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: 'WV / / i.... -, '•* iji- ■ '-A ./ \ h Twenty-Seventh Year 8 Pages - TRUE TO OURSELVES, OUR NEIGHBORS, OUR COUNTRY AND OUR GOD. All Home Print MeCORMTCK. S. C.. Thursday, August 2, 1928 Fctahlisherl .Tune 5. 1902 Number 9 Summary The County Candidates’ Speeches Campaign Meeting At Plum Branch Was Well Attended CANDIDATES DO WELL BEFORE LARGE AND ATTENTIVE AUD IENCE. NEXT MEETING AT MT. CARMEL TOMORROW The county campaign meeting at Plum Branch last Friday was at- tenfed by some 600 to 700 people, a large number df whom were ladies. The candidates seemed to be at their best and eagrr to make their plea to the voters. The day was ideal for the- occasion, the large, well ventil ated and lighted school auditorium comfortably accommodated the crowd, and tho candidates and other visitors were well received, and best attention given the speakers. Mr. R. H. Wideman served a barbecue hash dinner, and when all is told it was a well conducted and genuine campaign meeting. Mr. John Blackwell presided throughout the meeting*, which was called to order at 11 o’clock a. m. .and had its final adjournment at 4 o’clock p. m. He announced in the beginning that personalities would not be allowed, and never had to re mind any or«o of that fact. It was the pleasure of the editor of The Messenger to attend this meeting and take a synopsis of the speeches, using the shoitest method to make plain every essential point touched upon by each speaker, some being lengthy while others were brief. \ leads to extravagance, and shouldn’t be allowed. We need economy. Ap propriations are made in the wrong built, and stated that the bill was carried over by the house. The del egation knows relief should come; ■way—iwithout consideration of the and the only solution possible and source from which the money cc&nes. <?nly money obtainable for roads is The needs of the county are not, through the reimbursement program. hard to find. The people should have a voice- in county affairs; change should be made or' we shall go to the rocks. Need general refdrm to make progress. Mr. Robinson has been senator for 12 years. I would quit at the end of one term if I could not obtain re lief. The chairmanship of the fin ance committee would be no honor to McCormick County, and if Mr. Rob inson wants to go back for that hon or, I say I want to go for service. Long term is not needed for service. $65,000.00 comes to McCormick County each year and can only be spent on highways. This is collateral agreement to borrow money. He said he had served 12 years as senator and had been as faithful as possible- with aim of giving best service; the salary provided by law is all he had recrived—none in any other form—all fees went to the county, and the record is open for inspection, which is invited. He is embarrassod when speaking of him self, and doesn’t court newspaper Senator Greneker renders good serv- publicity nor notoriety. He read a ice for Edgefield and thene are oth- resolution passed by the finance com er new senators over the State doing mittee giving him assistant chair- the same thing. There are more than two men in the county able to represent you as senator. I want the office and premise best service pos sible. My training, experience, and being familiar with proceedings of the senate and personally acquainted with many hold-over senators puts me in position to render service. i W. K. CHARLES Mr. W. K. Charles, candidate fer State Senate, was first speaker of the day. He began by saying that hie had no rc-cord of public office to submit and that he must talk of the needs of McCormick County and the hopes -for relief. The office is an important one and may be the means of great service to the cdurty, and he desires to render what service he can to help the county and believes he can nerve for the benefit of the people. Will not attack Mr. Robin son, but will discuss qertain matters. He believes in full publicity and that the public should be fully in formed as to changes ar.d have a voice in county affairs. Is opposed to more taxes on farm lands and stands for relief to farmers; sub stantial farmers have suffered heavy losses and have not had a deal the past night years; their lands have been sold at sacrifice for taxes. ( Everybody has been helped except the farmer, and he should have re lief; farm land should be relieved from taxation; c'thers get relief, in cluding banks, why not the farmer. No kinds of taxes are paid by bond holders, who also get benefit of mads and schools. Taxes arc on everything from the ci'adle to the grave—some cT this money should be returned to run county affairs. More than fifty thousand farms have b^en turned out in South Carolina in the last eight years. Inc^ me taxes increased $500,- C00.00 in Stcte this year. What are they going to do with this money? Are