University of South Carolina Libraries
VCL. XIV. MANNING, S. C., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1899. NO. 29 THE STATE SENATE. The Opening of the Body in An nual Session. ONLY EIGHT ABSENTEES. The Lee County Senator Stood Aside. Names of the New Senators. Other Business Transacted. The appearance of Lieut. Gov. Miles B. McSweeney on the speaker's stand in his purple robe of office at noon on Tuesday of last week was the signal for the senators to hasten to their seats. A single rap of the gavel was sufficient to call the chamber to order, and the legislative session for 1899 had begun. Since the last session the chaplain, Rev. Mr. Willoughby, had died, so the Rev. E. L. Archer, senator from Spar tanburg, was requested to make the opening prayer. He besought the Lord to "put our hearts and minds in proper frame for a rightful performance of duty," and asked that "what is done may be for the good of the people and the glory of Thy name." The roll call showed eight senators absent-Talbe-t, of Beaufort, Ragsdale of Fairfield, Walker of Georgetown, Scarborough of Horry, Wallace of Laur ens Livingsten of Marlboro, Alexander of 6conee and Bowen of Pickens. As last year was election year there were a number of new senators to be sworn in. Col. J. W. Floyd, who was acting az, sergeant at arms until his successor uhould be elected, conducted the new members before the bar in groups of seven, where they were collectively ad ministered the oath of office by the pres ident. -In the second group was Senator-elect R. E. Carnes of Lee county, which a fe w days ago was declared to by the su preme court to have been unconstitu tionally formed. As the oath was about to be put, SenatorGeo. W. Brown or E - objected to the senator from Lee being b.,rn into offie for the above reason. "I hold a certificate of election as eenator from Lee county and desire to be sworn in," said Mr. Carnes. Mr. Mayfield at this point was recog nized and, offered the fbllowing resolu ion pertinent to the question: Whereas, Objection has been made to swearing in Hon. R. E. Carnes, senator elect from Lee county, on the ground that the supreme court has decided that an act of the general assembly establishing said. county is unconstitu tional and void, therefore be it Resolved, 1. That the right of Hon. R. E. Carnes to a seat in the senate as a senator from Lee county be referred to the committee on privileges and elec tions. 2. That Hon. R. R Carnes be not sworn in, but permitted to occupy a seat until the motion is disposed of, with the right to be heard upon the queszion. It was at the suggestion of Senator Baruwell that the latter part of the res olution was changed so as to give Mr. Carnes the right to be heard on the, question. Mr. Carnes took his seat, and the in inction into office continued. Here are the names of the new members: W. N. Graydon, Abbeville; J. M. Sulli van, Anderson; Jos. W. Barnwell, Charleston; R. C. Sarratt, Cherokee; J. Lyles Glenn, Chester; W. S. Blakeney, Chesterfield; Louis Appelt, Clarendon; W. B. Gruber, Colleton; Geo. W. Brown, Darlington; Win. Ilderton, . lorencs; W. C. Hough, Lancaster; J. Q. Marshall, Richland; Richard L. Manning, Sumter. Senator J. C. Sheppard of Edgefield was sworn in alone to fill out the unex pired term of Senator Gaines. Messrs. Knox Livingston and W. T. Bowen were not present to be sworn in. There was no excitement incident to filling the clerkships and other senate positions, such as in the house. On montion of Senator Mayfield. Senator R. B. Scarborough was elected president pro tem. On the motion of the same senator, Gen. R. R. Hemp lill was reelected clerk -of the senate and he was immediately afterwards sworn in. There was no opposition to either of these gentlemen. C.;or this position there were several candidates. Senator Love, seconded by Senator Glenn; placed in nomina tion Mr. W. J. Waters of York; Sena tor Henderson, seconded by Senator Aldrich, proposed the name of Mr. Jno. T. Gaston, now of Columbia; Senator Mower nominated Mr. J. T. Smith of Newberry, and Senator Archer second ed it; Senator Hay, in the ateece of Senator IRagsdale. and at the request of citizens of Fairfie'ld .county, nominated Mr. S. F. Cooper of that county; Sena tor Marshall of Richland n iinated Mr. L. R. Marshall of Columbia, who had served from 1878 to 1889 as ser geant at arms; Senator Hough nomi ,nated Mr. J. Wmn. Sistare of Lancaster, and it was seconded by Senator Geo. WV. Brown. On the first ballot the vote stood: Gaston 15; Smith 7- Sistare 3; Waters 5; Cooper 1; Marshall 1. Senators Graydon, Suddath and Hay changed their votes to Gaston and he was de clared elected. The readieg clerk, Mr. W. H. S-tew art, was reelected without opposition. Senator W. A. Brown for chaplain put in nomination the Rev. G. H. Wal dell, superintendent of the Epwortn Oc phanage. Senator Aldrich asked if the rules of the senate required this offiee to be1fi1l ed. If not, it seemned to him that the hard times wtuiM Warraut the abolition of the office. The times were when the senate had no chaplain, iie moved that the president invite different mn isters of the city to lead in prayer from day to day. Senator Henderson at once opposed ,ich a motion, and it was los:. Mr. Waddell was then elected chaplain. At the suggestion of Senator Hender son, the president appointed a commit tee of three to notify the governor that the senate was ready for business. Sen ators Henderson, Sheppard and Dean were put on this committee. With the senate reorganized and ready for work, Lieut. Gov. McSweeney ad dressed that body as follows: Senators: I am glad to greet and to Cer of the senate of South Carolina. Since the adjournment