Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1858-02-25
For the Times.
SHERIFFS FEES. -.

Mr.. EDITOR: have had some thoughts on
subject of interest, as conceive, to the people
OF this county, and perhaps of the entire State
and as know of no more appropriate means
OF communication than through the s'Tmes,
II the space can be spared, you will oblige me
oy giving them all insertion. A well conducted
newspaper often-I might say generally-give
tone to public sentiment, and conserves public
morals by rebuking vice and encouraging virtue
1t also often shapes legislation by affording a
medium for the interchange of thought and SEN
tlment: it is thus that those whose province ii
IS not to legislate may suggest legislation, which
may lessen the burdens Of the people, or relieve
public officers from dangerous or disagreeabe
burdens. But, as am not writing eulogy on
newspapers, [ will proceed to say that nv i'm
preston land have heard the same from 9TH
ers) is, that unless something be done to relieve
the Sheriffs from the difficulties and dangers at
tendant upon the collection of fees, we shall
soon have to be- thankful to the man who will
have hardihood enough to consent to be made
Sheriff. Their term of office is too short, while
their risk, IN the collection of fees arises from
several conslderat ons: first, it seems that fe "
persons, comparatively, feel themselves under
obligation to pay, until urged to it by repeated
calls, often, as am told, asserting that they do
not owe, have receipts, &C.; secondly, the small
ness Of the bills, while the above mentioned
apathy exists, do not pay for the trouble of COL
lectlng them. And, again. owing to the custom
or law which holds them bound, unless they
make return in specified given time, their risk
| becomes very great, when it is considered that
sickness or death, or the absence of those hold
ing their receipts, or, as is sometimes the case,
they are sent to different county to their pro-
ov>I r
save the Sheriff.
The remedy would suggest is this, to make
them payable IN cash. far as practicable. reuuir-
ing that, in all cases, the Clerk or Register shall
demand payment; but, as many cases will arise
when payment cannot be made conveniently.
then let the Clerk and Register be required to
publish, in the county newspaper, list of all
the fees remaining unpaid and due to their re-
spective offices, once in every six months, with
names of the debtors, giving to the debtors two
months to come forward in person and pay, or
show their receipts, as the case may be, with
the provision that any person failing to avail
himself OF the opportunity thus afforded him. all
such unpaid bills may be placed in the hands of
any constable of the district where the debtors
live, with the addition of 20 per cent for col
Letting, which collection may be made in sum-
mary way, unless the debtor can show that he
was absent during the two months given
1t is believed this plan would save to the Off
ces much that may lie lost, while tie fees them
selves might be abated to the amount of 6 per
cent. now paid for their collection The writer
is not SO vain as. to suppose that the above plan
is perfect; yet, if what has been written shall
elicit inquiry it is not doubted that plan will
be devised that will give relief in that case, the
writer will be abundantly compensated, though
he hopes soon to have nothing more to do with
the collection of fees T. r. HALEY.