Columbia gazette., 1854-01-21

terrible conAagrations which have OCCUR
red during the past year. I trust, there
fore, that you will, without delay, adopt
such measures as you may deem neces-
sary to render entirely secure the Public
Archives in the several Offices, and also
the State Library.
An Act entitled can Act to regulate
fees in Office" approved May lst, 1851,
requires careful revision and radical
change. The fees authorised to be COL
lected, are exorbitant, amounting in
some cases almost to an absolute denial
Of justice. The reduction in necessary
expenses of every character, since tn
passage Of the act, has been so great.
that the public officer can now render
the services required py law, for much
less compensation. trust, therefore,
that the subject will receive attention
and the act referred to, so modified as to
remove just cause of complaint.
= The attorneys fees allowed by an act,
entitled Gan Act to regulate proceed
ings in civil cases in Courts of Justice
in this State," approved April 18th,
1851. are also the subject of general
complaint, and, in fact, are enormous,
considering the service rem l,red I
would, therefore respectfully suggest
that this act be so amended as to allow
the plaintiffs attorn y, in suits for the
recovery of money, to collect from the
defendant reasonable per centage on
the amount recovered, leaving fees in ali
other cases matter Of contract, and pay
able by clients.
The Report of the Joint Commit 'ee,
appointed at the last session of the Leg
islature to investigate the books and pa
pers in the Offices Of the Comptroller
and Treasurer of the State, is herewith
transmitted. The committee have been
thorough in their Investigations, and the
facts, by them reported, are not only
important to the people of the State,
but will materially aid you in the dis
charge of your legislative duties. The
recommendations Of the Committee are
worthy Of careful consideration; and |
would especially call attention to their
suggestions in relation to cash payments
from the Treasury.
: A communication from the Secretary
Of State Of the United States, dated
"Washington City, Oct, 10th, 1853,
inviting the attention of the Executive
to the seventh article Of "Consular
Convention, between the United States
of America and his Majesty, the EN-
peror of the French" and the reply of
the Executive thereto, are herewith
sansmitted.
A copy of the article referred to in
the communication of the Secretary of
State, is also transmitted for your infor-
nation
Having fully and unreservedly ex-
pressed my own views in relation to the
more important subjects, which it is ex-
pected, will engage your earnest DELHI
erations, and recommended measures
for your approval, which, after thorough
investigation, and mature reflection,
have the sanction of my own judgment,
it only remains for me, in conclusion, to
give assurance Of my entire willingness
to cooperate with you in the consuma-
tion Of every measure, regarded as nec-
essary to the future prosperity and great
ness Of the State, and the welfare and
happiness of the whole people.
lmploring the Great Creator Of the
Universe to direct you in all your delib-
erations, the rights, interests, and honor
of the free people of sovereign State,
are committed to your enlightened and
protecting care.
JOHN BIGLER.