of this body a little less than a year ago this nation has passed through a stirring and a his tory making period. The dark clouds of war hovered over us, and in some re spects the most remarkable war'of an cient or modern times was waged. I congratulate you and the State of South Carolina that the sons of this grand old Commonwealth responded so nobly i.nd so promotly to the call of the president for men to defend the flag. It is a matter of congratulation to our State that her sons and the sons of the south bore themselves so nobly on the field of battle or in the camp, but remembering their noble heritagethey could not have done otherwise. I congratulate you also on the fact that peace again reigns and that it has been demonstrated that we have in fact a reunited country and a common flag, which we all love and are ready to defend with our life-blood if need be. I also congratulate you that we have now a united Democracy in South Carolina, free from bitterness and strife and all actuated by a common purpose, and that purpose the welfare and prosperity of our common mother South Carolina. It should, and no doubt will be, our pacpose to work with harmony and good will for the dispatch of such busi ness as may come before us at this ses sion of the general assembly. In the accomplishment of that purpose you may depend on my best efforts, and I ask your hearty cooperation. I trust we may be guided in the passage of such laws as will redound to the good of the great masses of our struggling people, and that we may finish the bu siness before us in as short a time as is consistent with wise legislation. During the past year I have received the resignation of Senator Gaines of Edgefield, and I ordered an election to fill the vacancy. But one death has occurred among the members of the senate during the past year-that of Senator McAlhaney of Dorchester, who was a useful mem ber of this body and whose untimely death we all mourn. I have ordered an election to fill the vacancy but have not yet received any return from it. I now declare the senate of South Carolina ready for such business as may come before it. After the committees were announ ced Senator Henderson offered a reso lution instructing the committee on privileges and 'elections to determine and report to the senate offices to be fill ed by the legislature and to name as early a day as possible on which all of them could be held. He said that the sooner these places were filled the soon er the legislature would get to work and finish with its business. He was anxi ous that nothing should impede a short session. The perennial tax extention question came up in the form of a resolution from Senator Aldrich to extend the time for payment to the last day of April. Senator Manning also introduced a resolution to extend the time. Senator Henderson introduced the following important bill fixing the time at which objections to the qualifica tions of jurors must be made: That all objections to jurors called to try prosecutions or actions, or issues or questions arising out of actions or spe cial proceedings in the various courts of this State. if not made before the ju ror is sworn, shall be deemed waived; and if made thereafter shall be of no effect. The governor's message was received by the senate and read by the clerk while the members following the read ing closely in printed copies farnished them. Upon its completion the senate adjourned to meet at 12 m Wednesday. As It Goes in the Senate. While Senator Caffery, of Louisiana was making his great constitutiona, aguments against expansion last Friday there were exactly Bix senators on the floor, and they were engaged in their cor respondence and other official duties, says the Washington correspondent of the Chicago Record. Among them was Mr. Spooner, of Wisconsin, who, hav ing finished reading the New York pa pers and having nothing else to do, thought he would be a little polite and exhibit some interest in the speech. When this amiable idea occurred to him. Mr. Caffery was reading with great emphasis from a small book he held in his hand, and to show his friendly disposition Mr. Spooner, who had not been paying the slightest atten tion, arose and inquired with great in terest: "May I ask the title of the book from which the senator from Louisiana is reading?" Senator Caffery looked up with an air of amazement and in a most sarcastic manner retorted: "From the constitution -of the United States." A Brutal Outrage. Mrs. Nan cy Welch, a most excellent white widow lady and mother of five children, residing about three miles from Harper's Cross roads, in Chrtam county, N. C., was outraged and mur dered about five o'clock Thursdayafter noon by Henry Jones, a black negro. Jones was a desperate character, about 35 years old. Mrs. Welch had been visiting at her son-in law, Mr. Jones, and she did not return home at night, search was made and her body found about fifty yards fron the public road with her throat cut. The alarm was given, search made and the negro found at his home near Richmond Thursda~y morning about 3 o'clock. He confessed his guilt, and was carried back to the scene of .he murder and hanged by an unknown party of about fifty. A Big Job. A dispatch from Madrid says persons who have returned there from the Phil ippine islands expatiate upon the "dif ficulties facing the United States when undertaking to conquer the whole ar chipelago in arms." They assert that it will be impossible for the Americans to penetrate beyond the ports without an immense army, declaring that the islands are "so impoverished that the Americans will be compelled to obtain provisions elsewhere," and that the. cli mate