they going to create new of fices, or are th^y going to return the money to the counties? Too much property i" escaping taxation, prin cipally bo. ds. I would impose tax to catch tI*o£c whr arc escaping. This is not a fair condition. The farmer only wants a fair deal, not any special privileges. I believe in education and favor the wonderful system in South Caro lina. The 6-0-1 school law is a great thing; I believe in our State insti tution^ both educational and charit able, and will work for the best system. I am an advocate of good roads and will co-operate with the high way department and work to get as many cross country and cCnnecting roads as possible hard-surfaced and put into the highway system, which would include the road from Plum Branch to Moultrie’s Mill. Would relocate and regrade Furey’s Ferry road and road from McCormick to Edgefield County line whereever nec essary and pave them as soon as possible with money from highway department. An item of extravagance I can’t help calling attention to is Governor Richards’ being allowed to spend $1,- 165.00 for a rug for his office. This had the p. k. of the legislature. This F. C. ROBINSON Senator F. C. Robinson, who is seeking re-election, was next speak er, and opened his address by raying that it gave him a peculiar pleasure to be present and mix and mingle with his Plum Branch friends, and that he would l.ko to thank them for past support and he* .would ondcavor to discuss the situation as he sees it. The county was established 12 yeans ago with no improvements, ar.d we now have constructed or have un- drr construction more roads than any other, county in the Stato, according to area, population cr assessed values, and the very best of school systems. He had been accused of slow progress, but too much progress is worse than not enough. He is an advocate of the pay-as- you-go act, the plan being to build county scat to county seat roads, and McCormick County, which runs in a strip 45 miles in length along the Savannah River, is fortunate to get so much road building and so many miles into the highway system. He paid a tribute to Hon. T. M. Ross who put the Fur ay’s ■ Ferry road into Hie hardsurfacing program. Mr. Robinson got this road into the top soil system. McCormick County is last in everything except roads, but she has fou’.teenth place in the allotment of road funds. This i^ nc accident—the delegation did it. As for services, the del gat.'on has been on the job. The county gets good revenues from tho highway depart ment—the delegation is due the credit for that. We all are suffering from the burden of taxation. Banks have closed and othe r property been taken away and off the tax books, yet the levy hasn’t been raised, but couldn’t be lowered because assessed values came down. All taxes in the county amount to $58,000.00; $27,200.00 of his goes to pay interest ch debt, end the money is spent before col lected. The appropriation for road forces last year was $13 000.00. Half our money goes for interest. I avn aware of this fact and have tried to obtain relief. Mr. Charles proposes to exempt farm land I would like exemption from $1,400.00 on my unprofitable land. Taxes against land in the county must be* handled here. The State Irvy will probably be cut next year to two mills and likely be take:' off in 1930, let us hope, forever. Can one-foui th cf the property stand the strain, if three-fourths are not assessed ? Bonds should bear a small pro portion of taxes, but wouldn’t be saleable if assessed too heavily—or to the extent of taxes amounting to interest rate. People wouldn’t allow it. And as for dividing the one and a harf million dollars which will have accumulated in Columbia by the end of this year, McCormick County wouldn’t get enough to buy drinking cups at the court house. The 6-0-1 school law is supported by small counties and opposed by large counties. McCormick County gets $3,500.00 more out of this each year than she puts into it. Senator Robinson mentioned the bill he introduced at the last session of the legislature for reimbursement to counties for roads previously manship of this important commit tee, of which he hopes to become chairman at the next session. This is an important group, and it would be a happy privilege to him to bring this honor to what is considered the most insignificant county bf the State, and he believ.es the people should take interest in having this honor brought to McCormick Coun ty. He is in accord with the economic prog: am of Governor Richards. Mr. Charles says that I have been here kng mough, but I feel that I am equipped with informatics to work for our best interests. Sena tor Johnston of Newberry has been there 24 years and could go back if his health permitted; Senator Will iams of Aiken goes back, unopposed, for reason cf kncwled^ and infor mation. Main men in congress a:e those