The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-01-24

S3,HD
We recommend that the clerk of the
late Treasurer or any Of his agents
who may have possession of the keys
pertaining to the said Office or of any
of the furniture therein belonging to
the county be required forthwith to
DELIVER the same 10 }. Wardlaw Per-
rim, Esq, who has been recently ap-
pointed Fiscal Agent for the county.
TRIAL JUSTICES.
In the matter of the offices of Trial
Justices, we have to report that the
only office Of this class, which it was
practicable for us to visit was that OF
Trial Justice Hughes, of this town.
Whilst we believe lie is disposed to do
his duty as an officer, we feel called
upon to state that, in Il opinion, he
is not competent to comprehend the
duties of his Office. He is u salaried
officer and is required by law to file a
monthly statement in the Office of the
Clerk of Court of all fines and costs
collected by him and to pay over i'm
mcdiatcly the same to the County
Treasurer. AS regards the first We
found in the Clerks Office what pur-
ported to he such reports, running up
to the first of September, but which
were not ineligible to the Jury. He
informed us that he had paid over all
costs and fines collected, but had no
vouchers to show for it. AS lntimated
above, we believe he has tried to DO
his duty. 2
THE POOR House.
We visited, by detail, the Poor
House and Jail, and found the inmates
as comfortable as could be expected
under the circumstances. The pau
pers expressed thcmsclvc, as well sat
isfied with their treatment. AS else
where stated we recommend that the
maintenance Of the paupcrs hereafter
be let out annually to the lowest bid
der.
THE JAIL.
We found the Jail quite uncom-
Portable, owing to the fact that there Is
no means Of heating it. AS the only
mode of heating up this institution
that would be ut air e%ffectual, being
by the application of IL furnace ana
pipes, and as this is not practicable
or possible. at this time for the want
of money, we would suggest MS the
next best thing that good close fitting
shutters be applied to the windows,
opening on the inside, which being
closed during cold weather would add
greatly to the comfort ofthe prisoners.
AUDITORS OFFICE.
We find that J.. II. Russell the Aud
itor has received instructions fro
Thomas G.. Dunn claiming to be
Comptroller General Of the State,
copy of which is hereto appended,
and that under said Instructions the
said Russell is proceeding to deter
mine the tax rates for the County
Treasurer with Il view to q tax levy for
The present fiscal year. This is done UNI
Her what is claimed to be alI..act of the
legislature which originated in the
body presided over by T.: W. NJ.
Mackey and approved by D. II. Cham
bcrlain as Governor, December 22d
1876. Looking to the peace and welfare
of the County and the prosperity of
its citizens, the Grand Jury regret
that there should he any conflict of
authority in the State, especially in
regard to the very important matter
of levying and collecting taxes. The
effect of which conflict must be to veX,
harrass and injure its citizens, and to
disturb the peace and order of society.
The authors of this conflict of author
ty and its consequences have a heavy
responsibility. Being advised that the