Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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-x*' '.c -' * '. -,-r '" . . .' ^ %- . / ' . i s;";V. MESSAGE OF I GOVERNOR m ? fr _ Principal Features of Chief Executive's RecommenSJsv 1 dations to the South Carolina Legis H Vr ' lature. g&-*t . . sk :-k The principal features of Governor Hey ward's message to the state legis* ' V lature are as follows: U . Financial CoiktAion of the State. For a number of years past the 'vr: state has been under the necessity of ?>, borrowing money to meet its current expenses. Tne amount borrowed has 1. been annually increasing, until last Eg* year the State Treasurer was comlllv1*'' P?N?d to borrow the sum of $500,000. ffit The reason for this increase lies in the fact that since the year 1900 the expenditures of the state have annuls^ .* ally exceeded the revenue. V In this connection I beg to call your gp-: attention to an article of the constitu^ ' tion: "The general assembly shall proj&J'' Tide for an annual tax sufficient to a?/' '' defray the estimated expenses of the state for each year, and wl^ lever it r*-,. , shall happen that the ordinary' exRaj penses of the state for any year shall <ftftft?no nf tVi a at of a frtf CALC^U U1U iuwm? vi bMg WM??V AVIP? such year, the general assembly shall W - provide tor levying a tax for the enigfk fining year sufficient, with other sources of income, to pay the deflv ciency of the preceding year, together with the estimated expenses of the ; ensuing year."?Article 10, section 2.) Had this provision of the constitution been observed in the past, as it should have been, the state would not now be in its present financial condiU tloct, and I deem it needless to impress ; upon you the mandatory terms <5f this ^provision. k' This serious status of affairs calls | for prompt and efficient action. It is your paramount duty to meet this obk ligation and to discharge your duty by earnestly seeking to remedy a condition . which has reached a point where action cannot longer be evaded or dis;; regarded. You are the sworn representatives of the people, and upon yon alone devolves the duty and re?ponsibility of squarely meeting this unhealthy condition in the most important 'denartment of our government. I In reference to the curtailment of expenditures, I am still of the opinion that they cannot be materially reduced, for the reason that the exigencies arising from the material growth and the political conditions of our state are such as will not justify any appreciable decrease. It is, therefore, clearly manifest that our revenue must be increased; and, as I have said, this can be done in one of three ways. One of these propositions?a license tax?has already been adopted, but, as has been shown, this does not meet the requirements of the situation. The other two alternatives remain; to increase the property assessment or to raise the tax levy. Assessment of Property. In reference to - Increasing the assessment, and as to the machinery for accomplishing this, I beg to refer you to the report of the Comptroller General. As will be seen by this report, the Comptroller General believes that our present assessment laws are sufficient, if properly enforced, and suggests in what waj> they can be enforced. The Income Tax Law. The income tax law is practically disregarded throughout the state, the only exception of importance being Richland county for the past year. The entire receipts from the tax go into the state treasury for state purposes and better provision should be made for the enforcement of this law ?lito in ell mnntlM Sinking Fund. ffe;- The assets of these several funds Ippr. on December 31, 1904, are as follows: % '- V, Cumulative s'^king fund (for reduc* tlon any payment of South Carolina v Brown 4 1-2 per cent'bonds), $527,^ ' 248.59. Ordinary sinking fund, $64,* 109.88, of which'.$2,936.73 belong to escheats and $61,173.15 to the ordinary J'* sinking fund proper. Sinking fund for i%:; ; insurance of public buildings, $16,f^ ; 471.62. Revenue Bond Scrip. " On December 19, 1904. tfie supreme ?>; court of the United States affirmed vi ' the decision of the United States cirJ; . cuit court in the case of Lee ^ ^ against Robinson, and declared the |p revenue bond scrip of this state to be void. Under the act of March 2, 1872, ,800.000 of this scrip was issued, "V and since the year of its issue its va\ lidity has constantly been before the courts. Bv this decision the state is forever relieved of the liability to redeem the $1,800,000 of scrip outstandt' ing and a menace to her finances has 'fl been removed. Educational Institutions. I am deeply gratified to report to 5 your honorable body that during the past year the great cause of education has continued to advance in our state. No greater nor more all-important cause can demand our thought, our t: care and our best energies. In all . lines, material and industrial, as a state, we have prospered, and to htiow that