The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1875-12-02
PICKEN6 @. H., S. c.:
Thursday. Dec. =, 1875.
Editorial Correspondence.

Dear Sentinel: Pursuant to tho pro-
visions of the Constitution, tho Gem
oral Assembly of South Carolina con-
vened in regular session on tho 23d
instant, at II O'Clock, M, quorum
OF both Houses being prosort. After
tho usual exchange of messages be-.
tweon tho two Houses, informing
each other of their organization and
readiness to proceed to business, a
joint committee waitod upon the Cows
ernor, and informed him that tho two
Houses were ready TO proceed 10 bu.
sincss, when in short timo aftor his
private Secretary presented his annu,
al message, his veto message OF tho
supply or tax bill-a message in re-
terenco TO tho death Of Vico President
Wilson, tho annual reports of the
State officers and other documents,
which wero disposed Of in the usual
form. The Governors annual mess
sage is quito elaborate, and treats very
concisely and at considerable length,
of the various subjects connected with
tho administration Of State AFFAIRS
Lie shows no signs Of weakness on
the subject Of reform, but rather ap-
pears TO bo moro aggressive in that
direction: indeed it appears (supor>
ficialy) from tho unanimity with
which his veto of tho tax bill was
sustained in tho House yesterday,
that he has mastered tho situasion,
though ho may be standing upon the
crust of terrific volcano, that may
soon burst and swallow up all his re-
form measures in tho lava of corrup
tion. Under tho head Of "taxation"
the Governor says he is happy to OK
press the beliof that tho tax laws of
the State are now administered with
fairness and ability, and that he knows
OF no instance whore complaints havo
Deon duly presented that have not
received due consideration. Tho tax,
able property Of tho State, real and
according to the last assess
ment, amounts to $136,986,4l5. Dur,
ing tbe past year, undcr tho decisions
of tho United States Suprcmo Court,
tho entire property of the Northeast
crn Railroad Company, and a largo
part Of tho South Caralna Railroad
Company has been subjected to tax,
alton. Tho question of the liability
OF tho Savannah and Charleston, and
tho Air Line Railroad Companies, is
now before tho Supreme Court, and
is beloved that decisions, favorable to
tho Stato will be reached in tbcso
cases. llo has no specific rocommcn~
dations to mako upon the subject Of
our tax laws, but promises to warmly
favor any changes whichImay promise
greater efficiency or fairness in the ad
of this department. of
tho government. In the matter Of
expenditures, thero has been great
advances mado during tho past year
towards y proper scale and measure.
The intolcrablo abuses of former years
in connection with contingent funds
have also bcon in n great degree re-
moved. The appropriations for Leg
islativo expenses for tho last year
were greatly reduced, and further re-
luction for tho present year is urged,
and short session earnestly recom>
Tho public printing, aver
aged, for tho last three preceding years
S181 ,2O0.95. 1T was reGuccd the last
year to $4,000. This branch Of pub
ic work is recommended to bo thrown
opon to the lowest responsible bidder.
A reduction Of the number OF public
,fIiccrs, and salaries, is recommended.
rho expenditures OF public monies
bouldbc kept within the appropriation