The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-12-03

statement:
Total cash expended by tho Ststc... $40, ,9OS G1
Total cash expended by the city Of
CoiumOia. ......,................. 6,222 10
Total cost OF convict labsr used..... 1864 81
To tai cost of Canal....... -. $3.50, 7O5 6s
Deduct amount paid by
Columbia. 6,222 10
Leaves total cost to State.... S124, ,4S3 So
For tho prosecution of the work for the en-
suing year the Manager recommends nu appro-
priation of twelve thousand dollars. In the
Judgment OF the Manager, seven-tenths (7-l0)
of the work necessary for the excavation of the
Canal has been performed, to this sum total is
to be added tho amount necessary for the con-
struction of the dam, this, in the judgment Of
the Engineer, will require $G2, 800
which sum only forty per cent. in money will
be required, the balance in labor.
During the month Of May last, the Canal
suffered serious injury from the effects Of high
water, nearly all the work done since that time
has been expended toward repairing the dam
age thus inflicted. The Report Of the Manager
and Of the Engineer accompany the Report Of
the Superintendent Of the Penitontiary.
TIE LUNArfc ASYLUM.
The Report Of tho Superintendent Of the
Asylum gives full Information as to the condi.
ton Of that institution.
AT the beginning Of the year there we're COS
patients, of whom 1868 were white, 242 colored
and IL were absent on probation, 237 were al.
mitted during the year, making the whole num-
Der under treatment S54. or tn ese, 6l were
discharged as cured, 20 as improved, and 81
died. At the end Of the year there remained
SAT inmates, 37l white, PIG colored, and Is
were absent on trial. The increase of popula-
ton was AZ. WHICH seems to haye been about
the average annual increase for' tho last ten
years.
The general health Of the inmates is reported
to have been good, aud there were no serious
epidemic or contagious diseases.
During the terrible shock Of the earthquake
the precautions taken by the officers in charge
prevented any general panic, nor was any
noticeable effect produced on the mental condi-
tion Of tho patients. Tho extensive and val
liable buildings fortunately escaped serious in
jury.
The Report mentions several important im-
provements conducive to the health and COM
fort of the patients, and promotive Of economy
in the management Of the affairs Of tho insti-
tuition.
1 especially invite your attention TO the
recommendations Of the Superintendent in con-
nection with the enlargement Of the capacity
Of the buildings, the State should not economize
rigdly against the interest Of her afflicted
citizens.
The surprising exhibit is also made that the
daily expense to the State for feeding, clothing
furnishing nurses, medicine anl medical at
tention to the inmates, is less than is allowed
by law to the Sherifs Of the Counties for diet
ing prisoners confined in the County Jails.
RAILROAD COMMISSION.
The Board Of Railroad Commissioners have
faithfully and zealously continued their earnest
efforts to carry out the provisions Of the Rail-
road Laws equitably, with proper regard to the
interest Of both the railroads and the general
public.
invite your attention to their annual rsp ort.
and especially to their suggestions Of amend
ments Of existing laws.
The Commissioners say: There is q disposi-
ton on the part Of corporations leasing or con-
trolling certain roads in South Carolina to re-
movs their offices 10 other States too far off to
protect the interests and convenience OF the
public, and too far of for proper application Of
State laws This is an important matter, and
deserves your consideration, as also is the sug-
gestion that 'all roads chartered by the State be
at once required to so arrange their rules and
bylaws that tho rights Of minorities Of stock
holders shall be protected
l concur in the judgment Of the Commission
ers that the running Of train . on Sunday, un-
der the law as it now stands, works o great
hardship to employees of the railroad, defeating
the very object 1t was intended TO carry out
change here is suggested.
STATE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY.
Tho eighteenth annual fair of this society WAS
held in the city Of Columbia during the present
month.
State fair, aud the comparisons thereby given
Of the results in agriculture in mechanics, in
art, and in stock raising, are an important
means in advancing and developing these groat
indsu,ries.
Considering the numerous and various dis
asters which our people have exper fenced during
the present year, the recent Fair was snrpris-
ingly successful, both in attendance and In the
number and character Of the exhibits,
Aside from the pleasures Of tauoe and
the cultivation OF social relations, these fairs
are industrial, mechanical aud agricultural
schools for our farmers, and they should be en-
couragcd.
The General Assembly have shown by liberal
that the benefits of these fairs
are fully appreciated, and l recommend that
the appropriation heretofore made te oontin-
ucd.
CONSTITUTION
Two amendments to the Constitution were
submitted to the people by the last general as
sembly, the first proposing an amendment to
section IA, article Of the Constitution relating
to State bonds.
A majority of tho qualified vol ers Of the State
voted in favor Of this amendment, aud I trust
that it will be ratified by your honorable bodies.
The second, proposed On amendment 10 article
2 Of the constitution, relating to the sensus. A
majority of tho equalitd voters Of the State also
voted for this amendment. II is an important
matter aud is worthy Of your careful copsid-
GRAFTON.