, -V 'V7> ' > 77flRD ANNUAL OF COVERf A Review of the Work Done Different Departments of With Recommend General j To the Honorable, the Gentlemen of the General Assembly: It is my high privilege to welcome you to our capital city and to our leg; islative halls, where you are to meet < in' annual session. Permit me, in | transmitting my message to you, to emphasize the grateful thoughts which || should be ours because of the prosper ity which has been vouchsafed unto us as a people. N6t only are we richer j in the material things for which mankind so ceaselessly strives, but to ' these gifts have been added the higher . to blessings which uplift and help and i which will bring peace and content to J those upon whom they are bestowed. ! 1 We will all uni^e in the hope and , J the belief that good to our State will 5*0 continue as the result of your delibera* tlons, ev.cn as you will be united in the fraternal bonds o* true service ? \ i end of patriotic endea v<v. State Flw.oex. r" I am gratified to report an improved oondltlon of our State finances. In my last message T called attention to the fact that, since the year 1900, the expenditures had exceeded the revenue of the State by annual sums varying from *10,045.42 to *208,995.23. During the past flsjal pear the revenue has . exceeded the expenditures by about j r *125,000.00, as estimated by the comptroller general !t . This improved condition is emphasized by the fact that the State treas- , urer has had to borrow less money tills year than formerly. If the ex- ' Sndltures remain approximately as ey are at present, it will be seen that within a few years the State will be Operated upon a cash basis. This is not ' only desirable, but it is unquestionably the only basis upon which our business affairs should be conducted. The corporation license tax, passed i In 1904, went into effect last year and ] . has operated, most satisfactorily with very little additional expense to the 1 State for collection. From this tax 1 about $64,000.06 In round numbers nag i been realized. To this can be added from insurance license fees, $37,000.00; ; and from secretary of state $20,000.00 has been received, making a total Indirect revenue amounting to $121,000.00. > The estimated receipts for the past fiscal year from the 5 1-2-mlll levy, aggregate $1464,240.00, making a total estimated revenue of $1,295,240.00 from direct and indirect taxes. The estimated expenditures for the past fiscal year show ilgures amounting to $1471,000.00, leaving a surplus revenue over expenses amounting to $114,240.00. Assessment of Property. It Is a well known fact that the tax burden is not equally distributed, and It appears that & very large amount of personal property is escaping taxation. Comptroller General Jones, who Is a capable, thoroughly competent add conscientious officer, believes, after careful study of the complex questions involved, that our present laws, with a few slight amendments, are sufficient to correct these evils. I agree With him In this belief. This being the year for the reassess XDCHXl Ot &U pivperuw, Uio wiuvuvua general has made a determined effort to enforce the tax laws. He has had ; a digest of the tax laws prepared, copies of which have been sent to each - assessing officer throughout the State, with Instructions to these officers as to the proper enforcement of these laws. Our laws require that all taxable property shall be assessed at its real Value. This Is a wise provision, because the tax assessor must have some fixed standard, to the end that all property should be equally assessed, thus making the burden of taxa- 1 tion rest alike upon all. An Increased assessment does not mean an increase In taxation, but simply means an equalizing of the burden. A certain amount of money is necessary to meet tne requirements or tne estate government and a higher assessment would necessarily mean a corresponding decrease In the rate of taxation. It Is sometimes urged against an increased assessment that the rate be. lng fixed by the general assembly upon the last assessment, that should there he a decided Increase In the assessment of property, the amount collected would > be more than sufficient for the ex- i penses of government This objection Is fully met in the report of the comptroller general. He points out , that the general assembly can determine the appropriations for both State and county and can authorize a sufficient lbvy, based upon the assessed valuation of property as finally decided upon. This levy, I may add, could be s fixed for the State by the comptroller general and the State treasurer, and for the counties by the various county commissioners. In reference to the three-mill tax fixed in the constitution for educational purposes, the comptroller points out that if this tax, on the increased assessment, should alone realize a sufficient aum for the support of the schools, tho special school levies could be dispensed with, and other revenues now going to the schools might be diverted to the county treasuries, thus reducing the county levy. In my opinion, however, we cannot get too much money fnr auonort of the schools, certain- , ?y not under the present conditions, j The comptroller genera! also makes a number of other recommendations, all of which I commend to your consideration. I must repeat to you my recommendation of last year in reference to , county auditors and treasurers. These ; officers, for very good reason, should no longer be subjected to political influences and to the neglect of their duty Incident to political campaigns for reelection. The report of the work during the last ; vear by the comptroller general con- j; tains most valuable Information and J Hp well deserves your most careful con- ' 'pj^^glderatlop- 1 Bf This report will show that there are 1 ^B now 8,804 old soldiers or their widows ] upon tlje pension rolls of the State, j W Itf 8200,000.00 is annually paid. 1 W It wllFbe se n w^en this appro- 1 B prlatlo15 ls distributed it amounts to 1 m very >lttle in Individual cases. If the < B prosperity of "the State continues I < B should be glad to see this appropria- * BL? JAorJ for the