of long years of service. The o::ly reason for taking a man out is when he gj'ts out of harmony—I am in harmony and would like to' go back and faithfully serve you again. the children and needy ones. He made a brief reference to the over crowding at De la Howe State School. He believes in the 6-0-1 law, and would like to see industries in the county and each section giot its portion of the revenue for school purposes. He criticized the legislature for over time and $200.00 additional pay last year*; believes county affairs should be handled with consent and knowledge of the people, and that the representative should givo strict at tention to the needs of the people, which he premis s to do if elected. I do not want new laws—have too many now—but should like to render service to my people. M. L. B. STURKEY Mr. M. L. B. Sturkey, candidate i for. tho house of representatives, next took the floor and paid his res pects to Plum Branch and his old friends there of years ago. He thought the ground had been vo.y well covered by Messrs. Charles and Rcbinson, but would say a man js needed as representative to .co-oper ate with the senator on various prob lems, and asks this honor upon his record ars a business man and rep utation as a citizen and the part he played in the establishment and pro gress of McCormick County. He and Mr. J. B. Harmon are the only two living members of the committee which made the first stop toward formation of the county. He pointed cut the fact that credit for tho county might be given three or four men, and that he and Mr. T. J. Price finally got a profitable con ference with the Hon. Fred H. Dom inick, and that Mr. Dominick did some good work in this cause and deserved much credit for it. Mr. Sturkey also installed the telephone system at McCormick, helped organ- ine the first bank and a ginnery and took part in town and county de velopments. . He is interested in taxation and feels that it is time for the central portica of the county to furnish the representative, since this has been mostly done heretofore by the upper ar.d lower ends of the county. Should elect a man who has interest in county; he believes we have nrest capable set of county officei's in the State. Mr. Morrah has served three years, and his errors have been of the head and not of the heart; I have known him a long time and I like him. Mr. Sturkey hopes to find a eader in Columbia, like Tillman and Calhoun of the 90’s, with whom he would co-operate to cut dut extrav agance in State institutions and work for lower taxes, which we haven’t had since 1920, despite hard times. What has gone with the money? Gone to Statie institutions, increased salaiies, and so forth; taxes raised, offices created for friends; unless bureaus and cc'mmissions are reduc ed the burden cannot be relieved; would not remove any of them with out consent of the people. The State of Texas is nine times larger than South Carolina and Georgia more than twice as large, yet our governor gets $7,500.00 per year, while Texas pays $4,000.00 and Geoi-gia $5,000.00. I believe salaries <?f college profes sors and others should be reduced, but would continue to appropriate foa* and add to educational and char itable institutions ^or the benefit of W. D. MORRAH Hon. W. D. Moriah, who is offer ing for re-electicn to the house cf representatives, stated that is it was so Hear dinner time he would be brief in his address and only give facts. He is grateful for previous support and hopes his services merit his re turn to the house; is just a plain farmer; a business man can handle the proposition, and that’s all the: e is to it; he stands for economy and believes in helping the educational and charitable institutions. At the last session he v -ted in favor of re ducing appropriations three quarters of a million dollars. In his school district only 5 mills go to the Stato, while 35 mills go for county purpose?—interest on bonds, schools, roads, etc.—and there is lit tle chance to reduce taxes in the State without retarding progress. He has tried to be frank and fair in all instances; cannot cut appropria tions for old soldiers (just a few of them left and he wouldn’t think of a reduction there)—cannot cut other institutions. Schools hawa to be run and county is up against proposition. Men who do real work seldom get into the newspaper headlines—the ones who make the most fuss do that. IV believes that every child should have vbeneflt of high school education and favors giving them the opportun ity even at greater cost. have the brunt to bear. If the far mers stop, everything will have to stop; the strength and glory of the republic is the six and one third mil lion farmers. Mr. McDaniel favors adding the 12th grade to high schools in order to save a year in college, and also the addition of a business course in high school. Much money has been sper.t