is much more fatal than the Cu ban elimate to Americans. Big Battle in Arabia. A great battle has been fought in the Yemen division of Arabia. The Turk ish troops stormed and captured the in surgent position at Shanel on Nov. 30. About 4,000 insurgents and 2,000 Turks were keilled or wonnA dA THE LOWER HOUSE. Full Story of the First Meeting of the Representatives. SPEAKER GARY RE-ELECTED. Hamer Beats Gray for Clerk. A Sword for Victor Blue. The Members Get Down to Business at Once. The house of representatives was call ed to order Tuesday morning of last week at noon. As the clerk. -Gen. J. Walter Gray, struck the gavel upon the spepker's desk and called the house to order, the sergeant A't arms swung the mace into its official place, on the speaker's stand, and the house of rep resentative had begun its session. Clerk Gray announced that the first business of the session would be to elect a temporary chairman. Mr. McCullough of Greenville nomi nated "one who has long been a useful member of this body," Mr. D. H. Ma gill of Greenwood. Mr. Magill was duly elected by acclamation. Clerk Gray then administered to Mr. Magill the oath subscribed to by a mem ber of the general assembly. The clerk called the roll of counties, three at a time, and the members-elect presented themselves before the bar of the house, where the oath was read by Chairman Magill.. administered by the sergeant at arms, and repeated by the members, who then signed the roll of the house. D. E. Keels, representative-elect from the county of Lee, presented him self and was duly qualified. He after wards took his seat and no challenge was made. SPEAKER GARY. When the members had pres-uted themselves and had been sworn in Mr. Bacot, out of regard for the interests of the state, and for the dispatch of busi ness, and for his own personal gratifi cation, asked to be permitted to. nomi nate F:ank B. Gary of Abbeville for reelection as speaker of the house, Mr. Sturkie of Orangeburg, Winkler of Kershaw, . Ashley of Anderson, Blythe of Greenville, Stevenson of Chesterfield all seconded the nomina tion on behalf of their delegation. Mr. Stevenson moved that the nominations De closed. This was carried, and the election of speaker by the roll call show ed that of 114 votes cast Hon. F. B. Gary received the entire number. He was duly declared elected speaker. Mr. Patton moved that a committee of three be. appointed to wait upon the speaker and to present him to the house Messrs. Patton, Patterson and Mauldin were appointed. They retired and ac companied Mr. Gary to the speaker's stand, -when he assumed the speaker's purple robe. Before taking the speaker's chair, Mr. Gary said: "In assuming tlie duties of the office to which you have elected me, permit me to thank you for the high compliment whi.h you have paid me. "Having been elected three times to preside over the deliberations of this ho..orable body, I can but feel that my election now is an endorsement of my codrse heretofore. This is indeed grati fying to me. "in the discharge of my duties as speaker, it will be my constant endeavor to do my part towards keeping the as sembily up to that high standard of ex cellence that has long characterized it, and to promoto that harmony and good feeling which is so essential to wise legislation. I feel asst red that to this end I will have y our hearty cooperation and that your deliberations will result in lasting good to the people of this State. At this time I shall yen ture but one suggestion, which I hope will not be regarded as ous of place. "It has been said that the committee are the eyes; ears, hands, and, often times, Lhe brains of the assembly. This being the case, I would suggest that the committees, to be hereinafter appointed scrutinize every bill that comes up -be fore them, with a view to seeing wheth er or not they are in contradiction of of the coastitution of 1895. Some of. the acts of recent legislation have been held by the courts to be unconstitution al. and there are others which, in my judgment, will be whenever they are put to the test. It seems to me thaat it would be a saving of time and expense to prevent such acts from cumbering our statute books. "Again thanking you for the honor conferred upon me, and trusting that your work may be a benediction to South Carolina, I declare the house ready to proceed to the transaction of business."' Speaker Gary announced that the next step in organization would be to elect a clerk. J. A. McCullough of Greenville nominated-Gen. Walter Gray of Green ville, a gallant boy soldier, a faithful and competent clerk for former sessions of the general assembly. T. T. Rogers of Marlboro nominated T. C. Hlamer of Marlboro, a young man who, by his own industry, had received a collegiate and a legal education and was now the support of aged parents, J. W. Ragsdale of Florence nominated R. M. McCown of Florence, who was a man of sterling worth, a man of strength in the Democratic party in his own county, and a man whose ability to transact the duties of clerk ha'i been proven by his connection with the clerical work of the senate: C. L. Winkler of Kershaw seconded the nomination of McCown. Geo. E. Prince of Anderson second ed the nomiination of Gcn. Gray. Frank Manning seconded the nomi dation of T. C. Hamer. Mr. Henderson moved that the nomi nations close. This was carried, and Winkler, Williams and Ragsdale were appointed tellers. Trhe first ballot resulted in 115 votes being cast. Of this number Grey re eived 38, Hamer 35 and McCown 42. Necessary to elect, 53. There was con sequently no election. On the second ballot Gen. Gray lost four votes, three of which were changed to Hamer and one to McCown. Anoth