our <ommon schools and our higher institutions of learning reflect this pv fe': V? v-*&r \ f . ~ ? . . - ' ; .v , d progress and prosperity in the highest,! best and most important interests ot! a commonwealth, should be, as it is,! a source of pride and of pleasure to : us all. Time, labor and money spent ' for the purpose of educating our chil- I dren yields a return than which there j is none greater. Ignorance is an evil j which we cannot afford to permit?it ! is a crime against the future, and to ! get rid of this deplorable condition j would be money well spent at almost any cost. The spirit manifested by [ I f-l-io maccifio nf nnr npnnlp nil nvep 'thp ! luv '"w ~' I state is a safe guarantee of the hope that the future will continue to reveal progress and even greater success in this all-iraport:\nt cause. Common Schools. In reference to the condition of the I common schools of the state, I would i respectfully refer to the full and pains- i taking details which are presented in ; the report of our state superintendent of education. This report shows an in- i creased attendance, and also shows j that twency districts at your last ses- j slon secured the passage of special i acts to issue bonds for the purpose of I building new school houses. In this report is included tne statement that j a very large number of school districts have levied special taxes. It J is gratifying to note that the school terms ace gradually being increased, with larger salaries paid to teachers, which, in my opinion, is most necessary and important. South Carolina College. I take it for granted that tne mem- j bers of the general assembly are j .aware of the fact that for some time j on nrTjntclA mrnvomant VlBR hPMl I steadily in progress looking toward a change in the organization of this institution. In consequence of this movement application will be made to you at this session to grant to the South Caroliha College the title and charter of the ; State University. The trustees, the [ faculty an.i the alumni of the college j believe the time has come for en- j larging tho sphere of usefulness of | this venerable seat of learning. I heartily favor the proposed plan and think the time most propitious for this state to re-establish this college upon a university basis. Compulsory Education. The peopie ofvthis state have for i .some year past shown an increasing disposition to tax themselves for the j support of their educational institu-! tions. Especially is this true where ! our common schools are concerned. By this willingness is shown a growing realization of the fact that a statecan do nothing better for the protection of its highest and truest interests than by educating its children. Agriculture, Commerce and Immigration. It Is with a great deal of pleasure j that I commend to your careful consideration the full and admirable report of the commissioner of agriculture, commerce and immigration. This ! report shows, beyond any question, the urgent need for such a department. Among many most interesting statistics the all important statement that, of the 19,308,800 acres of land included within the area of the state, only 5,775,741 acres are under cultivation?this one pregnant statement j should awaken your zeal and stimu- j late you in supporting this depart-= ment, which already shows a record i sv? J v/jl nui& cviiu icsuius. In advocating the establishment of this department in my last annual message I did so after the most careful consideration, being prompted to do so because of the belief that our j state, with its great undeveloped re* | sources, was sorely in need of an of- j eial move in this direction. J South Carolina, by the establish-; ment of this department, has become pioneer Southern state in developing ; its agricultural and commercial re ! sources by means of immigration from other States and from abroad, and this ! fact has already won for us wide-; spread recognition. The Militia 0f the State. Your attention is invited to the re-' ports of Adjutant General Frost and Lieutenant Colonel Ezra B. Fhiller of the United States army, which con tain many valuable facts for your con-1 sideration in reference to the state mi- i litia. Upon my request Colonel Ftiller j was detailed by the war department ; to report for duty, to act in co-operation with the adjutant general in pro- ! moting the efficiency of our state I troops. The services of this officer have been most valuable, and the military branch of our government has I been materially aided by his work. The Dispensary Problem. Last year I purposely refrained from i making any recommendations in ref- i erence to the dispensary. My reason ; for this was that I had not then had j sufficient time to* familiarize myself i with the practical workings of the system. I have since had more op- \ pprtunity to study some of the more 1 important details regarding the management of this institution and for this < reason I beg to submit for your consideration