The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-10-17
ESCAMBIA'S TAXES
EXAMINERS REPORTS SHOW A
 CONSIDERABLE DECREASE.
But Escambia is Giving Practical Proof of Its Educational Re- vival By Local
 Taxation.

The books of the officials of Escambia county are the subjects of reports sub- mitted to the Governor yesterday by Ex- aminer of Public Accounts John T. Cor man. V'
 Two features of special interest in the reports are the showing that tax assess ments Tn Escambia have decreased in the past three years and the marked interest taken In educational matters in Escambia, where the schools are benefited by local taxation. Assessments in three years have decreased from $s,63l,55s to $3,541. .7Os.
 In full Mir. Germans reports were as follows:
 Hon. William D. Jelks. Montgomery
 Ala:
 Dear Sir-I examined the books, ac- counts and vouchers of Hons. N. R. Leigh, Sr.. Probate Judge; M. F. Brooks, Circuit Clerk; J. W. Rally, Sheriff: w. !. Holland. Tax Collector; M. R. Mcclellan, Tax Assessor, and W. 8. Neal, County Superintendent of Education of Escambia County, and respectfully submit the fol- lowing report.
 T examined the books and accounts of Hon. N. R. Leigh, ST., Probate Judge, from April l. 1902 the date of the last ex- animation, to September 1, 1903 His books are correctly kept. There were no re- demptions of land sold at tax sale during the period covered by this examinat tion.
 He promptly remitted to the State Treasury all corporation fees and moneys collected from licenses
 'I examined the books and accounts of Hon. M. r. Brooks, Circuit Clerk from April 1, 1902, the date of the last exami- nation, to September 1, 1913. His books are correctly and accurately kept His cost and removal bills are correct. He all all Solicitors fees collected
 T examined the books and accounts of Hon. J. w. Rally. Sheriff. from March |. 1902, the date of the last examination, to September l. 1903. He keeps the books re- quired by law, but the descriptive record required by Section 3740 of the Code is not complete. I verified his feed bills and found them correct.
 In case No. 1906, fall term l912. there was a conviction and confession of judg- fent The clerk issued an execution as required by law, returnable to the spring term 1903 The sheriff failed to execute 1t and return 1t as required by Sections 1898 and 1899 of the Code. The sureties were solvent and the sheriff is consequently liable to the State for the amount of the Solicitors fee. $30. and interest thereon. making a total of $31.20. which he prompt ly collected and paid to the clerk on his attention being called thereto.
 T examined the books and accounts of Hon. W. J. Holland, Tax Collector, for the years 1901, and 1909. His books are kept in accordance with law. He collect ed or properly accounted for all the taxes, with which he was charged with the col lection. I examined the lists of errors and insolvencies allowed by the commis- sioners court and found them correct.
 vatK fhn NP Hon. M. R. Mcclellan. Tax Assessor, for the year 1902. He substantially complies with the law in the assessment of taxes I verified his additions and recapitula- tion and found them correct.
 The following are the valuations of tax able property in Escambia County for the past three years:
 l9Ol .'.... ...''s''.'.''.'.'' '$o'oo40oo
 1902 ...... ..................... 3.54O,lS
 193 ,..... .....,...........',.. 3o4l,iU
 q examined the books and accounts of Hon. w. s. Neal. County Superintendent of Education, from Octoger i, 1901, to July 2. 1903.
 His books are correctly kept. Teach. CTS reports and contracts are on file. No unlicensed teachers have been employed The teachers are paid by checks. Prof. Neal has been Superintendent since 1885 and is a very efficient officer. Escambia County has an excellent system of grad ed public schools and raises a consider able amount by local taxation for their