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Whit (Jajtwra ^dtvitifivi. yoL. xii ' lIulens. s. c, Tuesday, January 19, 1897. no. 30. ? A Review of the State's Con dition and Prospects. The Retiring Governor Makes a Fling at the Peniten tiary and the Farm er's College. His Farewell Address is Neither Graceful or Timely. Tlio following la tho principal por tion of the tnessago of Govornor Evans, relating to tho general affairs of tho State: FINANCE AND TAXATION. The finances of our State aro in hot ter condition than ever in our history. The State debt Is smaller and tho debt per capita has decreased from elovon dollars to four. Tho ^following tablo, taken from the Comptroller General's report, gives an idea of tho progress of the State: 1895?Acres of land returned, 18,073, 070; 1890?Acres of land returned, 18, 105,122; increase, 189?, .11,152. Total value, real estate. 1890, $100, 070 705; total value reul estate, 1895, $100,157,179; Increaso, 1890, $819,020. Value of porsonal property, 1890, $45,838,007; value of personal property, 1895, $44,494,110; increase, 18U0, $344, 4U7. Value of railroad proporty, 1890, $23. 940,102; value of railroad property, 1895, $23,797,053; increase, 1890, $142,510. Total taxable property, 18110, $170, 755.474; total taxable property, 1895, $109,448,941; increase, 1890, $1,300 533. Number of polls aesesed, 1890, 158 - 824; number of polls assessed, 1895, 152,783; increase, 1890, 0,041. Total Taxes, 1896? State, $708,425 15; county, $501, 01? 70; special county, $171,102.65: road, $35 538 00; special and local in count ies, $25,505.76; three mill sohool, $512, 283.42; special and local school, $84, 2U0.07; poll, $158,824.00; total, $2,317, 889 48 In making your supply bill for tho past year, you estimated that the dis pensary would pay into the State Treasury $190,000 in round numbers. Tho amount paid in was not available until October 1, 1890, and then only $25,000 per month. This, of courso, forced tho Treasurer and Governor to borrow an amount sufficient to cover tho deficit until the dispensary funds wore available. We accordingly bor rowed $100,000 from the banks, but I am hapmr to inform you that the dis pensary has turned that amount into tho State Treasury and the notos have been paid promptly, as weil as all other obligations of tho government. I leave tho Treasury to my successor uoora barras6ed and not owing a dollar. While wo have paid out $50,000 moro in pensions to our Con federate soldiers than any previous administration and mot other extraordinary expenses, the levy has not beou increased, but low ered. Tho taxes on farms aed horses and mules and farm products havo been lowered by reduced assessments. Tho taxes on railroads have also been de creased by lower assessments. The officers ol jour government receive less for salaries than ever in the his tory of the State, and the interest on the pubiie debt has been decreased $78,5U0 per annum. 1 am embarrassed somewhat in this statement by reason of tho Slate Treas urer not being able to furnish mo with an abstract from his books, as In pre vious yi at--. He claims that it is im possible to do so by reason of th.icbange in the date of closing tho fiscal year from November 31st to January 1st, giving only ton days for settlements with county treasurers. His report will be furnished you, I suppose, before tho session of your body closes, and I ask your careful perusal of its details. 1 desire to call your attention to the Downer Fund, which has boon lying idle in the treasury for ten years. This fund was placed in tho treasury by the agent some years ago, and was made up from the sale of the Downer Insti tute, locuted at Beech Island, in Aiken County. Tho objoot of Mr. Downer was to educate the orphan children of Aiken County, or that portion of old Edgetleld District now lying in Aiken County. The interest on the fund is Autficiont to malntaia two or three boys at ono of the colleges of the State, and It would bo woll to oarry out the will of Mr. Downer In this way. A competitive examination could be had In Aiken County for these scholar bhips among tho poor boys entitled to Mr. Downer's benevolent fund, und I trust It will bo provided for. The banking institutions of tho State aro in excellent condition, but one failuro having been recordod during my administration, and that could hardly ho called a failure, but a rob bery. The aggregate banking capital of the Stato is $5,368,201, with tho surplus of $4,845,730, making a total of $10,213,931. This is distributed among ninety-one banks The relations of tho Stato and tho banks havo been most pleasant and mutually benefloial. I desire to thank tho officers for the kindnesses shown me during my ad ministration. THE SINKING FUND. Upon my induction into office a large amount of the sinking fund was unin vested, deposited in bank, drawing no interest. It was impossible to pur chase tho securities required by law for such investment without paying a large premium, in my last message I recommended tho passage of an act authorizing the Governor and the Treasurer to loan this fund upon tho security of tho valid bonds of the Stato to be doposltod In the Stato Treasury. You accepted my recommendation and fmsscd the act desired. We havo oaued the entire fund with the excep tion of $5,000 in tho ordinary sinking fund, which the Board decided to hold for contingent expenses, etc., connectad With Its collection and disbursement. PHOSPHATES. It will thus bo seen that wo havo realized four and ono half per cent, upon the ontlro fund, although the loans havo not boon made for a year. If this policy is pursued by compound ing the interest tho State will be made to realize six and seven per cent, upon the ontlro fund, aud when the bonded debt of the Stato matures this fund will bo moro than suffiolent to retire it. In the construction of tho statute regulating delinquenttaxes, as to wheu tho same become liable to bo forfeited to 'tie slaking fund, a difference of HHUuj^ytl^betwtf -'a the Comptroller i ho 8oo?vtary of State, tho ' agent of the commission. The conten tion between these two officers bus been a considerable annoyance to the com mission, In that the Comptroller Gen eral ban refused to sign deeds required to bo made by the commission. This is a matter to be settled by legislation and your body should do something to harmonize the dtfforenues. it is not the purpose of the Sinking Fund Com mission to soizo the taxes which are levied for the purposes of support of State and county governments, and the agonts of the commission &hould not be allowed to soizo money in the hands of the county troasurers. Tho Comptroller Oeuoral, I presume, will present his side of the cuse to you at length in bis ropoi t, which is herewith submitted. 