The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1877-12-13

these institution. Though they have
been managed we'll during the past
year, under the circumstances sur
| rounding them, and at a material
reduction in expense, many changes
are necessary to bring them up to the
proper standard. improvements in
them are called for and are justified
even in an economical point OF view
for if these NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. upon
a proper footing they can he made
selt"supporting to a great extent, if
not in full. This is more particular
ly the case with the Pen;tentiary, and
it is very desirable that the convict
labor should be utilized, instead OF
being, as it now is, a burden on the
honest people of the State. The su-
perintendent has recently visited
many Of the penal institutions in the
country, and he has thus acquired
much valuable information, which
has been laid before the directors. /
suggest that there should be five in
stead of three directors of the Peni-
tentiary, to be elected by the Legis>
lature. In my opinion the same
mode should be adopted as to the
regents of the Lunatic Asylum, and
| respectfully recommend the change
propose! in the manner of filing
three responsible positions, as l think
that whenever officers Of State ineti-
tutions are 10 be chosen the selection
of them should le in the hands
of the General Assembly aud not of
the Executive.
The reports of the various officers
of the State Government will give
full information as to al matters per
tanning to the different departments,
and these reports will receive, as they
merit, your careful consider alton, |
am sure. The exhibit made is emi-
nently satisfactory, as it shows that
substantial prrgres has been made in
the march Of Ietrcuchnlent and rec
form.
TAXES AND FORFEITED LANDS.
The taxes levied at yonr last ses-
sion have been very geneI ally paid,
though payment fell due at IL time
not only unusual but unpropitious.-
In view Of this fact, and the addi-
ticnal one that in many cases the
proceeds of the crops had been ex>
pended before the call for taxes was
issued, | recommend tLat you ex
tend such measures of relief to dclin~
quent taxpayers as in your discretion
may see proper. Besides these tax
payers, (whose poverty has prevented
payment Of The >axes Of the last fiscal
ear,O there are many in the State
who are in arrears for several years
past. lii many instances the lands
Of these parties have been forfeited,
and they are thus deprived of their
only means of livelihood. If you
could adopt such measures as would
secure the payment Of last years
taxes in the cases Of these unfortunate
citizens, relieving them Of past1 in
debtedness on account Of taxes and
restoring the forfeited lands, it would
be an act not only of humanity, but,
| think, of wisdom. A new spirit of
hope wonld be infused into our peo,
pie, ard they would devote tbemsel-
yes to the task of repairing their
shattered fortunes with renewned
energy. In doing this they would
necessarily increase the wealth of the
State aud promote its prosperity.
Some of our citizens have paid tax
os to officials who claimed authority to
collect under the late administrati ton,
and, though that claim was illegal,
many Of our colored population,
through ignorance and creduIity, have
been made the victims OF 1T. These
cases appeal strongly to our sympa-
thies, and, in the exercise Of liberal
and magnanimous policy, the General