COLUMBIA GASLIGHT CO. v. MOBLEY, TREAS

Messrs. John M. Daniel and Cordie Page, for appellant, cite: The state necessary party to the action: 78 S.C. 211; 77 S.C. 12. Distinction between general taxes and special assessments: 137 S.C. 496; 78 S.C. 211; Sec. 512. Vol. 3, Code, does not supply consent to sue here. Sec. 6, 32 Stat., 956, vests power over public utilities in Railroad Commission. "Public utility": 127 Pac., 639-40; S.C. 32 Stat., 938. Acceptance of charter by corporation assumes responsibilities incident thereto: 25 S.C. 216; 41 S.C. 415; 43 S.C. 197; 63 S.C. 370; 73 S.C. 572; 74 S.C. 332; 75 S.C. 169; 84 S.C. 190; 89 S.C. 287. Writ of error dismissed: 223 U.S. 740; 56 L.Ed., 637; 32 Sup. Ct. Rep. 531; 89 S.C. 408; 93 S.C. 354; 108 S.C. 131. No power to modify responsibility unless right reserved: 4 Wheat, 700 (17 U.S., bk. 4, L.Ed., 674), 13 Wall, 212 (80 U.S., bk. 20, L.Ed., 552), 29 L.Ed., 636, 27 S.C. 385, affirmed by 142 U.S. 386; 35 L.Ed., 1051. Leasing of property does not change relation of original company to public: 84 S.C. 455. Contract made to avoid taxes void: Sec. 530, Vol. 3, Code 1922. Nonuse of charter forfeits same: Sec. 4325 Code. Mr. J.B.S. Lyles, for respondent.