changes which I am con- j strained to think will be improve* ! ments. To properly regulate and control the ; sale of licuor has alwavs been a nnes. tion most difficult of solution. Theo-: ries upon this subject, whenever and | wherever tested, always become difficult problems when their practical c-n- ^ forcement as laws, or regulations, are j attempted. No liouor law has ever yet i been devised which, in its general operation, has given entire satisfaction. South Carolina is the first and only state that has attempted to solve this i problem under such state control as is j. >' ;v v ' . >V ; Included In our present dispensary J law. In spite of the fact that this t law has many strong points which - ? A - " UK* A /V** M ATV* . commenci )c HIUOL nui3.uij amuug being, in may opinion, the fact that it has decreased drunkenness, it is also true that, like other laws, it has its imperfections. I am convinced thai if this system can be properly regulated it will be one of the best solutions of the liquor question. If not properly managei and controlled, its usefulness will be at an end. The recommendations which I shall make will be submitted with a view solely to improve the system, and to place all i available, legal restraints around the | sale and use of liquors. The County Boards. I respectfully recommend that the various county boards of control should be appointed by the state board of directors. Two members of this board to be appointed upon the recom-1 mendation of the legislative delega- | tions, the other member upon the nomination of the mayor of the coun- ! ty seat. It should be the duty of i these countv boards to endorse orders j filed witfi the state commissioner, by ; county dispensers, for such supplies as J may be needed for their respective dispensaries, naming brands and amounts required. Removal of Dispensaries. At vni'r last sA?inn thpro Tvn.fi pti- : acted a la** giving to counties which desire prohibition the right by a uaority vote to close their dispensaries, and upon the taxable property of all counties so voting that it was required that there bo levied an annual tax or j one-half of ime mill, th'is tax to be ex- j pended by* the governor in enforcing the law, should the local authorities fail to do so. Objection has been made to this law on account of the tax imposed, it being contended that it is in the nature of a penalty, its effect being to deter people frdm voting for the removal of dispensaries. I do not agree with this view. If prohibition be substituted for the dispensary law, then prohibition should be enforced, and when this cannot be done through the sentiment of the people, expens.e must certainly be incurred. 9 The Dispensary in Charleston. There arc few in Charleston who favor the dispensary, which, although it has, been in operation for more than a decade, is strongly opposed, and has made but few converts. There are tuose ?n unarieston wuo iavor its enforcement because it is the law, and in my efforts to enforce it I have been accorded by them a strong moral support, for jrhich I am deeply grateful. The, location of the city, with its extensive water front; the inafciK Ity of the constables to make seizures before shipments are delivered to the consignee; the large number of places where liquor is illegally sold; these and many others make a combination of difficulties which it seems impossible to overcome. Trials by juries, have proven ineffectual, and the resources of the law have been appealed to, time and again, but the illegal sale of liquor continues. In giving information concerning the condition of the state, as I am required to do, I have thought it best to state these facts to you plainly. It is my conviction that this is also a part of my duty, and. though for many reasons I would prefer not to do so, the situation has been brought to your attention. Lawlessness in the State. At the last session of your body, I sent a special message upon the subjects of lynching and lawlessness.This I conceived to be my duty at the time, and I regret to add that subsequent developments have not changed my opinion. So important should be the consideration given to this subject that I must again bring the matter to your attention. I am convinced that this matter should rezeive more consideration chan was given to at your last session. There is nothing so important to any state as to have its laws proply respected, nothing which strikes deeper at the roots of its civilization man to Lavo these laws disregarded. It is absolutely necessary that all crimes, of whatever nature, should be punished through the legal channels?through this source, and through this source alone. The power and majesty of the law should be brought to bear, as far as possible, upon lynching for any and for all crimes. There is no alternative. The Use of Troops. I readily1 recognize the fact that occasions sometimes arise when the use of troops is necessary, but I am equally sure that the