on schools and much progress made. He is an advocate of good highways whereever needed, but not in favor of mere taxation—build them wdth money from the State. A great deal of wealth is escaping tax ation, and only legislation can bring the remedy, and if I am your next i presentative I will work for better conditions. Banks have failed the past few years; I favor the bonded system for the protection of depositors. I want to represent the people—this has been my dream and ambition, and I ask that you favor me on August 28th. The meeting then recessed about an hour for dinr«?r. W. H. PARKS Beginning the afternoon session cf the meeting, Mr. W. H. Parks, ex treasurer, and candidate for county superintendent of education in the present race, came forward and said he was :dad to be among his neigh bors and friends, among whom he has lived the past 25 years, and due to the fact that you all know me and I am at home I gladly give my time to my visiting opponents. I wish to say. however, if you elect mej. I shall give yc»u my best services and ap- p:*ec‘ate your vote. D. L. WIDEMAN I Mr. D. L. Wjideman, candidate for county superintendent of education, and also a Plum Branch man, said he was peculiarly glad to speak to his home people and to welcome visi tors. He stressed the importance attached to the office, w’herein it deals with the welfare cf the boys a number of years and feels that he has some knowledge of school re quirements; trustees have full con trol of thnir school and should have co-operation of the patrons and the county superintendent of education. Teachers who ride in automcliles until 2 to 4 o’clock in the morning should not be employed—they should be Christians and well qualified mentally and morally. This office is an administrative of fice and not one to make laws, but rather to follow out the laws made for it, and this hp promises to da if elected, and guarantees honest serv ice. He believes in having a school house in every district in the county; the removal of the school houses will soon bring about a homeless country. > R. G. KILLINGSWORTH Dr. R. G. Killingsworth, candidate for superintendent of education, be gan his address by saying that Mr. Johnson had defined the duties of the office ard he felt it unnecessary to repeat them. Dr. Killingsworth has served on the county board of education three years, and feels chat he has learned something of the needs of schools. He would not at tempt to say what kind of man is needed for the place, but would ap preciate the honor of serving in that capacity, which he promised to do to the best of his ability, if elected. He served one term as representa tive fiom the county, and was de feated for office by two good men, but the three are friends—not po litical! but just good friends—poli ticians have to be careful as to whom they call frrnds. But, I believe you are going to bring rne through right this time. I have practiced my pro fession, dentistry, 25 years to the detriment of my health. It you »2lect me I shall look after ycur interests. ar.d girls in whom we should be Lots of I vitally interested; they should have trouble to get roads built, but del,- I the best training possible, and the gation got Furey’s Ferry bridge and road to Calhctin Falls this year. Have made errors, but they were of th"' head and not of the heart—they superintendent of education has a big part in this work. I am the right man for the place; I would visit each school and devote my time to the were honest errors, and the man who duties of the office. This officer never makes them never does any- j should net d:fnk liquor nor use to- thing else. It is no soft snap to fill! bacco in any form, for he comes in direct contact with the children (if he does his duty) and such habits would be bad examples to th? chil- dien; neither should he urje profan ity, but ho should be a Chri tian gentleman With character above re proach. I submit my record and in vite investigation. The superintendent is best quali fied also by teaching experience. f served three teuns in succession as principal Of the school at Milford, Ga., and was rc-elecVd to the fourth term, but resigned to come home to seivc my county . We ray wo mrd a man to handle finance?, and I am ready to leave that to the voters. That which I have I made myself; we do not reed a man who can hardly slay off the 1 pauper’s list. A rubber stamp poli- -. J t clan can’t fill the place. I would JASPER McDANIEL i R<»t. try to dictate to school teachers, but would offer practical suggest ion.