1 regret to say that this Industry has never recovered from the storm of 1893, and I fear before the oloso of another year It may become unproQtahlo to the miners, and the State will cease to re ceive any income from this souroo. The report of Phosplmto Inspector Jones shows the total numbor of tons of rock mined t.io year ru nig August 31, 1890, estimated 123.708 tons, as against the year ending August 31, 1895, 196 777 tons, a deoroaso for the year of 73 001) The total number of tons of rock shipped during Hie yoar ending August 31. 1896, was 12l",?02, and for the samo period of 1895, 174,400 Showing a docreie-e from the. year 1895 of 52,797 ton*. The amount of ttio statos royalty for the year ending August 31, $li0.853.70, the amount for 1895, $87,200.13. showing a doorcase from the last phesphatio year of $20, 340 37. Ttfe amount of royalty actually paid into tho treasury from January 1 to December 31, 181)0, was $51,310 03. leaving a balance duo by tho phosphate miners, $9,503 13. Tins deficit is due by the Farmerd Minim: Company, Mr C. C. Pincknoy, president. This com pany has been behind since the first, year of my administration. When tho matter was brought to my attontion I took Immediate steps to col lect the amount duo, and succeeded in doing so. Special instructions wero given to tho officers to aeo that no further extensions wero allowed, and that this company be made to pay its royalty as promptly as other minor*. For some reason, inexplicable to me, they again failed to pay tho royalty, and the mattor was immediately called to the attention of tho Board of Pr.os phato Commissioners. The Board gave an extension of time and accopted notes of the company in payment of the royalty due. One of tho notes has been paid : but I am informed by Mr. Pinck noy that he will be unable to meet tho note of $5,000 duo the 1st of January. Tho matter has been placed in the hands of the Attorney General, and ho will no doubt take such stops as ho deems best to collect the amount duo. Last March, In view of tho depression in this industry, the Phosphate Inspec tor and tho Chairman of tho Hoard de termined to visit the mines in the Stato of Florida, with a view of ascer taining tho cost of mining in that State as compared v/lth that In our State, and to ascertain tho causes of depres sion, Wo found the businoss in Florida stagnated and in a more depressed condit ion, if possible, than in our State. It wou'd bo impossible for tho mines in Florida or Tonnesseo to compete with the mines in South Carolina under ordinary conditions. The mines of Florida are in the interior, and in most instance.-, a largo top burden of sand has to be removec. It is then placed on board cars an. transported to the ports, whose freight rates are fro >rty to eighty cents higher per ton than from Port Koyal and Charles ton ports. It will thus bo seen that our miners have an advantage right hero ovor tho miners of Florida of more than tho royalty paid tho Stato. Tho causoof the at pros ion is not. from competition with Florida and Tennes see, but is the result of a depression in prices of agricultural products all over tho world. Tho phosphate miners have petitioned tho ?ourd for a reduc tion in tho royalty to 25 cents per ton. Their petition accompanies the. report of the commission, and is herewith submitted for your consideration, lain satisfied that areduotionof this royalty would in no wise tond to relieve lue general depression, and I was assured so by tho attorney of one of the largest minors in the S ate. Tue truth of the business is tho phosphate territory no longer affords rock of a sufflolently high grade to make the industry profit able. The territory lias been mined, too, in a manner that tins materially injured tho deposits In the river. This entire matter can be dealt with by tho Phosphate Con mission without legis lation on your part, and should be left to their good judgment. Undo." the bond act tho phospbatO royalty to the amount of $75,000 per annum is appli cable to the sinking fund. It has been bo applied, and 1 regret that the amount this year falls short about $15,000 of tho required amount. RAILROADS. A report of the Railroad Commis sioners shows a hotter condition of the roadsof tho Stato and a largo increase in all branches of buslnoos.Thecommission put into otTect tho rates on fertilizers provided for in the act passod at your last session. There was a disposition on the part of the roads to contest, the validity of this act and tho right of tho commission to reduco rates. An agree ment was finally had which resulted in the rates boing placed Into Imme diate effect. A protest was filed by Mr. Thomas, a minority of tho com mission, which is fully set forth in the roport; but as tho roads havo acqui esced and seom desirous of co-operat ing with a majority of the commission in the interest of tho peoplo of the Stato, I deem it unncccesary to call further notico to tho contention of Mr. Thomas. It is unfortunat that thoro should bo this want of harmony among tho commissioners, but this is human na ture and a matter to bo dealt with as you deem proper. In the meantime tho interests of tho State are not suf fering. Tho Southorn Railway has filed its charter with tho Sccrotary of Stato as provided In an act relating to tho samo, and it is now a domcstio cor poration. I had some doubt as to tho constitutionality of this not and tho Attorney General was instructed to make a test case boforo tho Supreme Court. Tho court sustained the con stitutionality of the act, and It Is now tho settled law of the State. Thoro is a better fooling existing botwoon tho Stato and tho railroads than has been for tbo past six years, and tho disposition to settle all differ ences on tho part of tho roads in an amicablo way has been fully mot by the administration. The assessments for taxation have been equalized with duo regard to tho earning capacity of ! tho several roads. Only two roads I show a delict for tho past year, and ; one of those can hardly bo called a ' defiolt, as the amount expended has ' boon put in lasting Improvements. Tho total income of all the roads for 1800 was W303.487.6?, as com with $7,025,557 08 for the year 1805, showing an Increase of 9007 0x5 80. Toe operating cxp-ns -. *nd ux h for t > I !!??