growing tendency to ask for such assistance should be stopped. Offenders should be made to understand the fact that no expense will be spared to bring them to punishment. I asked last year for a special fund to suppress lynching, and though none was provided I felt it my duty, nevertheless, to make an attempt, in each and every lynching that has occurred, to uphold the dignity of the state in endeavoring to bring the offenders to justice. In order to effect this I have had to exceed my contingent fund, as I will explain in a special message. I feel sure that money so expended was well used and will do much to uphold law and or?r> Rrmt-'h Pornlino A sno/iiol UVA J?1 V/4IMM, /T? Opv. Vial V.VU tingent fund, to be used for this purpose by the governor, is, in my opinion, p. necessity, and I recommend, therefore that yon appropriate such an amount as you may deem proper, to be so used. Two Additional Judicial Circuits, j Among the measures which I urged ' ' - - . .-V-T -' - * >*&$& * .- ."- - tf. * - ./. * : . . > * .\ *:, i ' _ c at your las; session was the recommendation that you should abolish the ; act providing for special courts, and that two additional circuits should be established. I am impressed, more ' than ever, with the necessity for the adoption of this recommendation. The State Penitentiary. In reference to the condition of the ! penitentiary I would refer you to the ; reports of the superintendent and the board of directors. During the past i two years I have availed myself of j opportunities to observe this institution closely, and am glad to say that . it is excellently managed. The convicts are well treated and the disci- i pline is equal to that of any similar j institution. The health of the inmates, with the exception of some cases of tuberculosis?many of which ! were contracted before the convicts : were committed?has been excellent during the past year. Necessity of Good Roads. Last year, in my message, I felt it necessary to dwell at some length : upon the rubject of our public high-i ways, and I recommended such legis- ' lation as would give the counties the i right, by majority vote, either to is-! sue bonds or to Jevy an annual tax for road improvement. No action was ; taken trpon this important matter and I now renew my former recommendation. : This is a subject of the utmost importance to all the people?a subject in which is included much more than ; the improvement of our roads. The benefits to be derived, from any point j of view, ere numerous and strong busi ness considerations make it impera-; tiye that this valuable work should be properlv attended to. Confederate Pensions. The largest appropriation made by your body is for the care of ihe Confederate veterans. This amount seems large when compared with the total appropriation, but when viewed in another light we cannot but feel that we would like to do much more for the old soldiera who in years* that have gone did .so much for their state and their country. The total number of pensioners on the rolls this year was 8,554, and $197,309.42 was the amount distributed among them. The law, generally speaking, is working satisfac torily, but in reference to certain classifications it is believed that Improvement can be made, and the comptroller general will specifically direct your attention to the proposed changes. Anything pertaining to the proper care of the veterans of the- Confederacy will, I.am sure, have your most thoughtful consideration. We owe them a deep and lasting debt of gratitude, and to care for those who, in their old age and declining days, need this care, should be, as it is, a privilege and one of the first duties of our people. i Biennial Sessions. At your preceding session an amendment to the constitution providing for biennial sessions of youi* body having been agreed upon, it was submitted to the qualified electors of the state at the general election, a majority of whom voted in favor of this amendment Believing as I do that biennial sessions will afTord all necessary legislation, and will result in a re trenchment of expenses, I trust you will ratify this vote in order that the amendment may become effective. * Conclusion. In as brief space as possible, I have endeavored to give to you information concerning the most important departments of our state government, and i have made for your consideration such recoihmendations as appear to me to be necessary and important. I rejoice to add that progress and prosperity continue to bless us with the uplifting influences that come from the earnest labors of a united people. The welfare of South Carolina is largely in your keeping, and much hope for her future will depend upci^ the results of your deliberations. There was once ' t temple erected with no sounds of the tools of labor, with no confusion of haste and disorder, without noise a*41 strife. Imbued with this spirit, with united zeal and devotion may you auit yourselves like men; mav your deliberations