er member, who was absent on the first ballot, voted for McCown. Result: 116 votes cast; necessary to elect, 58; Gray 34; Hamer, 38; McCown, 44. There was noane on the third ballot ex cept that three votes were changed from Gray to McCown. Oti the fourth ballot Gen. Gray's supporters fell away until but 21 were left. Hamer received seven and Mc Cown four of the votes formerly east for him. Total vote, 117; Gray, 21; Hamer, 45; McCown, 51. On the fifth ballot, Gen. Gray's friends thinks his defeat certain, fol lowed the lead of McCullough, and made an almost solid change to Hamer. The effect resulted in the election ofHa mer. The result was as follows: Votes cast, 114: necessary to elect, 58; Gray, 4; Hamer, 63; McCown, 51. At the announcement of the result, Hamer's friends made an attempt at applause, but were forbidden by the speaker. Mr. Hamer presented himself before the speaker and took the oath of office and donned the official robes. Be has for several years been bill cleik of the house and is quite familar with the workings of the clerk's office. The speaker announced that the elec tion of a sergeant at arms was then in order. J. 0. Patterson nominated N. H. Stansell, the present incumbent. D. H. Mazill and a number of others see onded the nomination. D. B. Peurifoy of Saluda nominated Samuel B. Holley of Saluda. This was seconded by D. F. Efird of Lexington and others. The roll call showed that of the 115 votes cast, Stancel received 85 and Holley 20. Mr. Stansell was subsequently sworn in. The stentorian voice of John S. Withers of Chester will again resound through the halls and corridors for he was unanimously elected reading clerk. He was nominated by C. L. Winkier of Kershaw and J. Hardin Marion of Chester. The names of three reverend gentle men were presented for election as chaplain, Rev. M. M. Kinard, Rev. J. C. Abney and Rev. E. A. Wingard. Mr. Abney was elected. Cole L. Blease of Newberry offered a joint resolution relating to the ap pointment of an investigating commit tee. He asked for its immediate con sideration. T. W. Bacot introduced a bill to pro vide a sword for Lieut. Victor Blue, of the United States navy. The bill ap propriates $500for the purpose in view. N. G. Evans, of Edgefield introduced a bill to extend the time for the pay ment of taxes for the fiscal year 1898 until the first of March 1899. The Governor's message did not reach the house until Wednesday. On motion of Mr. Johnson the mem bers'vacated the seats they were occupy ing, and moved outside the railing, in order that permanent seats might be allotted. Little Miles McSweeney then drew from a box slips, on each of which was written the name of a county. As that name was called, the members would select their seats. This occupied about an hour, and when completed the mem bers were ready to adjourn. On motion of Mr. Blease the house adjonrued until Wednesday at noon.. Eagan Cals Miles a Liar The most vigorous and sensational testimony was given before the war in vestigation commission Thursday by Commissary General Eagan, who, ap pearing unexectedly to meet the alle gation against the beef issued in the war, vigorously arraigned Maj. Gen. Miles, commanding the army. He read his testimony from a long written state ment. He denied the numerous state ments of Gen. Miles and charged that the latter's testimony constituted se vere reflections on the commanding generals of expeditions, and referred to him as "this same commanding general Nelson A. Miles," and said that who ever called the beef furnish the army "embalmed beef" was a "liar." Furth er on during his testimony, Eagan called Miles a "liar, who lied in his throat, lied in his heart, lied in every part of his body, who had perpetrated a gross scandal, and who should be drummed out of the service and im prisoned, and should be avoided by every honest man, and barred by every club." He characterized his inter views as "filth." -A Good Suggestion. Under the head of "A Plain proposi tion," the Barnwell People says: "A Barnwell merchant, a thoroughly good man, who is too modest to like to see his name in print, makes a sugges tion worthy of consideration. It -is this in substance: That the merchants of the county give the preference as far as they can to home made supplies, in the matter of hams, bacon, lard, syrup, meal, grits, butter &c., over like goods brought from other States, and that the non producers who have to buy their food supplies purchase the county raised produce in preference to similar articles from the North and West. He says that if those having a sur plus of foods products can and will sell to the merchants at the same prices paid for imported goods good home mar kets can be opened in every town in this section of the State that will put and keep money in circulation, and show that everything does not come ou of the cotton basket." u Quiet in Wilmington. A Washington gentleman just return ed from Wilmington, N. C., says there is nothing whatever in existing condi tions to recall the race troubles of two months ago. "The city," said he. "is orderly, and even in the country round about there is no trace of ill-feeling. Mayor Waddell is conducting munici pal affairs admirably, and has the sup port of all the people. The blacks re pose confidence in him, and are show ing the utmost respert for the law. A Negro cake walk was announced the other day, and tne Negroes generally are en-joying themselves and on good terms with their neighbors. There is no lingering bitterness anywhere to be found. There were fewer arrests in Wilmington during the holidays than in any ether city in the country." Washington Post. All Relations Severed. The North Carolina grand