> ,i H .21, ng lins*. In 1800 were 12766.321,70. against $2, 393 074 24 in 1805, an increase of ?302, 017 43 The tonnago for 1890 was 4, 155,907, an increase of 573,580 tons. It will thus be seen that instead of bank rupting the roads tbe deoreaso in passenger and fertilizer rates has proved a benefit. Two yearn ago nearly every railroad in tbe State was In the bunds of a re ceiver; today, with one exception, they are in the hands of thoir owners and managers. THE P. it. St A. J am happy to inform you that the litigation over this property in the State and United States Courts, which seemed to bo for a long time intermi nable, haa dually boon brought to a cloao. Tbo property has boon aold and purchased by Messrs. Thomas and Ryan, of Now York. They became albo the -purchasers of the Kuoxvlllu & Western Carolina Railroad, and tiioao two properties have hern con solidated ;>.-.?? the name of the Charleston & Western Carolina Kail road. Under thu act which repealed the charter of the Fort Royal & Au ^usta Railway a commission was lormcd, composed of the Governor, thu Attorney General and the ohalrman of the Railroad Commission. Thoir duty wu-. lo inquire as to the purchasers o' the property and their connection, if any, with computing lines of railroads, the intent of the Legislature being to prevent tho absorption of the property by a Corporation hostile to Port Royal and this State. Upon lourning that Measra. Thomas auu Ryun bud become the purchasers, tue Commission proceeded to examine them upon oath aa to their relations with any hostile or competing llnoa. Tho evidence taken by tbo Commission is on lllo in tho olttoo of the Secretary of State, and 1 rospectfully suggest that It bo printed for tho use of your honor able body. These gentlemen swear positively and equivocally that they have no interest in any competing line, and have but one object: Tho develop ment of Port Royul and the successful operation of thoir railroad. Too Com miaaiou became convinced of the sin cerity and honeaty of purpose of the purchasers and could make no further opposition to the conGrraation of the sale. If at any tirao, however, a dif ferent purpose la revealed tho State can intervuno and again rescue the property. THK. STATU PENITENTIARY. Tho State ponltontlary continues in a healthy and sound condition. It was to bo hoped from the statement made last year that the State would recolve a revunuo from this institution of about $25,000. I regrot, however, wo are doomed to disappoint ment. With ref erence to the report of tho superin tendent it will be aeon that tbo inati tutlon commenced last year with $15, 020.87 In cash and supplies. Tho institution makes a good showing on paper, but unfortunately never covers anything i?to tho Stato treasury. I feel satisfied, however, tbat tho policy of the board of directors is a good one and if pursued for the next two years will result much more satisfactorily, ho far aa tho Stato treasury la concern ed. The policy of leasing convicts to privatu parties has been discouragod by the board and should be. Complaint has been made to mo twice during the year of parties loasing convicts, it being btatod that auch convicts wore allowed to roam at large in the community day and night. Tbe attention of tho sup erintendent wus called to this and lie has endeavored to correct the aamo. This system has become obnoxious wherever it lias boon tried,and the board should discontinue tho practice as aoou us possible. Tue farms authorized to be purchased are In good condition and have yielded according to tho re port of the auporiutondout abundant harvests. Tue report of receipts aud disbursements for the tiscai year end ing December 31, 1800, are as follows: Disbursements, $33.570.83, to which must be add* d supplies ou hand and comsumed, $15,005 87; to whloh must be further added tbe amount received from tho State treasury for salaries, $5,050, making a total of $81 310.70; r< ? :oipta, $02,125.17, deficit $2.1,1015:1; to this must bo added the further sum of $5,O.Vo, amount of salaries from the Stale treasury for they rum 1894-05, and which tiic superintended pledged tbe Governor and Treasurer would be returned, but an far bus not been cov ered into tbo State treasury. Under the provision of tho appropriation for th?t year theso salaries were to bo paid out of tho cuminus of the peni tentiary. There boing no earnings and to save the institution from embarrass ment, upon tho urgent request of tbe auperintendent I withdrew any objec tions to salaries being paid out of the Stato treasury upon the solcmu proo> Iso. however, that tho amount would ho replaced before tho end of the fiscal year. Tho amount has not yet been returned. It will thus be seen that the total delicit amounts to $27, 241.33. Tho auperintendent reports total liabilities $18.370.02, making grand total $15,012.40. Aaaeta report ed, cotton $22,020.00; amount due from con true tor* and other sources, contin gent $5,108.40; 2,500 bushels of oats at 40 cenla, contingent, $1,009; value of products on hand not to bo aold, for consumption In prison $24,707. It would bo prope* under tho circumstances to stand oil the products on hand for laat year and for thlayoaraa this yoar aa they will bo consumed. Tho auperin tendent roporta that ho will bo able to pay ovory dollar tho institution owes, including tho $0,000 for tho purchase of the Reed farm bought lust year, and pay cash for the next year's guano sup plies, which has boon bought aome timo ago at a very low prlco. This cannot be done if tho amount duo tho State ia refunded. It waa the inten tion of tho Legislature to require tho salaries of tbo Institution to bo paid out of Its earnings, and it can novur be said to be self-supporting as long aa tho people are taxed to pay such sala rioa, no mattor whatahuwing ia mado as to improvements. I am aatiatlcd the institution lain a better condition than it has ever boon and I trust that in the near future It will boasourco of rove nuo to tho Stato. THE COUNTY CHAIN OANOS. The county ohain gangs are worked successfully in nearly all tho counties of tho State and are adding materially to the wealth of tho pooplo by afford ing good roads. In tho county of Rlch land ovur tlfty miles of road have been built and put in perfect condition and a drlvo around the county afforda an excellont object lesson of what will soun bo tho condition of the ontlro State. In some cour.?..,a they are em barrassed by the restrictions of tho law whloh limits them to convlote whose sentences do not exceed tWO years. . It la aa oasy to keep a ten-year convict on the chain gang as It 1* a two yea> con vict and the Statute should he amend ed, giving tho court dlsorotlon, as more depends upon the oharaoter- of the convict than tho term of sentenoe. PUlll.Tc .SCHOOLS. ' j It Is a matter of pride and omjrr.itu lation to the State to note thu Were i i ed /? ai the p lople'tiave dtspja/yod in taking advantage of trie 1 odueational facilities aitoi d goverlient. Tho baslo principle of the itcfori movement, tbo education of .the mutes, hau been taken up by all clases jntil our schools and colleges show ahore prosperouscondltiou than, ever inho history of the State. The rport of tbo superintendent of educatii herewith transmitted is an excelled pictorial and statistical ad vertiberuutof our institutions of learn ing and ui mly of it may prove both pro fitable aa interesting to 4the lcono claBtiu mdtber who would put out the State's br?htest lights. In 1890 the common supols of the State showod an enrol mit of 201,200 pupils, com posed of 80,72 whites and 111,888 col ored. In lctf the enrolment showod 232,337 com'hsed of 100,139 whites and 123,170 colo?l. A total Increase of 31.077, of whip 10,787 wero whites and 11,290 colorw It Is interesting to note that tin whites show a much largo lncreasithah tho eulorod chil dren. The eVolmont for 1895 was 223,021, compok of 103,729 whites and 110)2,.?2colorod.