-:. W(C have too much politics in schools today. The superintendent should not he loaded down with other duties, and there should be closer re lation i- 'tween him and the trustees; I premise to work with and for the tiustees. Am willing to be judged on and fmilies, stating that the per cap- standpoint of character and business ita tax average is $90.00 and tho affairs, promise econdmy and close this offirr*, but I believe with my ex perience of three years I am quali fied to serve you better than ethers; it is a bad policy to charge repre sentatives too often. , It has been said that I opposed the formation cf the county. I was just as honest in that as those who work ed fqr ard believed in it, and I think that privilege has b^en accorded me I was put on the highway board im mediately after the county was form ed and have twice been elected to the house, so I must have been believed to be honest. I offer my services for what they may be worth, and will do all in my power to ably rep resent all the people if re-elected. I leave it to the voters and will not be sere if not elected but promise my best services If elected. G. H. McCAlN , Mr. G. H. McCain, candidate for county supervisor, was first speaker of that group, and began by saying that he felt at home in Plum Branch, which was for a number of years the home of his parents, and that he had frequently visited thei'e and is ac quainted with all the people. He was grateful for his election to the of fice of sub-supervisor -eight years ago on the first ballot and for re ceiving support enough to put him in the second race for supervisor four years ago. He made the point that economical leaders bring success and premised that, if elected supervisor, he would spend the mdney appropriated, but no more unless the people voted it; he would find out costs to be dealt with and pro-rate the funds over a twelve months’ period and rot us all the money the first, few months of the year ard have nothing to run on t!*-* remaining months. His is the economical plan, with the guarantee of best service, *and same considera tion to eve:y section of the county. Mr. Jasper McDaniel, candldat"' for house of reprerertatives, then came forward and began discussion of two important questions before th' American people today—taxa tion and farm relief, and dwelt at ’ergth upon the enormous amount of ta.'S's annually paid by individuals arr ’age family of five pay $400.00; it doesn’t take that much to run the government. We exempt too much and get the burden on the little man and the farmer. Tax money should be more judiciously expended. Peo ple want taxes shifted, but all com plaints should not be taken too seri ously; investigat - ' conditions and bring about reform. As to farm relief, nothing has been done for the farmer who hasn’t re ceived his dues at hands of legisla tion He spoke briefly of the recon struction days and the stitiggle of the farmer who suffered hardships in those days and has since suffered burdens. The ^farmer’s land was sold due to such conditions—because of non legislation and centralization of wealth, which is % a dangerous thing attention to the childrpn’s interests Honor me with the election and you shall never have cause to regret it. 6d to aU and the farmers should not • r"" ~ - J. W. JOHNSON Mr. J. W. Johnson, candidate for superintendent of education, took the floor and thanked Mr. Parks for of fering his time to the visiting oppon ents, but said he felt at home in Plum Branch, so close had he been connected and associated with the people there during a long period of years. Mr. Johnson has always been a friend to the schools and appre ciates education; he was forced to stop school at the age of 15 years and to- dig for his learning at spare times. All childien should have thej best educational advantages, and he W. M. McCUE Mr. W. M. Mc-Cu?, candidate for .'.upci visor, v.-:is next speaker. He said he r.e's many strange-rs as this h h s first tr p around the county, but he hopes to be acquaint with everybody \vi' Vn tho next few months, as h trusts that he shall be elecVd to tffiee and have the op- coitunity of in."king acquaintances and leaning of tho needs cf the peo ple. He believes there is too mu?h ex travagance on th-> McCornrek Coun ty chain gang, winch employs one man at a salary of $125.00 pel* morth, one at $1C0.00 per month and another at $80.00 per month (throe guards at a to'al co?t of $305.09 ner month) to look after seven convicts. Mr McCue guarded 40 convicts by himself cuttirg ditches in the swamps of Orangeburg County and rover let Cne make his escape. McCormick County has many swamps, hills and bridges, and it is a big job to keep up the roads; I feel that I am the man for the place —I have never been under the in fluence of liquor—and will give you my best services if you give me your votes. believes good schools can be kept go- 1 The same liberties should be allow-i ing without adding more taxes. W. O. GRAVES, JR. Mr. W. O. Graves, Jr., who is seeking re-election as supervisor, was next on the stage, and felt quite at home in Plum Branch where he resided a number of years. He made He served on the. board of trustees^ (Conclude*! On Last Pago.)