brave defenders of their f homes and country increased as much c ^B as possible. t B^B The report of the sinking fund com- i II mission will be promptly submitted to t H your body. These funds have been well ^^B managed, as will appear from the re^Bport. mm Permit me to mention here, with the ? KKsense of loss and the sadness which we I ^^^Knust all feel, the death of a valued t mmm IE Li MESSAGE /OR HEYWARD. During the Year by the the State Government lations to the Assembly. member of this commission, and a faithful servant of our State, the late Hon. Altamont Moses. Dispensary. The only cloud which throws a shadow over the State is the unsatisfactory condition of the dispensary. Great dissatisfaction has been manifested by the people in many quarters. It exists, I believe, because of loss of confidence resulting from abuses in connection with its operation. No one can deny that the present atmosphere surrounding the dispensary is a grave reflection upon South Carolina, for it is a State Institution, and any odium which attaches to its operation necessarily attaches to the State. Since your last session a large number of counties have voted out dispensaries, but I must Bay that the' vote abolishing them. I take to be a rebuke to the mode ol operation rather than a repudiation ot the system itself. In my last annual message, when considering the needs of the dispensary, I said: "I am convinced that if this system can be properly regulated it will be one of the best solutions of the liquor question. If not properly managed and controlled, its usefulness will be at an end." Despite the events of the past year and th^revelations which have attended tire investigations of your committee, I am by no means hopeless. I still believe that the dispensary system has many Strong points and admirable features which commend it, but in saying this I am by no means blinded to its imperfections. It is Imperative for the honor of the State that existing conditions should be immediately remedied, either by radical changes in the laws governing the dispensary or by the adoption of a different system for the regulation of the liquor question. The details of this situation are so well known throughout every county in the State that I fell no extended discussion is necessary here. It is Incumbent upon your body to give this matter your mose careful and serious consideration. You are chosen by the people to make their laws, and in such a crisis as this they , will be satisfied only with direct and specific action on your part. During the year that has passed since your last session I have given this luestlon my earnest consideration, hoping to devise some certain remedies for the evils complained of, but have been impressed with no better solution than was included in the recommendations [ made to you last year. In order that my views may be clearly understood, C shall again call to your attention such extracts from my last message is I deem necessary for this purpose. E herewith submit for your consideration the following extracts bearing upon the subject with one change, namely: the abolition of county boards of control. These are again recommended to you as embodying the changes which I think will best serve the proper regulation of the dispensary system: f'The' State commissioner should, in my Judgment, be the officer whose luty it should be to purchase all supplies for the dispensary. He should be required to 'make contracts, not for iny specific amount of liqubr, but for such supplies as may be actually relulred, such requirements to be determined by the commissioner. "Each contract made by the commissioner should require the firm contracted with to guarantee the sale of such goods as may be ordered and shipped to the State dispensary, said guarantee to be entered as a part of the bond. All advertisements for bulk goods should be placed strictly and absolutely upon a competitive basis, by letting: it be distinctly understood that the lowest responsible bidder shall be Awarded the contract. It should further be the duty of the commissioner to make, each year, quarterly reports to the State board of directors, showing1 the amounts contracted for for the previous quarter, including the brands md prices, and the names of parties from whom goods are purchased, which report the State board of directors shall have published In at least two dally newspapers of the State." State Board of Directors. "The board should be required to meet each week" in their office in the State dispensary, to remain in session is long as may be necessary for the transaction of their business. The general supervision and management of ill county dispensaries should be in their charge, and they should be specifically charged with the duty of seeing that all restrictions "'werning the various dispensaries should be strietly enforced. These are responsible and arduous duties, for which the member^ of this board should receive a salary of not less than $1,500 per annum each, ind should be required to file a bond of not less than $10,000. "I further recommend that the law sis to the location of county dispensaries be amended to restrict them to 3uch incorporated towns and cities as, In the opinion of the board of directors, furnish adequate police protection to the public against disturbances of the peace." In this conectlon I might add that 4 atv am r> /-? f 4 ? % a/vn LXlop^llO<X'. ICO CLJ K3 UKJ VV lUtaiCU 111 piaL Co which are without adequate police protection-some in places with absolutely no protection. All dispensaries so located, in my opinion, should be closed. After mature reflection I am constrained to recommend that the county boards of control be abolished, and the dispensers appointed by the State board af directors upon the recommendations Df the legislative delegations of the various counties. It should never be the policy of the State to force dispensaries upon counties or communities desiring prohibition, nor to maintain them when it is the wish of the majority of the people to substitute prohibition in their stead. Legislation should be enacted at this session to free the system from the abuses