Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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E H. AULL, EDITOR. Entered at the Postofice at New terry, S. C., as 2nd class matter. Friday, December 17, 1909. COUNTY'S FINANCIAL CONDI TION. Something is radically wrong when a county of Newsberry's real wealth can-not meet its obligations, and this in the face of the fact that taxes have been elimbing up steadi ly and rapidly for a long time past, notwithstanding the fact that the assessed value of property for taxa tion has also been showing a healthy ncrease. If eash were to be demanded of .the county to-day for services or for material, the affairs of the coun ty would have to stop, for there is no cash. WIth a depleted treasury, tAhe county also is heavilvin debt, and this debt has been iereasiug along with the increase in taxes and the increase in the assessed value of property. There has been a-n in crease all along the line, but the increase has always been on the debit side of the ledger. 'On its debt the county is, of course, paying interest. And not only is the county paying interest, ibut because the county can not meet its obligations those who serve the county or who furnish material to -the county, are forced to pay intei .est by discounting claims, or by holding them. We know of some claims of county officers which have been discounted at the rate of ten per cent.-not for a year, but ten per cent. on the whole amount for the short time until taxes come iu and the claims will be paid. This reduces the salaries of these officers who are forced to discount their claims-and the officers of the coaii ty are entitled to the salary allowed them by law. We know of some holding claims against the county who need the money to pay taxes-but the county won't receive its own claims in pay ment of taxes. This, we suppose, is for the'reason that part of the taxes collectible are State taxes, aInd Ihe county treasurer would not be justi lied in taking a county claim in pay ment of State taxes. Of course, all these claims are good when the money comes in, be cause every dollar's worth of prop erty in the county is responsible for them. But the affairs of the coun ty ought to be placed in such shape that the county can meet its obliga tions when they fall due. Certainly there is a remedy somewhere. The case is not similar to that of an in dividual who gets behind and who can't catch up. It seeims to us that some safe and :sane busainess-like method of putthag the county on a cash basis could be devised. Of course it could not all be done in a year, but once we get started in the right direction the burden ought to lighten. We have called attention to this matter at this time 'for the reasn that the session of the legislaure ?a approaching, at which time possibly something can be done by our dele a-ation. We have at this time no suggestions to offer, but simply com mend to them for careful considera tion the county's5 financial condition. DILLON COUNTY WON. Proposition Carried by a Large Ma jority.-Great Rejoicing in the County Seat-to-B. Dillon, Dec. 14.--There .is great -rejoicing in Dillon to-night. As a result of to-day 's election the new county has won by an overwhelming majority and everybody, from the youngest to the oldest inhabitant is -happy. Returns from all the pre cincts give the new county a tre mendous majority and it is believed that the official returns will show a majority of from 90 to 93 per cent. for the new conty from every pre cinct but two. Dillon is selected for the location of tihe county seat, and the name Dillon has won over tihe name Pee Dee by a large majority. It has been a long and stubborn struggle, but the 'new county people feel fully repaid for the tremendous amount of energy and money they have put into the fight during the past fifteen years. Three times they have been defeated, but undaunted they have gone ahead each time with renHewed energy and higher hopes. A reweiew of their trialk and tribula tions~ fromt thle timel theC light began1 1.5 years ago up to thLe preCsent timei( woud r:I like a page from: Ara To-day's tigh~it has been devoid of bitterness. It was expected that the al contv would put up a stubborn PEARY PROLAIXED POL'S DISCOYERER SOCIETY REOOGNIZES IM AS DISCOVERER. Commander and Capt. Bartlett Are Presented with Medals.-Con gratulatory Telegrams. Washington, Dec. 15.-The Na tional Geographic society to-night publicly -acclaimed Commander Rob I ert E. Peary the discoverer of the North Pole, and in recognition there of presented to him a gold medal. In presenting the trophy to Commander Peary, Prof. Willis 0. Moore, presi dent of the society, who acted as toastmaster, phrased his sentences to refer to Commancer Peary as the man who had won the prize. Prof. Moore in presenting the medal said the public never for a moment had questioned the veracity of Com mander Peary's statement, and also that the data of Peary's expedition had required -no editing before it Was presented to the National Geo graphic society. This was the only reference made to the polar contro versy. i Capt. Robert A. Bartlett, the mas ter of the R.oosvelt, who took the stout ship into the ice farther than any other craft ever went, also re ceived a medal. This was presented 'by Ambassador James Bryce of Great Biitai. fight against the division of Marion, but at the last moment they seemed to realize that the odds were against them and they surrendered without firing a gan. The new county of Dillon will be one of the richest in the State. It contains 404 square