In a bowl sift together sugar, flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Cut in shortening to look like coarse crumbs. Stir in egg and molasses well. Cane syrup can be substituted for the molasses if a more delicate flavored cookie is desired. Shape dough in 1 inch balls and roll in sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and flatten. Bake at 325� for 6 minutes or until lightly browned.