which have crept in, to emVi r* (f M A O M + A its xcau ituvc icaiuico, a^u i \j ensure proper compliance with the strict letter of the law. This matter will certainly be brought to your attention at this session of your body. [ sincerely trust that you will give it pour most careful consideration, and :hat you will, with a realization of rour responsibilities, make a fearless md determined effort to effect such ;han,ges as will at least relieve our State of the reproach which certain 'eatures of the dispensary system have :ast upon us. I need not assure you hat in the discharge of this duty I am eady and willing to aid you in every vay (that lies in my power. (Enforcement of Prohibition. The enforcement of prohibition in :ounties which have voted out dispentarler presents a serious problem. The >resent law, as I construe it, makes it he duty of the governor, whenever he i | \ > I !XIN( LEX { is satisfied that there are violations of j the law in such counties, to appoint j constables; these constables to be paid from the special tax levy for that purpose. During the last year I have been confronted with many difficulties because of local conditions and diverse public sentiment, but have endeavored to do what I considered my duty. My experience in the enforcement of this law has convinced me that certain changes are necessary for the mutual interests of all concerned. While I believe that special officers are necessary to prevent violations, and that such officers should be paid by the counties. I also think that these officers ' should be selected by local authorities and be under their direction and control. I therefore recommend that in fu. ture this couse be adopted, and trust you will so amend the law. The law, as it now stands, will give rise to se^ rlous complications, and these should ' be avoided as much as possible. Oar Public School System. ^ The annual report of our State superintendent of education was nromptly sent to me, and the thorough 1 manner ?in which this most important i ! subject has been treated includes some j very gratifying statements. It can ' not be urged too often that we have no ! ' more responsible duty than is involved in the full and coihplete development of our educational system. Not only ; does this mean the proper training for ; highest citizenship, but it means also ! that South Carolina must and shall j keep pace with the advance made throughout our country in educational , matters. Better schools, more of them and , school improvement generally from the , smallest old field schoolhouse to the I [ last detail of our largest institutions, th^tee should command our time, our personal attention and our money. I shall only call your attention briefly to some of the salient features of this subject, such as are included in Superintendent Martin's report. Prom the small appropriation made for three rural libraries have grown results that are forcible and striking. More than 600 libraries have been es- j tablished, and $25,000 represents the; amount expended. This not only means . much in the real value of good to be accomplished, but it shows a willingness on the part of the people to aid themselves when you give them a good beginning. More than 160 new school houses were erected during the last scohlastic year, and your act for this purpose did j not become fully effective until near j the elope of the term. Even better i results can be safely relied upon from this source during the present school year. The superintendent's report shows a scarcity of high schools in our public school system, a fact which this interested worker most naturally regrets. Strong figures are presented in this connection, and I commend to your most careful consideration the figures and reasons which are shown to bear upon this department of public school work. I join heartily in the recommendations made by Superintendent Martin for the purpose of remedying this defect, and beg to call them speci- , flcally to your attention. In the establishment of free rural libraries, the people have showii what wisdom prompted your action in making even a small appropriation. In voting to tax themselves for the establishment of school districts, this same spirit ha9 been shown, and I believe that it will be again mannesiea wn.n strong, practical results, should this matter receive from you the recognition asked for. It was most gratifying to me to note an Increase in the average salary paid to teachers?my only regret is that this was not very much larger than the amount recorded. These are not only faithful workers, with grave responsibilities, but they must needs be trained, cultivated and intelligent, and it would be most gratifying to me to see them paid such salaries as would to some appreciable extent be commensurate with the value of the I services rendered. Superintendent Martin's report shows that the year's work has had good results, and a study of Its details clearly reveal increased interest in the great cause of education throughout our State, and this interest among our people may certainly bo classed among the greatest resources of this grealt work. Our Higher Educational Institutions. It is unquestionably true that the most vital interests of our State are j included in the education of her future citizens and workers. With each sue- , cessive year comes again and again the great necessity and the greater . privilege of doing our share of a work whose influences will bear upon the highest interests of our commonwealth through all the years to come. The highest and most liberal educa- ; tion possible should be provided for i those of each generation, thus giving an ever-increasing number of intelligent, capable and trained men and TTr???a? fr?r the service of their State TV V1UVAA 4.V* ? ?? - and their country. It does not need to be impressed , upon your attention that the very ( life of a State, as a free governing community, depends upon the care and thought and work we give to this greatest of all needs of a people. The reports from the presidents and trustees of our higher educational institutions will all be submitted to you ! for your consideration. These