\hlch Is 0,310 Iobs than for t,he present I cur. Tho increase in enrolment, for Le present year con sists of 3,880 coined and 5,430 whites. I bolievo the caW of tho great In crease is the cduViloDal qualification for suffrage in til new Constitution. Tho value of sohoqhuildings aud fur niture iu 1890 wa\$447,352. in 1890. $821,229, showing aAincroase of nearly 100 per cent. TlwAamount available for "all school ptfrjtmea it 1890 was ? $527,840. In 1891 Aer $800,000 wus available. ThiB ladiudos, of course, tho ono mill tax inpoaed by tho Con stitution. This 4>os not include tho appropriation forme State's colleges, which would svill tho amount to nearly $1.000,000. It will thus bo soon that South Carol ia iu proportion to her "wealth is hj ndiug moro money for tho Gduoatioti Jf hor citizens than any other State if tho Union. The Constitution prov les Tor tho collection of a supplomenti/y tax by the comp troller gonerul iu? for tho application of escheated csitos aud tho dispen sary proUts to Ji6 fund. There has boon covered Id tho Stato treasury to tho credit o this fund $50,210.84, which has beonnvested according to law iu State andUnitcd States bonds; $1,038.89 in cad will bo invested in sueh bonds as ion as possible. Tho length of the chool torm has boon gradually incrqscd and wo confidently expect to react the constitutional re quirements ofdx months within tho ensuing year. ; THE SOUTHCAKOLINA COLLEGE. This Instituten, tho just pride of so many of our Atizans, is in a healthy aud prospero* condition. Tho num ber of students enrolled during tho present yoar.s 101, of whom 157 are from 20 counioB In this S.tate, tho re mainder frojother States. While tho enrolmTjrTsho'wb ?amall decrease from the afar preceding, it may- by r observed flat it is larger than tho avorago to flourishing anto-bellum times. '.Vrom all that I can learn from conversation and correspon dence," Ays President Woodrow, in his report, " thoro would bo a much larger attendance, but for tho four that th7 college would bo discon tinued, a fear caused by the baleful discussdns of its right to exist " I am sure tlf;so fears are without founda tion as <the college has a warm place in tho (eartsof tr.e people of the State and itftWork today on tho part of the faculty and students is of a higher order ind moro satisfaetory than that of any institution supported in whole or in iart by tho State. The college occupes a place that is not Oiled by any o^ior Institution aud tho people of tho S/ato appreciate it. Tho only war faro I know as being made upon it is mm denominational institutions whhfi cannot compete with it. It is grat/fying to me to record tho success of tlo innovation for which I worked so bird while a momber of tho gen ralas8erably, the admission of young ladies to all tho benefits of the college. President Woodrow says : " Tue num borof young women enrolled as stu dents Is 14, last year there wero 13, but whilo this increase is slight it is grati fyilg to seo that tho connection with thecollego is much more real than last year for now 8 ot tho 13 aro in tho re gular courses and nearly all tho rest hare as many studies as regular eourso students ; then most of the 13 had but ono study each. Rooms havo been fitted up in DoSaussuru college for tho young ladles during the day, thus adding to their comfort. Thoro is no reui-oa why this college should not bo prepared and converted into a dormi tory for young ladies, thus giving them all tho advantages alTorded male stu donts. It Is Isolated from the other buildings and some good woman could be found who would bo glad to convort it into a first class dormitory and boarding house, thusafiording to these fair students tho protection of a homo. T < coeducation of the sexes is not an experiment, hut an assumed success and it is gratifying to lv v this recog nized by so high a aoureo as tho presi dent and faculty of the South Carolina college. Tho following is an extraot from a letter of Prof. E. L. Patton in sub mitting his report to tho president: " While l would not discriminate it is duo to tho young ladies, nino of whom aro enrolled in ancient languages, to report that their progress has been eminently satisfaetory. Tholr inllu enco over tho young men has boon most balutary in every respect; tholr matriculation, although a now depar ture in the history of tho South Caro lina college, has been followed with tho very best results, and 1 earnestly hope that the attendance will Increauo from year to year." Tho college build ings and equiptnont aro in splendid condition and no discord exists among tho faculty or tho student body. The usual appropriations are asked for and I am euro will be cordially mado by your honorable body. SOUTH CAROLINA M IT. IT AT V ACADEMY. This institution id iu tue same con dition that it has been for the last Bix years. Thoro Is a small decreaso in tho enrolment from this year over last, as shown by tho report of the superintendent. Total enrolment for this year boing 127, and that of last year bolng 140. Major Carlington, however, roports to tho Inspector gon oral U. S. A., 108 as tho numbor in the sohool. Of these, 07 aro boncfloiary cadets, leaving 41 pay cadets. The health of the studonts has boen good and tho State's proporty Is iu good condition. Tho professors of tho va rious departments report a laok of ap paratus and general equipment. 1 know this to bo a fact of my own know ledge and the equipment Is not as good as that of some of our high schools. There Is no economy In this policy, and unless tbU Institution is to ho support ed in a manner worthy of the State and as other institutions, tbo Gonoral As sembly should have tho manhood to abolish It. aThe appropriation asked for is $20,000 for tho support of 03 hone fiolary cadets and $3,000 for equipment and repairs. Less- than this amount would be Insufficient, as the Institution has been emoarrasned by the moat ; rigid economy, living, it might bo said, upon tho crumbs that fall from the table of tho State's bounty. 