lodge of Masons have severed all fraternal re lations with the grand lodge of the state of Washington because of its admission of a Negro from Illinois as a Mason, which the grand lodge of North Caroli n i declares to be a violation of the land marks of masonry recognizing Negro lodges. This step was taken, it was stated, not in anger but in pain. Don't grumble, but go to work and make a succass of your undertakings THE MESSAGE. Gov. Ellerbe Gives His Views on Various Matters. WANTS BIENNIAL SESSIONS. The Governor Recommends Sev eral Things that the Legis lature Ought to Adopt as They Are Right. Governor Ellerbe's annual message was read to the general assembly last week. The following is a synopsis of the more important matters treated in the message: FINANCES. The Governor says the finances of the State are still in an unsatisfactory condition. Every obligation of the State has been promptly met; but, to do this, the State Treasurer has over drawn, for small amounts, upon various banks in which State funds have been deposited. The State of South Caro lina should always be in a position to meet' current expenses without the ne cessity of overdrafts upon banks. To do this, it is evident that one of two things will have to be done: either the appropriations will have to be cut down, or the tax levy raised. Only $23,522.64 have been paid du ring the year into the State Treasury from the phosphate mining industry. Mr. James Reid is due the State $2,860.00 royalty on phosphate rock which he has mined. The Attorney General has instituted proceedings against him, and all of his personal and real property has been attached. CONFEDERATE RECORDS. At the last session of the General Assembly, $500 were appropriated for the completion of the Confederate rolls. Col. Joun P. Thomas, Confederate His torian reports that the rolls have been completed, but the history has not been written. In my last Message I made the following recommendation. "It is the duty of the State to pre paie an historical account of the part taken by the commands from this State in the great civil war, and to complete the rolls. I, therefore, urge that pro vision be made for carrying on this work. To insure completion, I recom mend that a sum be appropriated suf ficient for carrying out this undertaking, and I suggest, as an inducement to its completion. that while sufficient money may be allowed -monthly for current expenses, the major portion be paid only upon the completion and accep tance of the work as now mapped out." If this recommendation had been adopted, the entire work might have been c )mpleted, for the Historian could easily have written the history and col lected the missing rolls, if he had been authorized or required to do so. BIENNIAL SISSIONS. Only eight States of the Union hold annual sessions of their Legislatures, and it seems a most desirable policy for our own State. Each session of our General Assembly cost about fifty thou sand dollars. We have too much legis lation, and consequently too many laws. Biennial sessions, limited to-forty days, would be ample for due consideration of all matters pertaining to legislative business. I therefore recommend that an amendment to the Constitution of the State, looking to the establishment of biennial sessions of the General As sembly, be submitted to the people. Members of the Legislature would then be selected for a term of four years. This very desirable action on the part of the voters would result in a saving of twenty-five thousand dollars a year and this and other good reasons will commend the measure to the people of the State. After some suggestions as to election of offcers by the Legislature and the hiclding of courts the Governor takes up the subject of LYNCHING. He says during the last several years there has been an apparently increas ing disposition among us to attempt the righting of real or supposed wrongs by the law-breaking practice of lynching, and suggests this as a remedy: See to it, as conservators of the peace of the State, as makers of its laws, as the uardians of its sacred honor, that its aws are so enacted and so administered that conviction and punishment shall follow critne with the certainty that inks effects to causes. He also says the offcers of the law must be chosen for probity and for courage: and it should become of itself a high crime id misdemeanor for sheriff or consta le to allow a prisoner to be taken iby volence from his hands, even though is own blood should have to be shed o protect the criminal. That an offier harged 'with the duty of holding and f protecting a prisoner should suffer im to be seized and snatched from the ands of the representative of the State's power and sovereignty should onstitute forfeiture in itself of his offce, for it is confession of indisposi ion or of inability to perform the high uty committed to him. Such officers will never correct lawlessness, for they re either in sympathy with it or they re afraid of it. As an. additional easure of restraint, it would be well tand I recommend, that any county in which the crime of~ lynching is com mitted shall be liable, to'- the heirs of he victim of the lynchers, in the sum f five thousand dollars. and that men who shall he convicted of participation n lynching shall be deprived of the ight to vote or hold office in this State. OUR EDUCATIONAL sYSTEM. The Governor says the colleges of the State are in fine condition and are doing xcellent work. The oldest of them, he South Carolna College. has 180 tudents, and as able a faculty as can e found in the South. It has fully re overed from the depression of a few ears ago, and is now continually in reasing its patronage, and