are included in <the report of the State superintendent of education, and I sincerely trust that each one of these valuable papers will have your careful attention. These colleges are all essentially public institutions, and these reports are submitted to you for your guidance, instruction and action. I am gratified, not only because of the full and comprehensive information therein contained, but feel that the State is to be congratulated also upon j the character and scope of the work j done and the great interest manifest-j ed by these capable and faithful offi-. cers. It is n#t necessary for me to review I this work at any length in this mes- I sage. The reports are all available j and cover every detail necessary for i your consideration. I shall only, i therefore, call your attention most briefly to each one of our several in- j stitutions of learning, with the re-! quest that you examine these reports fully for yourselves. The usual appropriations, approx-' I otrnln 9olror? fr? tVlic v.i.T r 1 1 i 1 Cl tCI V , CU Vy U^UUl W.. U?V.V4 * V* V??*v/ J V , and I heartily recommend your favor- ! able consideration of these requests. | The records made by thos?? colleges nro a source of pride to us all, and they should have as liberal support as it is possible for us to bestow. The old South Carolina college reports the largest enrollment of pupils j it has had for many years?a fine: showing. Your body will again be ask-: ed to permit the changing of this in- I stitution from a college to a univer- j sity. This request was denied at! your last sesssion, and in renewing it; now good reasons win again ue mid- j mltted for your consideration. I roc- I ommend that the proposed change? in keeping with the life, usefulness and dignity of this institution?be made, and I sincerely trust this desirable end will be accomplished. This! can be done without conflicting with ' the Interests of any State institution ITW C r* TA VTTADV l.L\ O JL WIN , O. V_., JAIN L AIM 11, !<and is, in every sense, a proper step! I to be taken. c The report of the board of visitors c of the South Carolina Military acad-1 c emy?familiarly known to history and t to fame as "The Citadel"?presents r a full synopsis of good work well done, r This institution, through peace and t war, has upheld the honor and glory a of South Carolina, and its years of f usefulness have given to us many representatives of our highest citizenship. I I commend its work, its needs and t its requests to your favorable con- a sideration. ^ Clemson college, as the annual re- C port of its president and trustees for i this year so clearly reveals, continues I to grow in strength and stature. The t rapid growth and influence of this col- c lege has already placed it at the head o of. similar Southern institutions, and * has made it the rival, in character and t usefulness, of any college of its kind, t This report will be read with grati- r fication by the friends of the college * everywhere, and has my heartiest commendation. v Winthrop college, numbered among t the "chief institutions commanding the t pride of SDuth Carolinians, submits, through its president and trustees, its c usual fine report. An additional ap- 1( propriation for a model school will be 1 requested, and I recommend that this r be granted. The new Carnegie library is quit-.} an attractive feature of this institu-. i tion and this handsome structure, t with its useful equipment, will soon t be dedicated. s I commend especially for your con- g sideration the work being done by the a State at Cedar Springs institute. The t report made shows how great is the t work done here in fitting for lives of T usefulness those upon whom affliction J has been laid and who are thus de- <3 prived of advantages belonging to t more fortunate ones. * The report of the president and c trustees of the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural and Mechanical t college shows good management and a much work. The attendance is very t large, the pupils have added by their F work to the number of buildings, and a the president reports satisfactory con- r ditions. / r Compulsory Education. v Tt Tims a matter of sincere regret to c me that the compulsory education bill discussed at your last session did not 1 become a law. While I believe that s a school house should be within the j reach of every child in South Carolina, 1) I also believe that all children be- 1( tween the ages of eight and 12 years t should be required to attend school for c a certain number of months during ^ each year. The distance from the s school house to which this law should t apply, Is, for the present, a matter o for your consideration. The States which have not adopted compulsory t educational laws are today the ex- r ceptions, and I feel that South- Caro- t lina cannot longer afford to delay in t this matter. I recommend that you again gke this your consideration, with the hope that you will' pass a r law meeting the requirements of the r situation. c Department of Agriculture, Commerce 1 and Immigration. s In my recommendation asking for the t establishment of this department, to be t In charge of a State commissioner, n I was firmly convinced of the neces- t sity for such official action on the t part of the State. I have constantly s kept in close touch with what has been t done, and with this experience I am n more firmly convinced than ever of the t absolute necessity for this work. a South Carolina, as you know,, was the'.t first Southern State to establish such t a department, and this has widely ad- ^ vertised our resources. It has been the * - ~ ---* ? -nrr_ 4. 4.^ ] aim or commissioner wniauu tu ?- n tabllsh the work on lasting founda- c tions, and I believe he has done so. 0 II! we desire foreign immigration it is absolutely necessary, under the n laws of the United States, that this j should be done only through an or- ^ ganized State department. 