The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1859-02-02
Total s., SS7 1873 4
Expenditures during the same period, l,6Il ,978 3


The treasurer enters into statement of rca-
sons which induced him during the year TO re-
Ease payment of sundry warrants, drawn upon
his department by the auditor of public ac-
counts, explains the causes that produce the
difference in the accounts of receipts and ex-
penditures Of the two Offices and suggests to
the legislature the propriety of SO clearly defn-
ing the duties of the departments, that future
conflict may hereafter be avoided. He recon-
mends that the 1st Of July would be more
proper time for collectors of State taxes to make
their first settlement than September, in order
that the general fund may meet the demands
upon it. He thinks also thatit would be much
better that the law should fix the proportion on
the tax roll to be paid at the first settlement,
and not leave it discretionary with the colec-
tors TO collect the taxes before the time fixed
for the first payment or not, as they choose"
The condition OF the general fund is deplored
and the treasurer says some means to place it
in solvent condition are imperatively deman-
ded-either by reduction of the State expenses
OF by an increase of taxation, or by both. The
State would have been protested for the inter
est due on her public debt during the year had
not the State bank voluntarily come to the res
cue and saved her credit. As to the collection
of revenue, the treasurer SAYS:
The revenue laws might be improved by
some few amendments-which / presume will
be brought to the notice of the legislature by
the auditor, as the law imposes this duty eX.
cluslyeiy upon hlm-but my experience this
year has conviced me that one of the principal
causes which has brought about the present
msolYent condition of the general fund, is that
these laws are not executed by those who ale
entrusted with their administration. Ourreye-
nue. laws, taken as whole, are as good as they
can be made, and as perfect as are those of any
State in the Union; but the wisdom of man
would fail in devising system of laws which
will accomplish the object contemplated, unless
those who are selected to administer them do
their duty, and are held to strict and rioid
accountability on their failure to do it. The
faithful execution of the law would, believe.
place many thousands of dollars in the trea-
sury from sources whence we do not now re-
celVe one cent, and from others, also, where
but small proportion is paid compared TO what
should be received. Abundant evidence can
be produced to sustain the correctness of this |
statement. | will mention only two in ilustra-
ton of Its truth: act 1911, approved 18th March !
1857, entitled, IAN act relative to the PAYMENT
of expenses incident to the prosecution of crmi-
mails, requires that all the fines and orfeitures
collected for the violation Of the criminal
laws of this State shall be paid into the state
treasury" Nearly two years have elapsed
since the passage of this act, and the State has
paid out $4,000 for expenses in criminal
matters, and 1924 40 is all that has ever been
paid into the treasury under this law, and that
was paid by one sheriff, in October, 1857.