The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1877-05-10

which shonld be the larger portion,
in October, when the proceeds of a
part at least of the ceop will be avail
able for the payment of taxes.
By the resolutions of the House of
Representatives, adopted at the last
session, 1 was authorized to call for a
contribution not exceeding twenty
five per cent. of the amount Of the
taxes levied lest year. Under this
authority call for voluntary con-
tribution of one tenth of the amount
of the last tax was Issued, and was
responded to with an alacrity and a
patriotic zeal most honorable to our
people. -" p
AS an evidence of their conf
dence in my admin istration, this RESI-
ponse was as gratifying as it was un-
precedented.
With view to the proper care
and disbursement of this fund, di-
rected that all amounts collected
should be placed in the hands of
General johnson Hageod, requesting
him to serve as Acting Comptroller
General and Treasurer; aud no apt
preparation has been made except
upon lis check, countersigned by
myself. His devotion to this work,
his activity and his great financial
ability, dFave proved of incalculable
assistance to me.
The net receipts from this contri-
button and from Office fees amount
to $135,s39.49; and the. disburse-
ments, as will appear by the books of
General Hagood's Office, on account
of the educational, penal and chari-
table institutions of the State, and for
the legislative, executive and judo
cial dcpal tnnents of the government,
amount to $76,661 % leaving a
cash balance ON hand OF $59,l7S 80,
BY the report Of the late Treas
urer, dated October 31st, 1876, tIiere
were in the treasury at that time
$259,020 81; but what portion Of this
amount is now on hand | am not
aware. Theu Of these funds has
been enjoiued by the courts, and the
officials in whose charge they are viii
doubtless account to the Legislature
for them.
In addition to the funds named,
the phosphate royalty should yield
from thirty to forty thousand dollars;
and there will then be quite q large
amount at the command of the Le-
gislature; sufficient, [ hope, to meet
the demands of the State until a por,
tion of the taxes is collected.
While on the subject of the finan-
ces, beg to call your notice to the
bills of the Bank Of the State; for this
question presents difficult prob
lem. There is a widespread belief
that q considerable amount of these
bills will be found missing from the
treasury, having been reissued in
place of being Cancelled or destroyed.
1t is we'll, therefore, at this juncture,
to consider whether or not these bills
should be receivable in payment of
taxes. Before receiving thefor the
taxes, the most rigid investigation
should DO bad, with view of ascer,
tanning the amount for WHICH the
State is clearly liable, and what por-
ton is tainted with fraud, in order
that suitable provision may be made
at the next session of the Legislature
for the redemption of the former and
for the protection of the State against
the latter. IL ...'
The penal, charitable and educa-
tional Institutions Of tho State de-
mand, and doubtless will receive,
your careful consideration and your
fostering care. Every dictate Of en-
lightened humanity, every precept
OF sound policy, require that these
institutions should be we'll regulated,
properly supported and ably man.