add to the upbuilding of our commonwealth; may they contribute to the reign of law and order, to th? peace and happiness of our people, f Ti to the dipnStv and hon~r of oi:r st-t.o. D. C. HE'YWARD. Governor a DUKE S SPOUSE SKIPS OUT. Says She Is "Hounded to Death" and Wants to Get Away. A New York dispatch says: After Mrs. Erodie L. Duke had suddenly disappeared from the Union Square hotel Monday, a.woman' who said she was Mirs. Duke, called at that hotel by telephone and notified the manage* ment that she had left New Yorlr city. When asked why she had left the hotel so suddenly she declared t^at "she had been hounded to death and wanted to get away." WARRANT AWAITS WOMAN. Indictment Stands Against Mrs. Bre- j die Duke in Texas. A special from Nacogdoches, Texas, j says: Indictments charging Charles F. Taylor and Ailce L. Webb, now Mrs. Brodie L. E/uke, with swindling, have been made public. These true bills were returned last September, and have been kept in readiness by the sheriff awaiting the return of either or both of them to the state. .'.v . -r-: , , r-'. v's.- ' v - . ' ... - .1 TRIUMPHAL ENTRY Of Jap Forces Into Shell Riddled Port Arthur. I WRECK AND RUIN GALORE' Stocssel's Soldiers Bitterly Avsr That Surrender Was Unnecessary, as There Were 31,000 Heroes Left to Defend Place. I According to Associated Press dispatches from Port Arthur the victorious Japanese army formally entered Port Arthur Sunday. General Nogi with his staff entered first through the old town and took his stand on the public square of the new town. i The army was represented by one ! regiment from each brigade. The procession, which was five miles long, was three hours in paas: ing the saluting base, after which the troops passed out of the city through the new town. % - j The correspondents then visited the j captured c?ty for the first time. The old town buildings were badly i smashed by shells, but in the new j town the damage was slight. .All the i shipping in the harbor was badly damaged by shell fire, the warships being practically useless, owing to the injuries they had sustained by shells. Proposals for the surrender of Port Arthur were first made December 29 at a council of war.- General Stoessel was in favor of surrender, hut some of the general officers were bittertv opposed to it The regimental officers and the troops were not consulted The first news they had of the stirrender was on January 1, after Gen- . eral Stoessel had communicated with the Japanese. The scenes following the surrender were disgraceful. Drunken soldiers filled the streets and refused to obey their officers. Many of them destroyed the guns upon the positions they had defended and came into the city without permission. ..The infantry loudly protested that the fortress had been given away. They threw their rifles and ammuni-; tion into the harbor and proceeded to break into warehouses and loot and drink vodka until in a helpless condition. % Surrender Net Necessary. It was evident that the surrender was not necessary, as there were 31,000 effective men in the fortress. The supply of ammunition was short, but it was not exhausted. Food was scarce, but private stores wero not requisitioned by the military. There is no difficulty in governing now. The portion of the fortress was capable of defense for months longer. The troops were willing and able to fight to the bitter end. General Stoessel was much blamed for what was characterized as a disgraceful j conclusion of a splendid defense which ended with the death of Major General Kondratenko, who was loved by the soldiers, and was the life of the defense. Memorial services were held 'during the day in honor of the spirits of the Japanese dead upon the plain north of the village of Shuisbi, a short distance from Port Arthur. Regiments representing the entire Japanese army were present. A shrine was erected on the crest of a small hill and the troops form^j a circle around it. General Nogi and his staff were present. Lunch was served afterward'in -ths open to all the officers present. It was a splendid spectacle. t * 1 ' Neck Broken by Folding Bed. While Mrs. 0. J. Townsend of Anderson. Ind., was making up a folding bed, It closed suddenly, breaking her neck. She died instantly. GLENN TAKES THE OATH. New Governor of North Carolina Formally Inaugurated at RaBelgh. R. B. Glenn of Winston was inaugurated Wednesday as governor of North Carolina, the exercises taking place in the Academy of Music at Raleigh, rain preventing the outdoor ?xer cises arranged at the capitol. The other state officers also took the oath of office which was administered by Chief Justice Clark. Es-Governoi Aycock, was wildly cheered as he introduced the r.ew governor. ^ f BANK SAFE UNYIELDING. Burgfar5 Make Fruitless Visit to Lafayette, Ala., Bank. The Bank of Lafayette, Ala., was entered by robbers last Sunday night. The vault door was tjown open and the burglars tried to blow open the safe containing about $20,000, but