The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-08-27

l SSA--AA&NSAN
the jurisdiction and duties Of County Commis-
sioners provides that they shall have jurisdic-
ton over roads, higEwaysy ferries and bridges,
in all matters relating to taxes and disburse-
ments Of moneys for county purposes, and in
other cases necessary-to county internal i'm
provements and local concerns. They shall met
annually on the first Tuesday in November, and
will audit bills against the county. They may
| fine ten dollars, or imprison for twelve hours,
persons who interrupt their business, or are
guilty Of contempt Of their authority or per-
sons." They shall have power to levy taxes for
constructing and repairing bridges, courthouses
and jails; annual levy for bridge purposes not to
exceed 5000. Counties are to be divided into
townships-area not less than thirty-six or more
than one hundred square miles; and shall de-
signate their names. They may borrow money
for the purchase Of real estate, for buildings
and poor houses, and for the support Of the
poor. Fees and accounts. Of magistrates and
other officers, not recovered from the defendant
or complainant, shall be paid by the county.
The fiscal year shall begin on November l..
Compensation Of commissioners when on duty
So per. diem, and five cents per mile, and The
commissioners shall hold Office for two years,
the first term expiring in April, 1870. All
county or district Offices heretofore existing
whose powers are conferred on county COM
missioaers are abolished, and officers holding
the same shall transfer all property, books and
records to the new commissioners. Penalty Of
$50 for not giving them up within ten days.
TIE ARTEs1AN WKLL.-Some months back
the work on the Artesian Well was discontin-
ued by Council, in consequences Of want OF
funds to prosecute the same. Al recent
meeting an application was made by MIR.
A. @. Melton, the former superinten-
dent, to lease the premises for term OF
fifteen years. In consideration Of a'lease he
proposed to furnish an engineer, workmen,
tools, &C.; and to labor faithfully for six MONTHS
to remove all distractions and complete the
unfinished well. In the event OF a success
that he will secure all the water that can be
obtained from the wells, and assume and pay
all charges and expenses accruing for neces-
sary reservoirs, pipes, buildings, &C. No citi-
zen was to be deprived Of the water for drink
ing purposes, and the street troughs were to
be kept as heretofore. Mr. Melton agreed to
pay the city one:haH of the net profits received
for the use and sale the water, and
that when the lease expired the city
should pay one-half- of the value Of the
improvements =, on r. the premises. This
petition was reported ON favorably at the time;
but further action was postponed until the last
meeting, when it came-up for consideration.
After some discussion on the propriety of. the
city parting with it's property, Alderman Olney
moved that ten years be substituted for fifteen,
and the lease drawn out by the City Attorney.
This was opposed by Alderman Weston and
Wall (colored), who-were the only aldermen
voting In the negative. The Artesian Well has,
for many years, been hobby with the munich
!palauthoriies, and largo sums of money have
been expended in bering for water in the hope
of obtaining Or supply sufficient for all public
and private purposes. Major Welton has been
employed as engineer since the inception Of
the work, and is perhaps the only person capa-!
BE Of bringing It to a successful conclusion.
His proposition relieves the city Of an incum-
brance, and; iihis plans are successful will fur
nish it, with an additional income, and never
falling supply Of pure water. The question Of
granting the lease has been agitated in Council
for several sessions, but the action Of Tuesday
:.lk ekk St,a