1 The development of this work has g shown that not only were the advanta- t ges and resources of South Carolina comparatively unknown at distant points, bt t paid agents wilfully malign- a ed and misrepresented these and our r general conditions also. The hardest y work h'*s been accomplished by cor- s recting these damaging reports by t givint, accurate knowledge across the t seas concerning the great advantages c we offer to homeseekers. It is necessary to follow up this at once and vig- (orously, otherwise its usefulness is f seriously impaired. Commissioner . Watson's report will show much which has been accomplished in the . establishment of colonies and in the importation of wage workers. In addition to this, through water rates J3 have been secured from ports of New 1 York, Philadelphia and Boston to cen- r 4. 1 i_i J + ? G + o+a p tra.1 llllctiiu puilibo ill v/ui (.aiw. The department has reason to think 1 also that Charleston will soon be made 0 a port of call for trans-Atlantic liners, 0 as negotiations are now pending for this purpose, with every prospect of r success. , n Interested ones beyond the borders of it our State have had specific information q concerning the value of our mineral t: resources, of our kaolin and clay de- n posits, and fhe advantages of our lands and climate, from the commercial d standpoint, have been widely adver- a tised also. c I cannot too strongly commend for e your careful consideration the encouraging report Commissioner w+<sr>n r will submit to you. You cannot afford e to disregard this report and the intor- p mation it contains, and I sincerely trust t that you will look carefully into the c results of his official labors. j] Our National Guard. 1 n The report of Adjutant and Inspector o General Frost sets forth clearly and r concisely the condition and needs of our National Gus.rd. It shows that we n have 1,7S6 enlisted men, including offi- y cers, and it is a pleasure for me to say t that frbm my own observation the ef- n ficiency of this military organization p is increasing each year. The reduc- ? tion in the number of compa- t) nles mad? during the past year was not only it ^cessity on account of the amounts approbated by the State antf national government, but considered from the standpoint of efficiency, it has proved to be a wise step. I re- gret. however, to gather from the re- F ports that, in order to meet the requirements of the war department, 9 there will have to be a further reduc- ? tion, or an increased appropriation on the part of the State will be necessary. a If the State does not assist its or- ^ ganized militia in meeting certain re- 1 quirements, the general government s will be compelled by law to withhold 8 the amount it now contributes. While , I would regret to see any further re- 1 duction, yet I realize that it would be s hetter for the State to have a smaller * number of troops, well equipped. and e well drilled, than to have a large number with poor equipments and lacking d in discipline and the knowledge of s tactics. 11 The adjutant general makes recom- c mendations which are to be commend- c ed for their own worth, and, coming v from such competent authority, must a commend themselves to your favorable c consideration. Among these he strong- t ly urges that the office of adjutant and t inspector general should be taken out r of politics and be made appointive. Tie s suggests that this official be appointed ii by the governor, upon the recorrynenda- a tion of a majority^ the officers of the li ! \ r IDIS K)6. sTational Guard. In this I heartily con;ur, believing that su:h a change will :ontribute greatly to the efficiency of tur troops. Hei asks for an appropria- 1 inn of ?25.000 for the sunnort of the nilitia. In myj opinio^ this amount is ; lone too large nor the State to give for he support of its soldiery, and I feel assured that it J will receive from them ; Ull value in return. Lieutenant Colonel Fuller of the Jnited States army, who was detailed >y the secretary of war Xjq> assist the idjutant general, has tendered most ralutble servicq and has greatly aided leneral Frost in his efforts to reorganze and build up our military system, lis work has been most effective and tas been highljy appreciated by both fficers and men, who have for this ifficer and gentleman the highest adniration. To ail interested in our miliary affairs, his report, included in hat of the adjutant general, will furlish most interesting and practical inormation. Taking everything into consideration, vhile there are many obstacles yet o be surmounted and much to be done, he State has reason to be more than incouraged by the efficiency of its solders. We have a body of men who are oyal to South Carolina, who realize heir responsibilities and who are ever eady to respond to ;the call of duty. State Hospital for Iasane. This is the mpst important charitable nstitution conducted by the State and he 82nd annual report of the superineiident and board of regents presents triking facts. The! superintendent resets that the growth of the hospital .nd the demands made upon it continue o exceed the limitations of the instiution, both as to accommodations and neans of support. During the past 30 ears the population of the asylum has [uadrupled, while the appropriation has >een only doubled, and, in addition to his, foodstuffs haVe increased 25 per :ent. in cost. j Formerly the per capita cost of mainenance annually Amounted to $210.00, .nd through the necessity of the situaion this has beeri reduced to $105.00 >er capita now. ,The officials of the .sylum are thus confronted with a seious problem, the solving of which equires your cooperation?a problem vhlch can only b? relieved by an inreased appropriation. The report suggests that the farmng lands owned iby the asylum have o increased in vjalue that it may be udicious to sell l them and purchase and farther from, the city at a much ower cost. It is' also suggested that he present buildings and grounds ould be used as a central reception lospital for moro acute cases of inanity, and that other classes of patents might be distributed in colonies m these farms. These suggestions appear to me to ie admirable anfo they, with the full eport of the excellent management of his institution, should have your most houghtful consideration. The South Cajrolina Penitentiary* This institution is conducted in a cost creanaoie <ind satisfactory manler. The discipline, while rigid, is onsiderate and by no means severe. ?he greatest cfcre apd attention is hown for the health and comfort of he, convicts. I jam glad to report that he new hospital for consumptives is iow about completed, and in recogniion of the valua/ble services of Superinendent Griffith/, who was mainly reponsible for this humane undertaking, he board of di rectors have seen fit to ame this building the "Griffith Hospial." The farms owned by the State ,re being cons tantly improved and irought to a liigher state of cultivaion. These far ms, in addition to yieldng a fine profit, are of great benefit to he health of tt ;e convicts and also fdrilsh, in connection with the profit, the hief supply or provisions for the use f the Inmates of the penitentiary. The reformal ory for youthful crimlials is a valual fie adjunct to your State nstitution. T his also is self-sustainng, and the youthful criminals are aught in rudii nentary branches and are iven religious i education and instrucion. State . Board of Health. The State I oard of health in their .nnual report make several important ecommendatijms which should have our favorable attention. Each year hould convince us more and more of he great vallie of the work done and of he necessity! of giving all possible enouragementl to this board. At a quarantine convention held in ^ X - -J J _ 1 ,ua.i ia.iiuugii anenaea oy ueiegateo rom all the Southern States, a resolulon was ad >pted requesting pur repesentatives in Washington to enact a aw whereb3 coast maritime and naional front! ?r quarantine shall be laced exclu ively under the control of he United S ates government, and that natters of interstate quarantine be laced und^ the control and jurisd^ion of the general government, co? perating wi h the several State boards f health. The State board of health, in their eport, endo] ;e this, and further recomnend that j?u enact laws in conformiy with thi^tesolutlon. They also reuest that urge upon our delegalon at Was^Bgton the necessity for a ational qu^Hntine system. They also^Riphasize my recommenation of la^^Krear asking that they be llowed to ?(ploy a competent physiian as StaiBhealth officer, to give his ntire time this work. The dutieW^ of this board are most esponsible, 'and I know, from experince in my office, that much is exacted fron i them, especially in conrolling the smallpox situation. Their arefully, pi -epared report, to which I nvite your attention, sets forth the eeds of a most important department f our worl c. leport of the Historical Commission. On the 20 th of last February it was ny pleasur 5 to sign the act passed by our body at the request of the hisorical con- mission, this act making luch more suitable provisions and apropriatlon* for the important work ntrusted tli this commission. The ineresting report of the work already acomplished Breveals the wisdom of your .ction and J contain? some necessary uggestionsl concerning the further eeds of tl?ig department. A conveniently located office on the rst floor Af the State house, contain/-?<5 a^a nnw ll? 1 UlcpiUUl **v ?? ccupied b? this commission. Many old ocuments.I papers, records and books ave been larranged and classified and re stowed! away for preservation. The uggestion lin this report that at some uture day 1 a large fireproof building hould be erected by the State is a ood one. md this need, T trust, will e met wi h the growth of the work, 'he reeor mendaiioii by the eouiniision that ! e salary of the secretary of he comm sion be increased has my ndorseme In this c hnection it might be well to irect the Attention of your body to enate bill '*86, providing for the estab[shment ( 5 a United States historical ommissio l' having for its object the ollecting :om public archives and priate mar ^script collections abroad nd in the 'United States, abstracts of opies of mportant documents illusrating Ai L?rican colonial history and he early 1 fstory of the United States: naklng si i'h investigations as the ccretarv Qtn + n m?v rlesfro for use [i any peiB'ing- international question; .nd procu?Tig: and preparing for pubIcation aiflr series of documents de PAH sired by any State, provided such State be bear the expense thereof. of The work of mis commission would A embrace such matters as the purchas- les lng of the valuable collection of ab- dir stracts and transcripts of European pa- to pers bearing on America, made by the th? late B. F. Stevens of London, and for as sale by his successors. This particular collection of papers would be of in- * estimable benefit to the student of the ?ir Revolutionary history of South Carolina, as a large part of the papers bear ^ directly on the struggle in this State, and the matter therein contained can- ev< not be found elsewhere. I10 To the end that the passage of this ^ bill may be accomplished, I suggest of that a memorial be presented to con- of gress by your body requesting its passage. bei The State Geologist. pa SJnr?o tV>A oatnhlishmAnf rtf this Hp- v.,. partment, the work has annually in- y0 creased in magnitude and importance. m? Not only is the State geologist kept occupied in his own State, but numer- jec ous calls for information have been re- en oeived from various sections of the wi: United States and from abroad. Dur- ju< ing the past year much valuable work thi has been accomplished by this depart- lai ment in various sections of the State. cir The State geologist has also given on especial attention to the exploration of ew the mineral resources of the upper sec- su: tion of our State. This work, though co: not completed, has been published, to- to, gether with previous results under the ap; title of "A Catalogue of the Mineral in Localities of South Carolina." This ing publication alone will be of great and lasting benefit to the State, and pre- I sents some surprising facts in reference to our great mineral resources. so: The character of the work under- UP taken and accomplished by this de- a partment has inspired the United States geological survey to heartily cooperate in the work, and valuable aid is thus J}11 secured *13 It is a merited tribute to the efficiency and ability of our State geolo- wl gist to add that Dr. Merrill, who is the ex head of the Smithsonian institution, pronounces the reports received from ln) the South Carolina department the in equal of any received at that institu- ST tlon- h' Railroad Commission. The reuport of this commission has been received and will be submitted to zei you. Full and complete details con- 9* cerning work within our State is discussed and valuable statistical infor- ln matlon has been compiled and classified. Other subjects of interest are also treated, among these being rail- ?