failed in the attempt. No money was secured by tho robbers. v.v J. ^ ' -; J-'\ V \ ; ' - : ' 1 FOB SAFETY OF CHINA . ' v Uncle Sam Will Use H's Good Offices?Russian Accusations Received at State Department. * ^ ; __________ A Washington special says: China'sattention has again been indirectly in- ^4 vited by the American government tothe necessity for a faithful maintenance of her neutrality, not only in. 23 her personal interest, but in the interest of the world's peace. Secretary Hay, * on the "receVt i of the full text of Count L&msdorf's <. note, expressing Russia's Relief that 1= China's neutrality had beep repeatedly violated, has prepared instructions for the American charge at Pekin, direct- vf ^ ing him to make inquiry of the Chi- ' nese government regarding the situation. *"/ ' ' . y:':% ,'r It is declared that this action cannot in any way be construed as indleating that this government assumes . responsibility for the charges* made by Russia. This government has * . received no information through it* ' ^ legation at Pekin, nor through the w ' v , rious American consulates in Chinar that the Chinese are violating., tho T>nlAa nf notifriils Mpvprfh^lfWR itt view of Russia's anxiety over Or? situation in China, which her investigation discloses, the American government is ready to do what it canr to save China and the other neutral powers from the far-reaching complications which would follow an ex$ens'on to Chinese territory of the zoneof hostilities. China is the one subject of convex ' sation in diplomatic circles. At thostate department Monday Sir Mortimer oJjfB Durand, the British ambassador, was among the earliest callers. He had ft long conversation with ^ Mr. LoomJs,. who is acting secretary of state, while Mr. Hay is confined to his boose by a cold. Shortly after Sir Mortimer left. Baron Bussche, the German charge d'affaires, saw Mr. Loomis for a" few minutes on the same subject. Later in the day came the Japanese minister. He , had, however, no communi- '. j cation from his government, although ' he was enabled to say very pcsltivelJ^^^B that Japan desires sincerely to adhere J ' to her agreement regarding China's^ . neutrality. Sir Chentung Liang Cheng, the v? Chinese minister, called on Secretary" Hay at his home. Although suffering from a cold, the secretary is keeping in close touch with the situation, and . I it can be stated that this government /,r by no means has abandoned the Bope that China may yet be saved from an extension of hostilities across the borders of Manchuria. The long heralded Russian note reached Secretary Hay from the Ras- , ; sian embassy -direct. The text of the Russian note is re- ,'v garded as confidential, and for this .' reason the state department has not- / ' made it pubHc. * In substance, however, the note : charges that the experience of the past eleven months has made it evident that China is either unable or ' ' | does not wish to adherfc to her given ,'Mf pledges; that It has been establishes that bodies of Chinese mounted ban- ; dits have operated on ' neutrah territory, and that they have been com- 1 manded by Japanese officers; also'- * that whole detachments of these bandits have been enrolled in the Japan- .J.ese army, and are receiving a regular remuneration from the government at Tokio in payment for their services, and that Japanese instructors havfe - . JJ been admitted all along to the Chi- 5> nese military service and accompany ' i the Chinese troops stationed on the northern border of the province of Chi Li, professedly for the purpose of maintaining neutrality. That it has been ascertained after careful inquiry that since the outbreak of the war the Japanese have ; used tne isian<is or Kiao ^rao as b, base for tbeir naval operations. That many importations have been ' made by the Japanese into Dalny without interferences; of contraband of war shipped from Cbefoo and other ports on the Chinese coast; also that the government factories at Hahyan " furnished iron ore to the Japanese for the use of their soldiers. STRIKE ON PANAMA CANAL. ^>1 -. Several Laborers Have Been Evicted from Company Houses. A dispatch from Colon says: The * strike of the St. Cristobal men ended '' Monday. The canal officials brought !lf|| in 120 laborers, chiefly Colombians, .v! from Panama and other points along ^ the line. These men temporarily are ; ~:1 receiving $1.50 silver per. day and also j^vr~J free quarters and food. Several striking laborers were evicted Satusday $?& evening from the canal commission's houses, but a large number have given . . ; v up the strike and are gradually resuming work. - 7 ' ? PAYING FOR FRIAR LANDS. More Than Half of the Seven Million* Appropriated Has Changed Hands. More than half of the $7,000,000 appropriated for payment of the friars' land in the Philippines has been pd& out to the Catholic orders and the^Otie to the land has passed to the Philippine government This money was disbursed through London banks.. ' ^