The Feliciana Democrat., 1859-01-29
REPORT OF THE STATE TREASURER.

We learn from this document that on the lst
January, 1858, the balance in the Treasury
was 81 l,05S,05S 76. The receipts during the
past year amounted to 81, ,S29, ,O74 50; the ex-
pcnditures were $l,6ll, 1913 SO. Balance on
the 3lst Decembe last $l,2T5, 1901
The amount of the credit of the General
Fund has been very small and at this time the
unpaid warrants on the Fund reach probably
$780, 900. 1t has been cause of much COM
plaint by creditors of the State that the Leg.
isature failed to make provisions by loan to
supply the deficiency in the General Fnnd.
There are difficulties and litigation between
the State and the city Of New Orleans for the
payment of the expenses incurred in carrying
into execution the new election law.
Mr.. HUNTER states that he has been compell-
ed to refuse many Auditors warrants during
the last year, in consequence of his construc.
ton of the obligation imposed on him by law,
and has been sustained in his views by the opin.
ions of the Attorney General. The differences
in the accounts of receipts and disbursements
between the Treasurer and Auditor are explain
ed by the nonpaymcnt Of many warrants for
large amount The report details several Of
these cases, and enters largely into the conflict
Of authority
1t is recommended that the first of July be
substituted as the period for the first settle.
ment of State Tax Collector, instead of the
first of September, as semi-annual interest of
most of the debts of the State is due in July.
The condition of the General Fund is such as
to demand imperatively Of the Legislature the
adoption of some means-either by reduction
of the current expenses, or by providing for an
increased rate of taxation, or by both togeth-
er--to place this fund in solvent condition.
The Treasurer says that the State would have
been protested for the interest due on the pub
lie debt in July, August September, October
and November, had not the State Bank vol
unfairly paid it. 1t is believed that the insol-
vent condition of the General Fund has been
mainly brought about by the neglect Of those
who are entrusted with the administration of
the revenue laws. The report says:
The faithful and rigid execution of the law would,
/ believe, place many thousands of dollars in the
Treasury from sources whence we do not receive
one cent, and from Others also, where but small
proportion is paid compared to what should be receiy
ed Abundant evidence can be produced to sustain
the correctness Of this statement. will mention on
lily two in illustration ofits truth Act l9lst, ap-
proved 10Th of March, 1857, entitled "An Act rcla.
tive to the payment of expenses incident to the pros
ccuton of criminals requires that all the fines and
al laws of this State shall be paid into the State Tcasu-
y' Nearly two years have elapsed since the passage
of this act, and the State has paid out $4,000 for
penscs in criminal matters" and 1924 40 is all that
has been paid into the Treasury under this law
and that paid by one sheriff, in October, 1858
Mr.. HUNTER declares in conclusion that he
intends at all times, within the limit Of his pow
er, to enforce u rigid and faithful execution Of
the law.