1 com mond it to your tender oare and con sideration. WURHH INSTITUTION FOB THE EDUCATION OP THE DEAF, DUMB AND UL.1ND. Tho roport of the Buperlntendont of this institution shows it to bo in ox cellent condition with au incroased average attendance of fivo. This in stitution always appeals to the hearts of our people, and any reasonable re quost coming from the management should rooelve your oaroful considera tion. The health of tao students has been exceptionally good, no deaths or 8oriou8>lIlnesB of any kind having oc curred during tho yoar. Tho total amount for medical attontion and medi cines being only $189.35. Tho teachers are most efficient and the later.t me thods of instructing tho deaf and blind are employed. I have personally In spected tho building and all that tho superintendent reports as to the b Hid ings now bei tie used 'or colored inmates is truo. The small appropriaton asked for with which to erect a suitable bulling for tlu>se unfortunate citizens should bo granted. Tho amount of taxos paid by their race and tho inter est raanifeBtod by them warrants the State in granting this request, not only as an act of oharity but of justice. Your attontion is also especially di rected to what the superintendent says in reference, to lighting tho institution by electricity. In these days of modern Improvements, it would bo adjudged almost an act of wanton carelessness and disregard of human lifo on the part of tho General Assembly i hould this institution be destroyed by tiro from the overturning of oil lumps and caudles by theso unfortunate cltizons, who havo been deprived of sunlight and tho mcuns of protecting them* solves. Tho appropriation asked for is $19.000 fur support, $900 for repairs, $8,000 for buildings for colored pupils and $4,620 for electric light and laundry plant, making a total of $32,520. OLEMSON COLLEGE. I am unable to give you a full insight into the workings of this institution. Tho govornor is not a member of tho board of trustoes und is dependent en tirely on the reports of the olllcers of the Institution and personal inspection for what information ho may possess. Tho reports of tho ofllcoi s have not boon furnished me, although request has been made to tho auditing com mitteo to furnish mo the data. What I shall Bay, therefore, is taken from a newspaper roport and my own know ledge from visits to the institution. I 'resident Craighead, in his reports, gives tho following figures: Enroll ment 345. of which 109 were iu the pre paratory or fitting school, leaving 174 in tho ^ollogo proper. It will thus bo soon that there has been a largo falling off in tho attendance, upon the COllOgO, but why or wherefore Is a matter for you own speculation. Prosidont Cralg heud cohi incuts upon tho fact that one half of his students are in the prepara **?>?? department and assigns as his reasons ?i...l '.,.-..>, s cunniA obt&Va ?A homo a good preparatory education. If this cannot bo done, each county or each congressional district should have at least one school where hoys and girls could bo fittod for college at a cost not exceeding that at Clemson. Tho facts will not bear out.tho president in this, for there is not a county in the State that has not a high school that could not prepare boys to enter the junior class at Clemson and upon tor aid equ ally as reasonable as that afforded at tho college. The best ovidenco of this is tho fact that the South Carolina college has a higher standard than Clemson with no fitting school, and its enrollment of students equals Clemson. The fitting school at Clemson should be aoolished, Instead of coming in coin pot ion with the high schools of tho State. Tho State supports the froo common schools, and there is no rea son why the people should be taxod to support a high school at tuis college. Make the collogo what it ought, to he ?a high institution of leurniug? aud do not fill It up with boys anxious to don a uniform and bo placed upon a footing with collogo students, and 1 believo the collogo will bo more pros perous. Tho buildings and equipment of tuis institution are tho equal of any in tho South and the S?ate nus spared no expense in making it a success. In fact, it has beon the Idol of tho Reform movement and the people havo dealt with it with a lavish hand, and If there is any failuro to fulfill tho expectations of the people, tho blame must rest whero It bolongs?upon the shoulders of thoso charged with its manage ment. Tho income of tho college for tho past year was $91,924.55, inado up as follow* : Privilege tax.$51,273.37 band serin fund. 6,764.00 Clemson bequest. 3,61236 balance on hand . 4,201.78 Merrill fund. 10.8U1.0I Hatch U. 8 appropriation_ l.r>,U0U.U0 Convict labor value. 4,272.00 Total.$04,024.66 No account is given of tho value of products from the farms and dairies and no account given for tuition fees from students. It is unfair to the other institutions of tho Slate to com pel students to pay tuition and make no effort to enforce tho same rule at this Institution. Something is wrong somewhere, as with all thoso advan tages tho enrollment of students is growing loss every yoar. Tho whys and wheroforos you must discover. This showing Is made, not with a view of prejudicing you ugainst tho in stitution but for tho purpose of pre venting its downfall buforo it is too late. Find out tho trouble and eradicate it and all will bo well. WINTHROP NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE. This institution was opened during tho first year of my administration, and closed its first session last Juno, having given instruction to 335 col lege students and 72 children in the practico school. Tho closing exer cisos woro held on Juno 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th, and woro attended by people from all parts of tho State who felt an interest in tho institution and who ile i red to witness tho commence ment exorcises of tho first college for girls over supported by tho State. Twenty-two young ladies graduated in tho normal department and certificates of profloionoy wero glvon to'11 in stenography and typewriting and to three in droesmaking. Of the students enrolled 120 aro in tho normal depart ment, 43 In stonography and typewrit ing, 171 In dressmaking and sewing, 170 In freo hand and industrial draw ing and 03 In cooking. It will thus be deon that this Is truly a normal and in dustrial institution, and the earn< st mannor in which tho young ladios have pursued their studies and taken advantage of tho opportunities afforded by the Stato proves tho need and at tho same time the wisdom of the pro moters of tho institution. Tho col ley.e opened in Octobor la^t Its second year, undor the most favrr able ausploes. Tho attendance