The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-06-16

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less than the amount paid to his predcces-
sor. His commissions charged upon the
other county funds were based upon the
same opinion. The Grand Jury therefore
feel called upon to exhonorate him from
this charge more especially as the same
question in other counties has been ad-
justed In the same manner, the law not
being clear and explicit upon the matter.
A second charge of not being
punctual and regular in his
monthly reports as required by law of
certain funds in his hands designated
for special purposes was also brought
to their attention. This Is certainly sn
omission of duty, though not entirely so
in his case as he had complied in part.
therefore the Grand Jury consider it on
ly necessary to call the attention of all
County Officers to this law and
dirert their strict observance to its full
requirements in the future
The Grand Jury feel compelled to
state and with sincere regret that thev
find the financial condition ofthe county in
a most unsatisfactory state, owing to the
expenses up to this period bel 10 gre atly
in excess OF the receipts, and conseoucntlv
causing an annual deficit which goes TO
swell an already large amount of lndcb.
tedness which must illuminate either in
additional taxation, which is already
oppressive, or repudiation of the debt
But the immediate consequences are,
more serious to us, as it not only interferes
greatly with the necessary business of the
county but has also brought about a
very extensive trading in county paper,
frequently at enormous discounts, which
reflects discredit on the county and is a
criminal offence if INDUCED in by.county
officers. While the remedy seems to exist
chiefly with the Legislature they feel it
to be their duty to call the attention of
the Board of county commissioners to the
fact that the county is living beyond it's
income and earnestly enjoin upon them to
devise some means by which their expcn.
ses shall not exceed their receipts, and
they shall pay as they go, even should it
necesltate their urging upon the lceisla-
ture the cutting down of present salaries
and adopting other economical measures.
While upon this subject it will be we'll
to state that the belief prevails with some
persons that considerable partiality Is
displayed in the payment of claims
against the county, and this preference is
given without apparant good reaso MS.
The Grand Jury at this term cannot
suostantlate these charges but should
they prove TO be true will bring the SUBJ
Ject to the attention of the proper author
ties. They have also made the discoy-
cry that the different county officers
consider themselves entitled to certain
contingent funds from which to provide
themselves with stationery and for other
business purposes. We are led to believe
they have no warrant oflaw for this action
and q continuance of it will subject
them to punishment. 1t is with great
pleasure the Grand Jury state that a
communication has been received from tb.
present polite incumbent of. the School
Commissioners office indicating a deter.
mlnation to conduct the affairs Of his Office
not only In conformity with the law but
Tor the best good of the people, and we
trust decided improvement will result
AS specimen of the behavior of some
Trial ustlces the attention of the Grand
Jury has been called to one w. w. Bowie
'tr1al Justice at Honey Hill who in a
case OF Ephrain Armstrong against
P1nckney McColonel fined both parties
hve dollars and dismissed the case and
has not since made return of the same
10 the county treasurer. Citizens Of
Robert township and st Helena have re.
quested that the attention of the County.
Commissioners be directed to the roads
and bridges in their vicinities which
they represent as requiring immediate at
tentlon. The GranG Jury. have visited
the foor House and Jail, and are much
pleased with the Improvements made
since their last visit. The Jail is a mod
ei VI cleanliness and order both inside and
No =
1or, but the Grand Jury could not dis.ov
er that any steps had been taken as vet
towards making it selfsus,a aiming though
they understand steps will be taken
towards this end very shortly.
The attention of the Grand Jury has
peen called to an Act of the Legislature
approved March Gath. 1875, which bears
with peculiar hardship upon the most
Needy OF The inhabitants of the county. By
THIS Act county treasurers arc forbidden
10 pay Jury or Witness tickets witbou.
the endorsed approval of the Board of
county commissioners and the Board of
commissioners arc forbidden to give
their approval until the County Treasurer
notlnes them that he has funds in hand to
make the payment, now as this notifica.
ZION can only take place at rare intervals
..'S ooun'y and VIII De hrst known
ny those immediately around the Court
nouse II Will result TO the special benc-
MT OF the people OF the towh of Beaufort
ana 10 the total exclusion of the county
people whose tickets are not valuable
Tor making payment on their taxes. This
Is special hardship and should be
brought 10 the notice Of the members of
the Legislature.
10 the Officers of the County the Grand
jury beg to return their thanks for their
courtesy and attentions.
All OF which is respectfully submitted.
Insanh