widening its nfluence. Its affairs are administered with judgment and economy. It entire y deserves the patronage and support >four people. The South Carolina Military Acade y, as you will see from the report of ts Board, is doing efficiently the work xpected of it. The severe experience n maintaing discipline through which t was forced to pass last session has discharge most responsible and difficult duties with a courage and discretion that should commend them to their fel low-citizens. The State's newer institutions of learning, Clemson and Winthrop Col leges, are in flourishing condition; their faculties are full, and their patronage is large. These colleges are justifying the wisdom of their establishment by meet ing a need not met by any other educa tional institution in the State. They are giving practical and to some extent liberal education to a large number of boys and girls who would hardly be found in the halls of the other colleges in the State. Their patronage seems to be up to their capacity of accommoda tion and instructien. The amounts asked for by these vari ous colleges are reasonable, and are necessary for their efficient operation. I therefore recommend that the appro priations asked for by these various in stitutions be in each case appropriated by the General Assembly. I am informed by the State Superin tendent of Education that the public school system of our State has shown steady growth and improvement during the past. year. There has been a marked increase in the professional spirit of teachers, a deeper interest on the part of the public in the welfare of the schools, and a greater activity in pro viding better school accommodations. These are hopeful indications. The Governor recommends that $30, 000 of the Privilege Tax on Fertilizers be appropriated to Clemson College, and that $30,000 of the balance of said privilege tax fund be appropriated to Winthrop College; provided, however, that provision be made to supplement the appropriation to Winthrop College from the general treasury, in case the amount received by the State from the Privilege Tax on Fertilizers is less than $60,000. PENSIONS. This State is now paying out annual ly in pensions to Confederate soldiers the sum of $100,000. No amount that the , people could afford would be too much to dispense to worthy and needy men who risked all for the cause they held sacred and became by this service incapacitated for self-support. But the greatest care should be taken that such funds be properly distributed. and that the State do not attempt more in this direction than is absolutely. de manded by the exigencies of the case. We have a notable object-leisson in the abuses of the national system of pen sions to warn us to use the utmost cir cumspection. Our own system of pensions is in need of changes and reforms. It is ex pensive and cumbersome, and too open to those solicitations of influence and favoritism that invite abuses and en courage extravagance. The system should be simplified, and its regulations and restrictions be made strict and even rigorous. The township and county boards should be abolished and applica tion for pensions made to the State Board. The sum now expended in this way, $100,000, is more than the State can afford, and more than is required to atisfy the just demands upon .this fund. This money is now being to in discriminately distributed, with loss to the State and with ;,justice to some beneficiaries and favoritism to others. Many undeserving people are drawing pensions from the State, and many needy and deserving veterans are forced to go without. The- pension lists of this State should be purged and every beneficiary cut off from them who does not show that he i.' so incapacitated to provide for himself and so dependent on his own labor as to be evidently a worthy object of this public charity. If these necessary measures are taken, $50,000 will do more real good than $100,000 are now doing, and the State will be saved wasteful expense, while the needy and the worthy will reap, as they were intended to do, the benefits of this fund. I recommend that the pension list be purged, that $50,000 only be appropri ted for pensions the coming year, and that steps be taken to insure the proper istribution of this amount. HOSPITAL FOR THE INSAE. The Governor says unless the General Assembly shall at once take measures to purge the hospital of idiots, imbe iles, and harmless patients who should be in the poor heuses, and unless they shall also correct the abuse of the State's charity by personis now taking advantage of the loose administration o the laws governing the admission of atients to the hospital, it will immedi tely become necessary to make further provisionin the way of accommodations, ppliances and nurses and physicians for the increasing number of patients now crowding to the hospital. If, how ver, you will, by stringent enactments, revent the further commitment of per ons not entitled to treatment in the ospital, and will order the discharge f those now there who are not legally etitled to this aid, the present build igs and force will afford accommoda ion and attention for some years to ome for all who should be received nto the institution. JUVENILE REFORMATORY. At the last session of the General Absen bly, a resolution was passed au horizing the Governor to appoint a ommission, composed of five members, o investigate and report on the prac icability and advisability of the State's stablishing a Reformatory for Youth ul Criminals. In obedience to this esolution. I have appointed a commis ~ion, consisting of the following gentle nen: Messrs. L. D. Childs, C. C. rown, Richard Carroll, John Kershaw