isal ready'greater than that of the whoi. of last session and would havo beon stll' larger If thoro had boen dormitory n" crrmmodatlonB for all those asking ?P* plication. Three hundred young lad os applied for admission to the colh?? last summer; 402 havo been enrol'^ I butooly 240 < f them could bo aco m" I dated in thaf present dormitories, -ho ^present dormitories. othors aro compelled to board in tbo town at an increased expenso and in convenience to themselves and tbo col lege authorities. It is tho duty of the State. to open the doors of tbo institu tion to all the girls of the State who may apply and to furnish tbem equal accommodation. Tho board of trustees, in tbo light of the experience of Clemson College and tho great falllug otT in tbo num ber of students, thought bost to await developments beforo recommending additional dormitory accommodations bo providod. Since that time, how ever, the pressure for admission has not only continued, but Increased, and wo bollovo that It will continue to in crease ; this being tho only State col lege for women in South Carolina it is reasonable to estimate that tho legi timate attendance in tho future, if r.KiNi is furnished to accommodate the students, will bo equaled to the com bined attendance of men (something liko ?0O or GOO) at tho three StHte col leges for men. It has always been a boast of South Carolinians that they have always given tholr daughters tho best advantages for education and cul ture obtainable. The main buildiag is already ample for tho instruction of 000 or 800 students. Tho foundations for tho additional dormitory have al ready been laid and a great number of tho brick already manufactured, and from very careful estimates I am satis fied the building could bo completed for $30,000. Tho institution is well equipped in ull of its departments, the grounds have been made attractlvo, and it Is now truly tho prldo of tho State. The faculty is tho best that could have boon selected and will com paro favorably with that of any institu tion in tho South. A majority of tho studonts aro tbo daughters of farmers, und tho institution is entitled to more consideration at your hands than Clomson College. A comparison of tho management and expenditures of the two institutions will show a much moro economical and successful expenditure of public funds on tho part of Win throp College and it is a worthy object of tho State's bounty. An Inlirmary oonuccted with tho dormitory has been built since tho close of tho last session, it is a model of its kind and Is equipped with all tho modern improvements found in first-class hospitals. Wo have been fortunate indeed in securing a skilled fomalo physician to takocharge of tho inlirmary. Sho resides at tho college and teaches physiology and hygiene, Tho Stato and the institu tion are to be congratulated upon securing tho services of Dr. Miller; her presence at Winthrop College is another evidence of our modern and progressive civilization. Tho health of tho students has been good, no death having yet occurred among thorn. The collego farm of 144 acres within less than a mile of the collego is in splen did condition, and under the manage ment of Mr. II. 13. liulst has supplied tho institution wltltt-?;egat,Y.,hh?*,, fruit, pure milk, boof und pork at about one-half tho market prices, thus cheap ening tho cost of board to tho students and adding to their comfort. 1 cannot express too highly tho satisfaction ol myself and tho hoard of strustees at tho ablo manage nient and great ex ecutive ability displayed by President Johnson. Ho has conducted tho linan cial, social and scholastic affairs of tho college without tho slightest fric tion and in u manner that must he satisfactory lio\ tho most hypocritical. Ho has kept within tho bounds of tho iegislativo appropriation, and while practicing the strictest economy has furnished the students with good board and more thau tho ordinary comforts of life, and I have yet to hear from one of them a single cause of complaint. My visits and that of tho board of trustees to tho college aro always look ed forward to as tho plcasantest duty coming within my functions as gover nor and trustees." Tho board ask the following appropriations : For main tenance, $38,303. This amount maybe reduced by tho following resources of tho college: Tuition fees from the studeuts, *.),2t)0 ; Peabody fund, $3,000; leaving a total amount for main tenance $30,102 They ask for tho erection and completion in every par ticular, furnished ready for use of the new dormitory, $20.013, making a grand total of $50.716. This amount'for the new dormitory can bo easily taken from tho privilege tax now goi.:^ to Clomson College without detriment to that institution. As a matter of justico if this tax is to bo continued for such purposes without being covered into tho Stato treasury, it should bo di vided between these two institutions. They aro both industrial institutions and as such are equally entitled to the benefits of the tax. One who has made a study of dys pepsia claims that in a largo number of cases tho disturbance is due to the use ol lard. Ho suggests tho liberal use of beef tallow to tho exclusion of all pork fat as a remedy. lie says a person who is fond of " grease," can saturate his food in this witli no re sulting digestive disorder. -Large numbers of Sicilian immi grants continue to arrive at New Or leans. From ono steamer 1,205 /of them land d, and there were iflVny picturetquo scenes ?s tho excitable strangers canto ashoro. Many oft/hem knelt and kissed the dirty boifl/ds of tho wharf. Hoarded men rushjuu intc| each others's arms and kisfed /nth tic abandon and vigor of 1? lovers. ?A primary teacher nJA ?Jnday school took for a subject. /*T?f J'()rd lovcth a cheerful give-." SM inquir ed if any ono knew wliat j* meant, when a llttlo four-year oh boV sultl> "Miss L.,1 know what t?* moans,'' Well, Gcorgo Kdwln,/hat 10 il'r It means give a wholo/ot antl don 1 cry over it." f ?Tho physician p.-dored tho caso for a few minutes l/ore ho ventured an opinion. "I th ?k >'ol'r. husband noods a rest more ?, ?'! 0,8ei ho said, at last. 