The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-02-08
Governors nIcssnr re,

i
OF both Aocal and general importanoe to
the oitizsns iof this State, have been
brought 20 ny attention, which were not
treated lof in my annual message, and
which seriously affect the interests of the
State. among which is the anomalous
condition OF property in Beaufort Ooun-
ty, held by the General Government.
and the refunding of the tax collected
on cotton.
In relation to the lands in Beaufort
County, beg to lay before you an ex-
tract from communication received
from citizens of that County, which
gives fair exhibit of the hardships un.
der which they are suffering. From
large portion of the property being ex-
empt from actual settlement, and, oonse-
quently, from taxation, it is unquestion.
ably both the duty and the interest of
tho General Government to release their
claim upon this property at once, by
either selling it or restoring it to its
former owners. And believe it is only
necessary for the Legislature to express
q decided opinion on tho subject, to in
5uee cur Representative in Congress to
take immediate action.
The property OF many persons who
were innocent Of any actual partioipn-
ton in the war, but who we're placed in
apparent Rntagonism to the Govern
ment by their surroundings, has been
sold; and would earnestly recommend
that, where the title has not pissed from
the Government, that their property be
restored to them on tho payment of the
taxes, &c., and where the title has passed
out OF tbs control OF tho Government,
that the money arising from tue sale,
alter deducting tho taxes, be paid to the
former owners. I deem the following
extract from the communication is ali
that Is necessary to impress you with the
Importance of the subject
"rbe attention of the LEGISLATURE
should be called to the fuct that one fifth
in value) of the real property of the
County OF Beaufort is new in possession
OF the United States, and, therefore. not
subject to taxation. The title to this
property was acquired by the Federal
Government by means OF the various
sales made by the United States direct
tax commissioners. in years 1S63-G465-
66. at which time the whole of the
Parish OF st. Helena was sold by the
United States for delinquent taxes.
There yet remains in the hands of the
Government about 1900 pieces of pro-
perry, varying in size from 5 acres to
l.6O0 acres, besides more than 100 lots
IN the town of Beaufort. A bill has
been prepared by the Commissioner of
Internal Revenue, in whose hands this
property now is. mud il is now before
Congress. This bill provides for the
speedy sale of all the interests of the
Government in Beaufort County. It
also provides for an equitable distribu-
tion OF the fund accruing to the United
States Treasury, from this and previous
ssies' among those whose property was
seized and sold. dedncting the amount
OF tax due and penalty.
Tue longer continuance of tho occu-
patton OF these lands by the General
Government will be- u serious mud uusur-
mountable obstacle to the prosperity of
the country. No improvement will be
made upon such property. Agriculture
cannot be otherwise than shiitless and
siovenly, when there is no personal
owner. Many houses have already fallen
into ruin; some have been pulled down.
and all are deterioating rapidly. The
County of Beaufort is in debt. II this
property were subject to taxation. it
would produce enough to pay the inte.
| rest on bonds, and provide a sinking
fund for it's early extinguishment. While
there may be differences OF opinion as to
the best way to remedy the evils indi-
Gated, there is no doubt that any settle
ment is better than the present anomn.
lous condition of affairs. Our Senator
ought to be instructed, and our Repre-.
sentatives requested, to give this matter
their earnest and immediate attention. >"
l also beg to call your attention to the
accompanying documents from the
Chambers of Commerce of the cities of
Charleston and Memphis. in relation to
the special tax on cotton, collected by
the United States Government during
the years 1865, 6G and '67, lin NJ cliately
succeeding the rebellion.
This collection of taxes from one OF
the principal staples that add largely to
the wealth Of tho country. under ordi-
nary circumstances, would hnv. regard.
ed as al oppressive and improper dis.
crlmlnation against tho cotton. growing
interests. and. ut the time it was csta.
bllshed, 1t was unQuestionably oppressive
upon those who were compelled to pay
it. will not enter into discussion OF
the justice or injustice of tho measure.
nor am disposed to question the con.
sntutionality of the regulation under
which it was collected, but will simply
urge the propriety of memorinlizing
Congress to return tO thu cnv.r,l Stotao