d R. Means Davis. This commission, ifter sending one of their number, Rev. . C. Brown, to visit the Reformatory t Elmira, New York, and after thor ugh investigation, the commission ~ubmit~s a report in which they recoin nend the establishment of a juvenile eformatory fo'r colorea youths. The lovernor endorses the recommendation a the commission and says such a Re ~ormatory might well be located upon ands belongigt th State. This ~ould be done with but little expense to axpayers, by using convict labor to ake brick and to erect the necessary uildings. The plantation owned by :he State, known as the "Lexington arm," containing 400 acres, about five niles from Columbia, affords a suitable ite for the location of such a reforma ory. MI53:LLANEOU-S. I call attention to the Report of the Ldjutant and Inspe.:tor General. The nilitia df the State need to be reorgan ed. The present disorganized cqndi tion is caused by a large number of the State militia entering the service of the United States in obedience to the Pres ident's call for volunteers. I recommend that all persons selling cotton seed meal in the State, either as cattle food or as fertilizer, be required to pay the privilege tax. The finances of the Penitentiary are in a healthful condition. The low price of cotton has decreased the profits from the State Farm, but the institution is more than self-sustaining and will pay $10,000 into the State Treasury. During the past year an epidemic of smallpox swept through the State, greatly alarming and inconveniencing the people in some sections. At my request, the State Board of Health took the matter in hand, and endeavor ed to stamp out the disease where i had appeared, and to prevent its spread ing to other localities. In their work, however,. they were hampered for want of necessary authority to deal with the situation. There are several cases of smallpox now in Sumter County, which could have been easily handled if the State Board of Health could have com manded funds to carry on their work; this they did not have, a3 the emergen cy fund had been exhausted. The powers of the Board should be enlarged. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, let me impress upon you that the past year has been one of unusual financial stringency. The pe: ple generally are hard pressed to make a living, and many of them are not able to pay their taxes. As guardians of the public weal and conservators of the prosperity of the commonwealth, it behooves you to take every possible measure to insure economical and care ful expenditure of the hard-won funds that the slim resources of the State Treasury place at your commane. Da ring the recent campaign you pledged yourself, as legislative aspirants, to economical administration of public af fairs, and to reduction of txpenses. We all preached economy then; we must practice it now. I have pointed out various and practicable methods of reducing expenditures. I trust these recommendations may meet your appro val and secure your.-upport. If you will adopt these recommendations, you can reduce the tax levy without at all impairing the efficiency of the public service. I can only recommend and advise; you alone have the power to act. I leave these important matters, with all their burden of responsibility, in your hands, feeling confident that you will endeavor to discharge your re sponsible duties with earnestness and fi delity. Itis my desire this session, as last, to co-operatewith yourrespectivebodiesand members, in forwarding the interests of our mother State and improving the con dition of her people, and especially in lightening the onerous burdens of the taxpayers, and-this behalf I shall be glad at all times to consult with you as committeemen and as members. OUR BOYS IN CUBA. Col Jones Writes of His Men of Whom He is Rroud. Headquarters Second S. C. V. I. "Camp Columbia," Habana, Cuba, ,Jarfary 9, 1899. Tc the editor of The State: In order that the people o' our State may know how the Second South Caro lia regiment is getting on over here in Cuba, I have concluded that I would write you a short letter. We have to day 861 men in camp, none sick except a few with mumps. We are all most agreeably surprised in every .say. The country is a great surprise to us all. It looks like a paradise. The roses and fo liage are most beautiful.- The water is splendid-almost as good as the water at Savannah, which is the finest I ever drauk. All the people t.re friendly to us and I do not see the need of keeping troops here another day. Many men of the regiment say they wish to remain in Cuba the balance of their lives, as they think they can make more money here than at home. We had a hard voyage over because we were put on a cattle transport with400 mules and horises and were very much crowded. A great many of my men were seasick, but If managed to escape it and I never felt better in my life than I do now. I have never seen this regiment in better spirits orin better health than it is to-day and I pray good health may continue. We are kindly treated by Gen. Lee and our other superior officers. Thre weather is guite warm in the day but cool at night. We have had but one rain, but it was a trash mover and our tentsleaked very badly. I am doing all in my humble power to keep the regiment in good shape and trust I may succeed. I am 'atisfied we will have no fighting at all to do and I believe in two months we will be sent home. Yours truly, Wilie Jones. Colonel Second S. C. V. I. The weather is about as warm as it is in August at home and the natives all rear sammer clothes. I have not seen t chimney since I landed in Cuba and I tm told there are none at all. I do not snow where the