* road taxation, assessment per mile, value of all railroad property in the *o: State, railroad construction, com- ai| plaints, adjustment of claims, local and wl interstate private car lines and de- se: murrage. The building of new depots snj is considered also, and this situation J?1, shows improvement. f A statement of railroad receipts and expenses in South Carolina for the rpast year is also included in the re- r: port, which deals fully with the large interests in charge of this commission. ^ Lawlessness. ?e In my last two messages I thought it my duty to call your attention to the absolute necessity of adopting more stringent measures for the proper en- ar forcement of law, and particularly for r the prevention of lynchings. In response to my request, you appropriat- tjc ed a special fund for this purpose. an This fund has been practically ex- w< hausted in the prosecution of cases afc which occurred prior to your last ses- re sion. Although I- cannot report a single conviction of the parties sup posed to be implicated, i am sausnea. sa that the appropriation has not been qU used In vain. Investigations and pros- tri ecutions were possible only by means th of this fund, and the results have th strongly contributed to the uphold- 0f Ing of law and order throughout the re State. 621 You are only too familiar with the th Record of past years. You know how fo: South Carolina, together with other of mi our sister States, has had reproach nfc heaped upon her on account of the bv dastardly deeds of reckless, lawless a and Irresponsible men. I have just la: stated that no convictions have been to secured, yet, in spite of this fact, the in realization that the arm of the law in would be Invoked; what a determined st attempt av least would be made to ar prevent its ruthless and barbaric des- pc ecration; that criminals would be bo prosecuted for their crimes;'that the co coroners' inquest and the usual verdict m* would not be the end, but only the ! beginning?these have produced their ta effect, and, as a result* better con- in ditions have prevailed. Those who re would take the law in their own hands de have been made to think; the masses I : of our people, who are at heart law- tij abiding, have found hope and encour- fa agement, and the sworn officers of the law have had their grave responsi- hi bilities brought more closely home to co them. For more than a year South ti< Carolina was not disgraced by a lynch- M ing, no case occurring which could to properly be so classed. Had I been able to report to you, as I had sincerely hoped to do, that t0 our State, since your last session at Pc least, had been spared the shame of ^ another lynching?that for this period ut no human life had been lawlessly and St barbarously taken by an armed mob? &( I would have been deeply gratified ef at such a convincing evidence of the increased respect shown for law and in order. While we have every reason for encouragement, the recent killing of two defenseless negroes by an armed mob is for every reason to be de- " plored and condemned. Such outrages m are not only flagrant and inexcusable, n< but they inevitably lead to the dis-. 01 regard of all law. the cheapening of aj human life and the undermining of " our very civilization. The lawless element must be made to rea7!ze the sanctity of human life; they must be J* taught the fearful consequences that follow the blind passions and preju- vs dices of mobs which take the law into their own hands; human life must ^ have every right guaranteed by our J?constitution, and lawless and reckless tr violators must be prosecuted without 01 fear or favor to the utmost limit of ?( the law. . As long as I am governor of the State I shall use my strongest en deavor for the suppression and pun- ^ ishment of those who disregard our laws, especially in the matter of lynchings. I shall not be deterred in the discharge of this duty, however un- n. pleasant it may be. believing that in j p| thus seeking to uphold the law, I am ! ja serving the best and highest interests jff I of our State. I have been actuated I <;<solely by this motive In what T have j ^ | done, and I am firmly convinced thatjjj. one conviction woum not uny mu.- a( terially decrease the future record of the State In respect to lynchings, but a. would also encourage the upbuilding 0] of a better sentiment among our people. S In this connection I am gratified to a report that during the past year, ^ wherever necessity arose, the solici- ]( tors and sheriffs have shown every ^ desire to discharge their full duty and to cooperate with me in every way a possible for the enforcement of law. s. This is as it should be, and when a t, sheriff or other officer, whose duty it p is to protect the life of a prisoner in his custody, allows the mob to ta'ce t; him away without a determined effort f on his part to prevent them, then, as u I recommended last year, there should I t V I :h a penalty provided for such failure duty, even to removal from office, fund for the suppressioa of law sness, to be expended ander the ection of the governor, seems again be a necessity, and I recommend it you make such an appropriation , you deem proper for this purpose. Special Court*. 