miles, and so valuable is the land in; its territory that it has been said that the only way to get any of it is to marry or inherit it. The lands have been so thoroughly developed that now the people are turning their attention to manufacturing enterprises and there is every promise of great industrial developments in this section in the near future. NOTICE OF SALE OF THE PER SONAL PROPERTY OF ESTATE OF W. E. MERCHANT, DECEAS ED. Notice is hereby given that under the authority of an Order of the Probate Court for Newberry Coun ty, we will sell at the late residence of W. E. Merchant, deceased, at pub lie auction, .on Thursday, the 6th (lay of January, at 11 o 'clock A. M., personal property of said deceased, consisting of one horse, mules, farm ing imnplements, household and kiteli en furniture, corn, fodder and other farm produce. The mules to be of fered for sale are extra fine. Terms of Sale: Cash. Minnie B. Merchant, Gerald C. Merchant, Administratrix and Administrator of the personal estate of W. E. Mer chant, deceased. 12-17-09-3t. 1taw. OPERA HOUSE EARHARDT & BAXTER. Lessees and Managers Wednesday, Dec. 22nld MR. FRANK De LUISI OFFERS Miss Edna Marshall --IN LENA RIVERS -BY-- - MARY J. HOLMES. PRIES: $1.uc0, 75C., Soc., 25C. Seat S4de Monday, Dec. 20th I SPECIAL NOTICEF SAny one who will clip and send this & advertisement with a $io P. () 1 4. mnoney ordler will receive a receipt ; for 52 to apply on a $95 Organ, the. balanice to be pai:1I follouis: $15. Jn. 15thi, !9:o, 8'5 Ai,ri ist, u9:o, -:uiic'. Houwi A T ONCI., as- thi- is a Special * ' i(ar ofier Th ' se o ho prefer pianos -S - will recive S:-mIA L IsNUIc:os IN!5 write . . Exirticulars. MIALON1i- altsic HOUSE, 'A (&t.'ablied 25 years. Columbia, S. C. BASCOMB USHER HONORED. S Receives Diploma of Merit for Work k in Corn Contest, from Secre- t tary Wilson. Wash-ington, Dec. 14.--Diplomas of merit were presented by Secre 1tary Wilson to-day in his office at th-e .department of agricuture to Bas- 0 comb Usher, of South Carolina, and t three other boys, all under 18 years, for special proficiency in agricultural . pursuits. Dr. S. A. Knapp, who has charge of the farm demonstration work in r the -South, offered a trip to Wash- s igton to th'e boy in Mississippi, who F should obtain the best results, the: Holl Arboi This Arbor of Gi Beauty We extend to you tj visit this display. effort to make this you from now until wish you to show yc your visits. SEE OUR G Silk Mufflers Half Hose Silk Handkerchiefs Kid Gloves Silk*Suspender Sets Fancy and White Vests A call will be apprec purchase Jardinieres IG With every $3.00 cash purch: Crockery, we will give a 75c. Js With every $5.00 cash purch; Crockery, we will give a $1.00 . With every $10.00 cash purct we will give you your choice of $2.50 or less. With every $1.00 cash purcha will give a nice souvenir as long This offer holds good until the NewberiHi Christmas Hi --VI' Atlantic C On sale December 16, 17, 18, and January 1st, 1910, with flu tion not later than January 6, Tickets on sale to stations ea: and south of the Ohio and Pot< For further information add W. J. CRAIG, Pass. Traffic Mgr. Wilmingto1 tate Bankers' Association. of Ar ansas, offered a similar reward in [bat State. Citizens of Virginia and k,uth Carolina duplicated the offers a those States. Thousands of idol ars of prizes were awarded this ear throughout the South, the basis f the awards being the profits, writ en records, exhibits of products Id yield per acre. The greatest -ield did not get the prize in every nstance. The diploma winner from outh Carolina made 152 1-2 bushels )er acre, 147 were made in Missis ippi. 135 bushels in North :Carolina ai-d 122 bushels in Virginia. The lub average was about 60 bushels. of Gifts. Fts is a Regular Show. i cordial invitation Ne have used every hop attractive for C.hristmas, and we ur appreciation by IFT SHOW! Silk Umbrellas Linen Handkerchiefs Single Box Silk Cravats Hand Bags Suit Cases House Slippers ated whether you or not. iven Awag! ase of China, Glassware or rdiniere. ase of China, Glassware or ardiniere. ase of China or Glassware, my Jardiniere in stock worth .e of China or Glassware we as they last. first day of January, 1910. irdwore Co. iiday Rates oast Line. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 1909 ial limit to leave destina 1910. st of the Mississippi River >mac Rivers. ress nearest ticket agent or T. C. WHITE, Gen. Pass. Agt.! ,N. C. Our One Pri jU Our one price system is When you purchase her buying at the same price - have to pay for an instrur Every Piano on our fl< plainly shows its retail va for you to determine whic choose. You can try thei make your selection with ing of their relative wort We offer you not only t prices, but also the faciliti collection of pianos which grade. You are thus enabled t( ment which can be sold f to invest. It will be to your intere Everything Kn Cable Building. J. V.WALL.A NE WB Hardwai 'C WE H AVE A CON Guns, Ami Ala Sporting of every de Come and see buy The Best ( at t B< Newbert liardwal Compan; ce System. your safe-guard.. e you know that you are vhich anybody else would nent of the same class. >ors bears a tag which lue. That makes it easy h instrument you should n all if you wish, and m intelligent understand his advantage of fixed 7 for selection found in a includes every reliable > obtain the best instra >r the amount you wish st to visit our salesrooms. own in Music. GE, Pres., Charleston,8 3,C E RRY re ,ompany IPLETE LINE OF rnunitio ID Goodsl ascription. our line beo loods - he est PricesJ re