smoke goes when they :ook. When the regiment received or iers to embark for Cuba not a single nan deserted, but all obeyed most ~heerfully the order. John Gary Evan's Place. Senor Perfecto Lacoste, who was >resident of the Havana Junta Patriot ca, will be appointed alcalde, or nayor, of Havana by Maji. Gen. Lud aw, Military Governor of the depart neat of Havana. Senor Lacoste is a ealthy planter, popular among all :lasses of Cubans and a resident of Ha rana. The Cuban general, Mario Me iocal, will be chief of police, and Col. . G. Evans, of the South Carolina vol. inteers, former Governor of South Car >lina, and now one of Gen. Ludiow's taff officers, will be appointed superin endent of the department of corrections, ~mbracing the police, the minor Courts ad the correctional institutions. The Bravest Woman. The St. Paul Globe thinks the bra ~st woman of the year is Mrs. Lucinda ~eese. of Brazil. Ind., who has asked or a divorce, ten thousand dollars all nony and the custody of her fourteen -hildren.__________ BRvAN is a level headed statesman. .nd occupies a more prominent posi ion in the eyes of the people today han he evr did. STATES FINANCES. The Annual Report of the Comp troller General. THE STATE'S EXPENSES. Some Interesting Facts and Fig ures Published for the Bene. fit of the Taxpayers of the State. Comptroller General Derham has is sued his annual report. This has been a long and tedious job, preparing ithe facts and figures from his office, but it has been done. The introduction to the tabulated report contains much that will be of interest. It reads as follows: To the Honorable General Assembly of .the State of South Carolina. As required by law I submit here with the annual report of this officeor the year ending Dec. 31, 1898. This report shows in the State treasury a cash bal ance of ..............$A5 0 Less warrants issued by comptroller general and - not paid by State tress urer at the close of busi ness, Dec. 31, 1898.. 10890 69 Leaving a cash balance as shown by the comptrol ler general's books. .$A39,786 Less funds not available for general expenses of the State government: Sinking fund for reduction (State debt).........$127322.5 Sinking fund commission.. 2,72v Special. dispensary school - fund............ ... . 607000 Permanent State school fund................1 1 I 0~' Dispensary. 56 258 Direct tax fund, intereat and penalty:.......... 8,05483 Privilege tax...........2580:50 Morrill fund...... ......865J Clemsonbequest......... ,320AG Redemption brown consols. 4,61386 Redemption deficiency bond and stocks ............. 29636 $3102 90-9 Cash available for State. purposes............129.403 . Of this amount the State is due the following Due for borrowed money. .$ 20,0000 County auditors and tres urers............ ..'2235 Public piinting....... Winthrop Norma and In- . dustrial college schola ships......... .. Pensions............. Balance due <inty audi tor, Charleston....... 503 Balance due county audi tor, Kershaw......... 100 $ 29,176 Cash balance actually avail able for expenses State government.........100,33581 $129',503 47 l'o thisamount of.......$100,335 81 Add uncollected State taxes 1899, estimated.......590 00Q00 Insurance licenses comp troller general's ofiee.. 12,50000 Additionol insurance li enses............... 7,500 00. Fees secretary of state's offe........ ........ 4,000 00 T'otal amount from all sources............$714,335 81 The estimated expenses for the. State; overnmerit for 1899 are $821,339 92, eaving a balance of $87,204 11 to be aid from the taxes of 1899. There has been very little falling of n the value of taxable property of this State as shown by the abstracts from he different counties on file in this >ffce. Toasts the President? General Maximo Gemez has been en husiastically feted in the towns he has risited in Cuba. Triumphal arches, iscribed "Vive, Liberating Ary" and expressing gratitude to the Uie States, were erected. At a breakfast t Caibarien, given by the Spanish res dents, General Gomez toasted Presi ent McKinley. General Gomes will robably -proceed to Santa Clara -stop ping at intermediate towns. .He has een invited to visit towns in all parts f the island and receives many gifs. L'he general is understood to be h'urt at he fact that the United Staes govern ent offiials are not noticing him and re not inviting him to Havana.. Al hough he safs nothing on the subject iimself, regarding his feelings, his in imate friends are aware that he expec ~ed different treatment. -Old Tom Mackey. A dispatch from Charleston W. Va., ays: Judge Thoma/'Jefferson Mackey, he South Carolina jurist, who was in ited at the November term of the ~ircuit court in this county on the -harge of bigamy, left here this morn ng in company with Deputy Sheriff . C. Young and his counsel, Cleon doore, for Martinsburg. W. Va., where e was admitted to bail before Judge aulkner. He married Miss Katherine >orte field. daiugl ter of Col. G. A. >orterfild. ca-hier of the Bank of Jharleston, in July last, and a few reeks after a w >man claiming to be his awful wife turned up in New York.,~ ~he sued him for a divorce, which has een granted in that place, and now he ill be remarried to Miss Porterfield. he license having been issued Friday. A Souvenir. Mrs. Hamilton Fish,of New York gave s5 Christmas gifts to the Rough Riders andsome pocket knives in fine cases, hich in turn were inclosed in chamois kin covers. On one side of each knife s a silver plate inscribed with the ameof the recipientand theline "Sou enir of Sergeant Hamilton Fish." What the world needs to-day is great oral, spiritual and intellectual leac' rs who will lead the people upward nd onward in the direction of a better