4 n increasing the number of judicial . cuits in the State I understood it to your intention to abolish the holdT of special courts for the transacts of civil business. The law, how>r, providing for these courts waa t repealed at your last session, and, addition to this, you renewed your mer appropriation for the purpose holding special courts. A number these courts have been held during 3 past year; the appropriation has en entirely exhausted, and an unid balance amounting to several ndred dollars will be presented to ur committee on claims for paysnt Without discussing the serious obstions to special courts, my expellee has convinced me that it is up<< ? se to maintain them as a part of our iicial system, and I further believe it this is against the spirit of the v, which established two additional cuits. Our tax problem Is a serious e, and it should be relieved whener the interests of the State- do not ffer. For this reason and for other nsiderations which I have referred I recommend that you make no nrnnriation for SDecial courts, and. addition to this, that the law creat; them be repealed. A Public Library, n the growing educational advances of our State I have thought, for me time, that the establishment, on a suitable and proper basis, of public library would be a most doable step. Hon. Wm. A. Courtenay, 10 has done so much to preserve the 3tory and literature of our State, s submitted an Interesting paper to 3 bearing upon this subject, from lich I shall present the following tracts for your consideration: "Much interest is felt in the founder of a proper public library, which, its scope and purpose, means a eat advance beyond anything prejusly considered; and as Columbia a been the vicarious sacrifice for e whole State, there are those cities who think, in this new life of the pital city, that the good offices of e State might well be given to aid the city's coming advance. * "Valuable preliminary work has alady been done in the establishment the Timrod library. The first need such an institution would be a site r the erection of a suitable building, d as the location for such site is thin the action of the general asmbly, it has been suggested that the lall area needed for such a purpose le'ht he eranted. unc'.er certain iltations, by the general assembly Dm its unoccupied land holdings, te area wanted will not exceed in exit one-eighth of an acre, and it ould be so located as to be readily cessible to the community. As no oney will be needed, it hai been sugsted that the initiatory step to the sired end might well be taken by e general assembly, and authority ven for the occupation of a small, ea of land, to initiate this promising oject" This is a most desirable* proposi>n. The library is nov established d its scope and field for usefulness Duld be broadened by adopting the iove suggestions, which I heartily commend that you do. The Catawba Lands. Amother matter which I think necesry to call to your attention is the estion raised by the remnant of tl* ;be of Catawba Indians, respecting e tract of 180 square miles which ey once held in the present counties Lancaster and York, and the small mnant of that tract, consisting of ) acres, which they now occupy in e county of York. These lands were rmerly ceded to the Indians in a legal inner, and until 1840 were recogf? zed by the State as their property, Lt, in the above year, the State made treaty for the purchase of thele nds. The matter was not satisfag-U-ir orraniroH Viftti'auAr and Via d an incomplete form ever since. The dians are now threatening to sue tie ate for the recovery of these land!, id have employed counsel for the pufise of presenting the matter to yoifr ?dy and for bringing action in the urts in case no satisfactory arrangeent is made. [n vfew of these facts, and the lmpornee of having the matter thorough 'y vestlgated, both for the purpose of ndering justice to the Indians and fending a suit <n case one is brought, recommend that the matter be invested, and such action taken as the ets warrant. You will And in the office of the storical commission valuabje data ncerning these lands. This mforma)n was compiled at my request by r. A. S. Salley, secretary of the hi?rical commission. River Navigation. It is a matter of prime importance our State that our rivers, wherever >ssible, should be made navigable. 'e have several rivers wrucn couia do ilized greatly to the benefit of the ate at no considerable exptnse. The meral government, in splto of the forts of our representatives in coh ess, has not dealt generously with us this matter, considering the great iportance of these streams. I believe that you should aid our rpresentatives by taking action upon lis subject, going to the extent of emorialize congress to make the ?ce3sary appropriation. Such action 1 your part would be of material ?slstance to our representatives In acimplishing the purpose for which they ive been striving. Not only are the rivers which flow irough our State of importance to us, it also of great importance is the Sainnah river, dividing us from Georgia, nd running the entire length of our 4 tate. An earnest effort Is being made y the representatives in congress om Georgia to deepen tnis river, aria jr representatives have been request1 to cooperate with them. It would 3 greatly to the mutual benefit of the iterests involved to act together in the latter of securing an appropriation )r the rivers of each State, and I hope lis will be done. Drainage of Swamp Lands. An amendment to our State constiltion provides by law for the condemation of all lands necessary for the roper drainage of the swamp and low mds of the State, and provides also >r the equitable assessment of lands > drained for the payment of expenses > incurred. This amendment has never id your attention, and millions of ?res of fine lands are not only render1 useless by lack of drainage, but they re also a serious menace to the health P the Inhabitants. It is most probable that the United tates government will pay an equble portion of the necessary cost of raining these lands, and this should be joked into. Commissioner Watson, in is report, calls attention to an exceljnt plan for doing this work. This is n important subject, for many reaons. and I ask that you give it the atentlon it deserves. Protection of Fish and Oyster Interests. These are interests of decided imporance to our State, and, properly cared or and protected, would furnish val,able contributions to our revenue, f neglected they will be absolutely de ihj jk