The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-12-05

ditional one that In many cases the proceeds
of the crops had been expended before the
call for taxes was issued, I recommend that
you extend such measures OF relief to delin-
seem proper. Besides these taxpayers,
(whose poverty has prevented payment OF the
taxes OF the last fiscal Year, there are many
in the State who are In arrears for several
years past. In many instances the lands OF
these parties have been forfeited. n they are
thus deprived of their only means OF liveli-
hood. II you could adopt such measures rs
would secure the payment of last years taxes
lieving themUf past Indebtedness on account
of taxes and restoring the forfeited lands, 1t
would be an act not only Of humanity, but, |
think OF wisdom. A new spirit would be
vote themselves to the task OF repairing their
fortunes with enewe zeal and energy. In
doing this they would necessarily Increase the
wealth of the State and promote Its prosperi-
ty. Some Of our citizens have paid taxes to
officials who claimed authority to collect I'M
der the late administration, and, though that
claim was illegal. many of our colored popu-
latioh. through ignorance and credulity, have
peal strongly to our sympathies. and, in the
exercise Of a liberal and magnanimous poll.
cy, the GencralAssembly could we'll provide
that all who have 10 paid taxes shall be enti-
this sort would show that we prefer to be gov.
erned in matters Of this character by the
rules OF equity rather than by the technicali-
ties of the law.
SPECIAL LEGISLATION.
Among the reforms which I regard as Inn
portant Is the ~abrogation Of the system, which
has obtained here TO n certain extent, OF spe-
cinl legislation. Great abuses occasionally
adds materially to the legislative expenses.
Most OF the States have experienced the Ill
effects OF 1t, and in many OF them 1t Is pro.
hibited by constitutional enactments. All
liz tim ChnIflH hn n q fnr a & n0coih1Q CON ORC
in its character, placing all persons and all in.
terests on an equal footing.
THE PUBLIC PRINTING.
A communication has been addressed to me
public printing. which is herewith transmit
ted for your consideration. The request made
by these gentlemen scemsa very reasonable
one. and I hope hat you may find 1t expedi-
ent to grant 1t.
ID wRIGHT's RESIGNATION.
Associate Justice Wright, OF the Supreme
Bench, has rendered his resignation, to take
effect on the LIST Of December next, and | have
accepted 1t. A vacancy has occurred also
among:the Circuit Judges by the resignation
Of l.. c. Northrop, Judge of the Seventh Cir
cult.
THE COMMITTEES.
The various committees appointed by the
Assembly during It's last session,
while diSchargins their responsible and ar
duous duties, found that no appropriation
WIN 49, va ~ ~
them from m contingent fund such UNI as
were necessary 70 enable them to prosecute
their labors. This outlay will explnin why
the amount charged against this fund In the
comptroller-general's report Is 20 large. To
the recurrence OF such q condition Of
things, l advise that there should hereafter
be W contingent funds-one a State fund,
to meet any demands for which no specific
appropriation has been made, but which have
been authorized by the Legislature. and the
other the contingent fund proper OF the Gov
Should this suggestion be adopted,
five thousand dollars would be amply Suffi.
cicnt for the latter.
CONCLUSION.
Permit me-, gentlemen Of the General AS
in closing this communication, to eX-
press the heartfelt hope that your delibera-
tons may be marked by harmony and wis
dom, that your acts may rebound to your
W honor and to the lasting welfare OF our
State, and that you may live tosee her crown
ed with all the blessings which can be be-
by q merciful God on n free ,%,enlighten-
ed, prosperous and happy Commonwealth.
WADE HAMPTON, Governor.