The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-04-17

was held In the council chamber at s
p. m. Tuesday. with all members
present save Alderman II. c. Hayns-
worth.
The report Of Mr.. Barnett. Chair
man Of the Finance Committee, show
ing that the ordinary city expenses
for ths fiscal year. March slst, 1905
March sist, 1909. exceeded by $40. 900
the expenditures o fthe previous year.
and the treasurers annual report Civ
Ing receipts and expenditures In de-
tall furnished the text for a serious
discussion OF the financial condition of
the city: and the necessity Of economy
land careful management was stressed
by every member who took part In
the discussion. In fact, no matter
what subject come up for discussion
during the course OF the meeting the
ctty's finances and the probable effect
Of the abolition of the dispensary
were alluded to. There was no diff
ference Of opinion expressed. All
agreed that the city can worry along
and continue spending money. as has
been done during the past year. and
break oven. but II the dispensary is
voted out. there will have to be cur
tailment all along the line and In all
departments; and In addition to the
unwelcomed practice OF economy the
iasue OF the sewerage bonds will be in
evitable. for otherwise there will be
no source from which the money 10
repay the banks can be raised. 1t is
dispsnsary or bond issue for Sumter,
according to the Views expressed by
membeu Of council last night.
In connection with the financial
condition Of the city the building of
nre department headquarters was dis
cusssd- Nj. n. r. Haynsworth. chair
man OF the Building Committee. stat
ins that af.er looking into the f,nan-
cial status OF the city the committed
had decided to hold the matter In
absyance and no steps had been taken
to put into Effect the resolution adopt.
cd At the last meeting directing the
erection Of the building. The discus-
sion was gtneral and protracted and
for time there was disposition on
the part OF majority to do nothing.
Mr.. ssubbs fnsde motion to go ahead
and tuild a house for the firemen at
once. and shi the sewerage bonds to
set the money to pay for It. and re-
pay the banks and use the balance II
any on the streets.
The disposition finally made of the
matter IN shi,wn In the detailed report
OF the meeting.
The electric lighting contract was
discussed but action was deferred. Mr..
r. y. Hayns worth advocated fuller
Investigation OF the feasibility Of es-
tablishing a plant In connection with
the waterworks for furnishing street
lights solely. He was OF the opinion.
from Information furnished by Prof.
Riggs. when he made report on the
lighting system OF the city a few years
ago. that plant to light the streets
could be installed for 5000 to $4,000
and that II would pay for itself with
In a few years.
Another matter OF interest was the
introduction OF resolution by Mr..
Lyon providing for the employment
Of an expert accountant to inspect and
audit the books OF all departments of
the city for a period extending back
ten years He said that he was satis-
ned that the books were accurately
kept and that an investigation would
do nothing inore than establish the
correctness OF this belief; but there
exists a feeling OF unrest amongst
citizens and taxpayers and there Is
n demand for an investigation such
az he proposed. A majority of coun-
ell appeared 10 concur I'm Mr.. Ligon's
opinion that an Investigation would
show everything to be correct. but
there was no objection to the inves-
tigation except on the score OF ex-
pense. II was finally agreed to limit
the investigation to four years.
The retirement OF Policeman A. III.
Weeks on two-thirds pay was another
matter OF more than ordinary interest.
Officer Weeks has been In the service
OF the city for 4s years and placing
him on the retired list Is no more than
just recognition OF faithful service.
The import,nt parts OF the clerk
and treasurers annual report are
given herewith;
SALARY ACCOUNT.
w. u. Boyle. Mayor. =. e. 10000