The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1879-10-31

fusion in which its papers are kept.
Mr.. Connor and thenew clerk Of the
Board looked in vain for papers call
cd for. We trust that these w ords of
rebukc from us will have salutary
effect.
r The County Finances we find to be
in dreadful condition. The back
Indebtedness is estimated at about
$40, 900; and there will be only
$500 collected from incoming taxes
to pay Off this heavy debt. The cred
it Of the county is at zero. One of
the County Commissioners informed
us that nobody would work or fur
ntsh materials to the county, not
knowing when pay day would come.
Neighboring counties are in better
condition and we cannot see why our
tinahaes can't by proper arrangement
and management be put on a credita-
BILE basis. Is our system Of estimate
for current expenses defective or does
the fault lay in the assessment or col
lection Of taxes? Surely it cannot
be the latter. j is our duty to point
out the evil; we regret that VIC can
not see the cause or suggest the rem
cdy.
The School Commissioner Office,
we found fairly kept, though We no
ticed specimens of spelling posted on
tie School Commissioners door, and
in his books, which do not reflect
credit upon those having charge of the
educational interests of our children.
And in this department again the
funds seem to he inadequate or badly
managed. The schools could only he
Kept open the present year until the
end of January. These things should
be romcdicd. The advance of the
age, in its contrast, rebules these de-
fects in our system Of education, and
calls for reform in this most impor-
tant department OF our public affairs.
The Jail, We found well-kept and
clean several locks hcing needed and
should be at once supplied. We re-
port the recent escape Of prisoner,
probably from this wait.
The Office of the Clerk Of this
Court needs better arrangement and
furniture Of p:geon-holes and shelves
for preserving the valuable records
and books there deposited. This
want has been spoken of by the pres
ent and other Grand Juries, until 1t
has become q regular part Of these
Reports. We earnestly ask the Court
to take steps to have this want sup
piled before the next term of this
Court.
The plastcring. Of this hail is in a
manifcstly dangerous condition. BE.
/ tween each term of the Court large
quantities Of it fall and the debris is
thrown out of the windows. 1t might
he guilty Of the "high contempt" of
failing during term. This complaint
has become also standing feature of
these Reports. We now ask your
Honor to make such order rs will
prevent q very serious accident, by
which some life may be lost. 1t it be
the fault of the contractor. builder or
architect, he Or they should be held
responsible. 1t should he attended
TO at once. Suitable and convenient
desks and seats for the lawyers
should be at once provided. And we
would call the attention Of the Court
to tho condition Of the beautiful
shade trees that surround this Court
House. They are objects of pride to
every citizen Of the county, and they
should be spared and protected and
preserved from the constant mutila-
tion they are undergoing. 1t is a
shame to the officers having these
matters in charge, that they should
witness this almost sacriligious de-
s'ruction of these beautiful and grand
old trees. We ask the Court that a
rule be at once issued, directed TO the
County Commissioners requiring them
to shew cause, If any they can, why
they have thus neglected their duty
In conclusion we congratulate our
community upon The diminution oil
crime. i he session of this Court is
brc(cr than it used to hc, and we