'H he could be con vinced of that- But no refuses absolutely to litt5" toL m'4. doctor." " Well " rotur^" tno physician, that Is a move in tjf fight direction." _Round J>>bln is the designation of a prote6 in writing, havirg tho subscriber' names written In the form of a circl? BO that no name appears first on 14? '' 1 1 '"' custom is said to have originated among tho ollicors of the Henoh army. _(jffcourso wo all love our ncigh ? oursolves: hut when our coal bin i full and his empty, somehow the n"W8 ?' un advance in coal does no make us look half so glum n- when tjj conditions of tho rospectivo coal wns aro rovorsod. ?"llonson, you know, went to Africa, and tin re mot bis death." " Poor fel low ! Hut his body was brought home *nd given a douent burial, wasn't It?" " Well, they hanged tbo cannibal, and then brought homo the body and buried it." ?On tho stato railways in Germany the cars aro painted aooordlng to tbo colors of tho tickets of their respective classoa. First class oars are painted yellow, second olass groen and third class white, u GOVERNOR EVANS ON THE DISPENSARY. I HI8 FINAL. MESSAGE TO TUB LEGISLATURE. The Main Part oi the Message is Devoted i<- a Discussion of the Dis pensary Law?Ho is in Favor oi" AkKcchhIvo Enforcement o. all its Provisions. The following is a portion of Gover nor Evans' messago relating to the Dispensary. Two years ago I was elected Gov ernor to succeed a loader of a revolu tion who, to use his own lunguage, was tho " worst bated and best loved man" who has over entered tho poli tics of our State. Tho policy that I should pursue was already formed by tho peoplo and tho only issue mude was the enforcement of tho dispensary law, whether it should bo aggressive with a view to destroying tho Illicit traffic in liquor or whether it should bo of a milk and cider form as our uue mlos would have it with tho hope of its Uual repeal. My nomination and election meant tho former und J have ondeavored to be true to that policy. It would have been an easy matter for mo to have placated my enemies and tho enemies of tho Uoform move ment by giving ear to tho overtures of tho whiskey elcmont and thoir allies in the cities of tbo State, and the daily press. Those peoplo who 8laudered and vllitiod the framors of tho dispen sary law have continued their stub born warfare to an extent that would barely be tolerated by a less conserva tive people. They hftVO not been eon tent to express their contempt of tho law, but have attempted to drag down by lying and slander evory olllcial connected with tho administration of tho law. Evory error in bookkcopiug of an Inexperienced dispenser has been magnified into an embezzlement. Every arrest of an illicit dealer in li quor by a constable haa been charac terized as vilest oppression of innocent and law abiding citizens. If perchance an olTeuder is killed while resisting the ollioers and carrying on his dam nable truflio, it is classed as a murder most foul. These reports are sent out to tho world as truths when as a mat ter of fact they are brazen falsehoods. It is a disgraceful spectacle that South Curoliniuns should descend eo low us to slander their own government from political malice. The,dispensary law is stronger to day than at any timo siuco its enact ment and is bettor enforced, as will appear from the statistics later on. At tho last session of your honorable body I recommended a change in the law setting forth my reasons fully at the timo for so doing. 1 showed to you how it was impossible for the old board of control composed of State ollieers to control and how unjust it was to (oroo the Governor and cliairmau of the" 'ward to approve und sign war rants about which ho had no informa tion. I knew that it. any,irregularity occurred tho enemies woulcr,i*-r"oncO cry corruption and in thoir eHorts to make capital against tho law would charge every officer from the chief ex ecutive to tbe constables with wrong doing. Suoh has beeu the case and the wisdom of my advice and your sub sequent passage of tlio present law is fully proved. Tbis is tho most important matter with which you will have to deal and 1 would respectfully call your atten tion to thu excellent, report of tho board of control, with tho request thut you study it and think well before making any changes in tho present system. THE DISPENSARY AS A BUSINESS. Up to the timoofmy induction into ollico as Governor the dispensary had been in operation about eighteen months. The Governor was charged not only with the enforcement of tho law, but as business manager in the capacity of uhalrmsn of the board of control. Tho business had continually increased until it reached over a $1, OdO.OUO annually. Realizing that as a business it was tentative and that it had not been placed upon what could truly be called a business plane, and that it was burdened with crudiuics of which it must be divested before it could reach the expectations of the public as a moral reformations and a busimss success, my llrst ollicial act was to glvo its former management a thorough investigation in order to ascertain its financial status as well as its svoak points. I was met by many difficulties, political as well as busi ness. To commence the business tho Gen eral Assembly of 1892 voted an appro priation of $f>0,l)Ou. For the tirat eigh teen months of its existence the dis pensary experienced many vicissitudes and when it was placed In my hands 1 found it still embarrassed and hardly able to stand alone. It bad not paid a dollar Into tho State treasury in net earnings and the $50,000 appropriation was still unl iquidatcd. The statements of its growth and progress as publish ed from time to time by the former commissioner were unsatisfactory to the public for the reason that tbo ayalem of bookkeeping was a Chinese ptv&zlu and no "no could tell exactly ine true status of the business. This fact gave color to the adverse criticisms of the administration of the law and invited tho terrific accusations that were made against those charged with its management. Tho last statement of tho assets and liabilities and prolitswhich the former commissioner made was for the qti -ter ending January Hist, 1895. In .nit statement the prolits claimed to ivo accrued to date amounted to $161,? 259.51. A liookkeoper of experience could not cipher this out und claims wore made that the prolits wore ficti tious. I determined to chuuge the business management and to adopt a full and satisfactory Bystem of account ing. An expert bookkeeper waa cm ployed ami it was ascertained that the profit claimed had not accrued, but that the accrued prolit to that dato waa forty odd thousand dollara less than tho amount. This wus simply a mistake in bookkoeping and in credit ing to tho prolit account what had not accruod, but what was expoctcd to have accrued In tho bauds of coun ty dispensers, After a thorough dis section of accounts it was ascertained that tho profits hud not reached $110, 000. The entiro assets including cash, merchandise, teams and wagons and personal accounts amounted in round numbors to $108,000. Tho liabilities amounted in round numbers to $80,000. Tho total assots boing subsequently affected to the amount of $2,000 iu ? Anal checking and adjustmont of ac^ oouota. The liabilities woro as foV I 1owh?