The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1871-05-14
apdt that .hegs have Seeh no fvaudnlen.

GessaSily multiplied, and should be 70.
ducedin number, and many Of them in
pay. 49, Z {. I
5. That many of'the officials charged
with the administration of Justice have
been incompetent and inaccessible TO
the people, and that many OF the disor-
ders complained OF in the State have
been created by this, cause, and. that lie
will replace them with competent per-
sons whenever he can do 80.
4. That he is in favor OF the cumula-
tive system Of voting and minority rep.
resentation, aud would be glad to see it
made part OF the law of this State.
5. That the election laws are defective,
lead to fraud, aud should be materially
amended, and that lie will exert his influ.
ence to that end.
6. That he would have the collection
OF the taxes Of next November post.
poned until the lat of March, 1872, aud
not enforce the penalty for non pay ment
until that time.
Your committee are aware Of tho wide
spread feeling of distrust Of the present
administration, and whilst they share to
great extent this common feeling, they
think it would be wise and proper that
cheerful response be made to this effort
OF his E1cellency to secure retrenchmeut
and reform in the administration of pub
lie affairs.
There has been nothing in the differ
ent interviews between your committee
and the Governor, which leads them to
believe TINT he desires or Intends to re-
pudiate his assurances Of an earnest de-
sire to correct many of tho evils and
grievances of which we complain.
That frauds the most fragrant, and
corruption the most dangerous and de-
moralizing. have been perpetrated. by
many Of the State officials, your commit
tee have no doubt; but an Investigation
has scarcely been embraced within the
scope OF their Instructions, even if they
had the power under the sanction of law
and the time to have done 30.
Ia this connection, however, your
committee recommend the adoption of
the following resolution:
Resolued, That his Excellency the Go
vernon be requested to direct the Attor-
ney-General to inquire into all cases OF
alleged frauds upon the Treasury that
may be brought to his notice, and to
make suitable provision for the remune-
ration of informers, and to the compeu-
sation of additional counsel whioh NAV
be necessary. That the Attorney Gene
raj be instructed, If found necessary or
expedient. to attach the property of per
sons ascertained to be in de'ault to the
Treasury. or in any other way to be
unlawf0liy in possession of moneys OF
the State. t.
| A committee on the part of the Legis.
!ature is now in session in this city,
charged with the investigation of the
TRANSACTIONS of some of the State officials.
Your committee recommend the appoint
nent OF q committee of three by the
President OF this Convention, whose
! duty 1t shall be, as representatives OF q
large body of the taxpayers of the State,
to tender their services and cooperation
to the Legislative committee, in aid oi
| the investigation now going on.
Your committee not having the autho.
rity OF law to press their inquiry into the
numerous alleged frauds and corruptions
to satisfactory conclusion, aud recog
nizing the occasion as one of too much
gravity to be hastily and inadvisedly
passed upon, have declined to be in1lu.
enced III this regard by the unsworn
statements of individuals. The fore.
going recommendations. however, il
carried out, will test the sincerity OF
those who have the authority for invcs.
tigation, and lead to purifcation OF the
body politic.
The adoption of the following sueees.
tions is respectfully recommended for
the consideration of the Legislature nj
it's next session. with view to the enact.
ment and modification of certain laws:
l. Increase the revenues of the State
by additional legislation insuring the
full and faithful payment OF the ROYALTY
ON phosphate deposits dug and mined,
pursuant to the terms Of the charters OF
the respective companies This may be
effected by the appointment of reliable
bonded inspectors or weighers, who
should be required to determine by
weight or measurement the number OF
tons mined before sale or shipment. and
who shall receive for compensation .
reasonable commission on amounts se.
cured to tho State through his Office.
Your committee are advised that a large
proportion Of the public expenses might
be met from this source. If properly col.
lected, whereas but thousand dol
lars have 80 far been paid into the State
Treasury.
g. Repeal CT prevent in future acts
vesting valuable franchises, the right tc
I Il