The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1903-11-04

Discharged. .. e. e. .. -. ..194
1drQOneQ.. -. . . .. :. =. . . . 81
. .. .. {. .. =. .. IL
In prison December 81, 19O2...... 7O1
twenty-five out of the 45 deaths
We're Of those who died outside Of the
penitentiary grounds, at changing
camps, or were sent to the penitentiary
from county chaingangs OF jails in a
hopeless condition.
FINANCES.
Balance cash on hand
Dec. 81, 1901. . . .$ll, 1892
Total receipts for
1902. -. p, 1892. 1854, Ose.21
Current expenses for
19Vl.. :. =. . . . ..9oZ,ooI.uI
Expended for perma-
nent Improvements,
l9Ul.. . . . . >. -. . {. . 4,3OO.OU
Balance on hand Dec.
81, 1902. . . . . :. :. II, III .14-sS4, 069.21
In addition to the cash on hand
stated above, there is already earned
and in sight and available $780,. The
surplus farm products on hand, of the
value Of s12, 900, are also not included
in the financial statement. These two
items, if added, it will be seen, would
increase the cash balance by over
SIS, 900.
HISTORICAL RECORDS.
No State in the union has made more
history, or more glorious history, than
South Carolina. Nor has there been
a State which has paid less attention
to the preservation of that history.
The record books and historical papers
h I-o hoon nrocorIa1 h,,f until rooAnf1u
they were scarcely available on &C.
count of the condition in which they
were kept. The work Of indexing and
of properly arranging them, however,
is now being done, and much historical
data of great value is being brought to
light.
Some years ago, the State went to
considerable expense to secure a copy
Of the colonial records in the public rec
ord Office in England. These records,
which are now in the capitol, should
be put in printed shape, so as to be
easily accessible to those who may
desire to consult them. In addition to
these, we have many other valuable
records which should be made more
easily available. The cost would be
insignificant, and it is altogether prob
able that the number of copies which
could be sold to universities and to
public libraries would be more than
sufficient to cover the expense Of pub
LEGATION. But that apart, the State
should provide for the publication Of
these records, and should employ some
competent historical student properly
to arrange the copy and to index the
printed books. It is not necessary that
the work should be entirely completed
In one year but it should begin at once.
The records are priceless, for they
tell of a great peoples glorious past.
Students Of history are constantly
studying them, at all times, with great
inconvenience, and many times at the
cost of the universities from which
they are sent. 1t is a duty which the
State owes to her citizens of the pres
ent, and to those who made h a his
tory of which these records tell, that
these papers should be in such shape
that they will be easily accessible, and
that they will be preserved IN their
entirety.
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION.
It is a noticeable fact, and n at
this time worthy of serious considera-
ton, that the State has no immigration
agency, or bureau Of immigration. In
formation in regard to our farming
lduOS Is CONSTANTLY DClllS SOoSAS ~
that class of thrifty farmers in Can
ada, the cold northwest and New Eng
land, who are looking southwark for
future homes. We have at present
no department from which such
| information may be obtained, and
our great agricultural advantages
! count for almost nothing in attracting
immigrants. The great majority OF the
/ other States of the union have long
since recognized the need OF such an
agency or department and have made
provision accordingly. I earnestly
recommend that you take some action
in regard to this matter. If it is not
| desired that a separate department be
| created, it's duties for the present may
be devolved upon the secretary of state
and the State g%eologist.
SINKING FUND.
On December 31st, 1902, the assets OF
the cumulative sinking fund for re-
duction of S. G. Brown IL pr cen
bonds and stocks amounted to $780,
684.S {, so invested as to yield from 4 to
5 per cent. annual interest.
The assets of the ordinary sinking
fund at the close of the year 1907 were
$57, 6O7.37, similarly invested.
The insurance sinking fund created
by the act of 18th February, 1900, Ito
! provide for State insurance of public
buildings" which did not become oper-
alive until January LIST, 1901, on Deem
Der 31st, 1902, amounted to $6,532.67,
after paying a loss Of sS44.3O.
CONCLUSION.
| I have endeavored to obey the man
| date OF the constitution to review the
! departments of government and to
make such suggestions as have seemed
to me proper. In taking leave Of you,
you will permit to say that my earnest
prayer shall always be for the welfare
of all the people Of South Carolina. L
trust that your deliberations may re-