\To State appropriation, $50,(>y tosundi^y persons for liquors, $30.o/ total indebtedness, 186,000? Cash/" hand $15,548.40 or $40,451.00 loss amount necossary to liquidate thPn" dobtedooss. / . This is simply a rough Stator/* "' the status of tho dispensary Aen look ob arge of tho buslnes/* am happy to state that I turned/?01, to my successor healthy and lnrKnl onn" dltion and as sound llnanc/* *8 anv business institution of the country. It bus been taken out of politios and placed in tbo hands of a board of con trol cotnpoocd of farmers, bankers and busiuess men of ability whoso reputa tion for honesty and intogrlty can not be impugned. The purchasing power, such a temptation] to some men, ha* been takou from the hands of tno com missioner and given to this board. They have oxorolsed It judioiouily and in a manner to command the respeot of all parties. Tho duties of the com missioner aro now exercised by the chairman of the hoard aud superinten dent, and the office of commissioner could bo abolished by your body. If this power is ever again placed in the hands of ono man ho would at once become an object of vltuporatlon, misrepresentation, abuso and slander of all the enemies of tho disponeary and every penn\ a liner without any moral or social responsibility. Tho experience of tho past year should bo enough to convince your body of tho truth of all that I have said and predicted, and while 1 am sure that you will be advised and ltupor tnued to change this law and roturu to the old system, you will find by inves tigation that such propositions come from lean and hungry politicians with Itching pulma. You will ho told that tbo operatious of tho presout Board aro a falluro. Judge them by tholr acts and tho results and not by hoar say. Tho subjoined comparative state ment, of sales to county dispensers has been furnished me by the bookkeeper and is subject to your examination and verification : Sales to county'dispensers Feb. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1895.$ 8%, 120 17 Sales to county dispeusers for the your 1890. 1,300,012 91 Increase.$ 110,492 74 Sales by county dispensers Fob. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1895 .$ 1,070,903 05 Sales by county dispensers for 18r9'i (estimated). 1,500,000 00 Incroaso.$ 132.030 35 PROFITS STATE DISPENSARY. Not accrued profit State dispensary from Feb. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1S95... $ 133,407 77 Ne.t accrued profit State dispensary for 1890. 200,000 00 PROFITS COUNTY DISPENSARIES. Net profits to towns and counties from Fob. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1895.$ 100,131 28 Net profits to towns and counties 1890 (estimat ed). 122,005 05 Tho net profit that has acorued to the State for tho past year is in round numbers $200,000. Tho net amount accrued to the towns and counties for tho same period $123,000, making a total acorued profit to the Stato, towns and counties $322,000. Adding $57, 052.05 unearned profits on goods iu the hands of local dispensers 1st of Janu ary, 1897, uwells tho total of earned &U?. unearned proUts to the Stato and towes and counties for the past year to tho amount of $379,052.05. Tl}&. tnjt~ profit accruing th^a^Udratoiltration for eighteen fifmths was $110,348.80. Net profits for< 1895 $133,407.79. Net profits for 1890 $200,000, making a total net accrued profit to the Stato to date $443,810.57. Add to this not ac crued profit the outstanding unearned profit $37,052 05 makes a total earned and unearned profit to dato of $301, 409.22. If to this sum wo add tho amount of the net accrued profits to tho towns and counties for the yoaro 1895 and 1890 of $228,131.'2K we have a grand total of earned and unearned profits to Stato, towns aud counties to date of $729,000.50. The amount that has been actually paid to tho State, county and town treasurers from tho net earnings from the State and coun ty dispensaries is as follows : l'aid into tho Stato treasury In 1895. $ 100,000 l'aid into tho State treasury In 1890 . 100,000 Total. $ 200,000 Paid to towns and counties 1895.$100,131 00 Faid to towns and counties 1890. 122,000 00 Total.$228,131 23 Grand total not profits paid in from all sources .$438,131 28 It will thus bo seen that as a busi ness its BUCCeSS can not bo denied. To tho above estimates the sum of $50,000 per annum, the average cost of main taining tho dispensary constables, should be added. It has not been tho object of tho State administration to conduct this business for the solo pur pose of profit, but tho price of liquors has been fixed with a view to make them cheap enough to prevent oxtor ?Jon from those wh<> iV.'JiHd *2JHV.o li quors ...\d at., too same time high enough to prevent those who should not have thorn from so easily satisfying their thirst. It has been contended by iXtremo advocates of the dispensary law that the profit feature should be abolished. There is no profit except for tho parposes I have, stated and If 8Ujh ideas should prevail and liquors supplied to tho public with only tho cost of administering the law added to the original cost price wo have a state of affairs bordering on to free whiskey. After tho present year, all profits arising from the salo of liquors will be applied to the supplementary school fund. If this is blood money to what better uses eouul it he applied then to healing the wound inllictod upon the hearts of the wives ami children of in temperate drinkers by giving to such children the only true /afo guard against intemperance?education and culture ? / ENFORCEMENT OF iWK LAW. Tho enforcement of/the dispensary law has been the bii?e of the whiskey dealer, tho terror of/no illicit, distiller, tho pitiful excuse fv tho opposition of hypocrites and y&nks and tho plat form of di?grun/-<l politicians eater- ' ing to local h/uonces, good or had. It is the duty /tier the law of all the executive oU^'a of the State, coun ties and toyn to enforce this law and such office/ are compelled to tako an oath pres/lk?dby your honorable body to faithf/y enforce tho law when they assume/10'1' Offloial dutiep. Tho Gov ernor^ ft^horlzed to employ consta bles^1 three Stato deteotives whose ospt/"1 <luty il'H to enforce tho law. i j/i: employed on an averago about fig constables during my term of fev and one Stato detective and thnv ? --? \Mi\o been /.oalous and faithful in thoir f\\<n t - to suppress tho illicit trafllc and I am satisfied, and 1 am euro thopeoplo of tho Stato are, at tho results obtain ed. During tho past year fifty-five regu lar commissioned constables inoluding tho two chief State constables have ? been regularly employed. Then State is divided into two divisions known as the " upper " and tho " lowor." The upper division is in chargo of Chief Kant and tbo lower in charge of Chief (CONTINUED ON FOURTH PAOK.)