The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-20

special session to consider the ap-
preparation of $4,000 authorized by
legislative enactment for the purpose
oc Improving the railroad facilities
OF the county and city of Sumter. The
meeting was held on the call OF Fore
man G. w. Chandler. notices having
been sent out several days ago by
Clerk OF Court Parrott at his request.
The meeting was a full one. all men,
bers being present which was both
remarkable and commendable con-
siderius the condition of the roads
which the members from the remote
parts of the county had to travel to
reach tho city.
When the meeting was called to or
der the roll was called by Clerk Of
Court Parrott and the call OF the
foreman read. Mr.. r. I. Manning.
who was present. together with a
number Of other citizens representing
the business interests and the Cham
Der of Commerce. made a clear-cut
presentation Of the railroad situation
and the necessity for the appropri-
alton Of $4,000 by the city and the
$4,000 which the legislature author
ned the county board OF commission
ers to pay over TO the treasurer OF
the city of Sumter for the same pur-
pose. lie also outlined briefly the
benefits direct and immediate and in
direct and prospective that will follow
the construction OF the Seaboard
through Sumter county.
Supervisor Pitts. who was present
by request. was called on To make a
financial statemen' showing the con-
dition OF the COUNT. He had care
fully prepared statement that set out
In detail the expenses OF the county
for the current year. including the
$4,000 appropriation for the railroad
The total expense for the year. ac-
eordlng to this estimate. will aggre-
gate $4,000. The income Of the
county this year. from all sources,
VIII amount to approximately 49,
ooo' leaving an unexpended surplus at
the end Of the year of approximately
$1,000. after paying all ordinary ex-
penses and the railroad appropria-
ton OF $4,000. In response to ques-
tions by the foreman and other MEM
bers' of the grand jury Supervisor
Pitts stated that in his opinion the
payment Of the appropriations would
not emSarrass the county financially
nor would II necessitate an Increase
In the tax levy.
Mr.. II II. Belser. one Of the legis-
lative delegation. was asked to ex-
plain the legislative end of the ap-
preparation. lie showed entire ia
miliarity with the fianances OF the
county and explained how the dele
CATION had proceeded in draw
Ing the supply bill. lie read
hn estimate OF the county ex-
penses furnished the delegation by
the Supervisor and then an estimate
Z the income OF the county for this
year which he had prepared. this es-
timats differing very little from that
submitted by the Supervisor. thus
conhrmiR the statement that the
county had ample funds In sight to
pay all necessary expenses ard the
railroad appropriation without Gre
ating deficit or necessitating any
curtaiiment of the ordinary work for
public purposes.
Dr. Geo. w. Dick. also made a
brief statement that confirmed and In
some particulars amplihej Mr.. Bel
ser's remarks.
Mr.. Manning was called on to con-
eiudc the hearing with any further
remarks no might desire TO make. He
asked the grand jury. In the light Of
the statements presented by the SUI
pervisor. the members Of the Iegisla-
ture and citizens. recommend to the
county beard the immediate payment
Of the appropriation. the money be-
Ing needed at this time TO carry on
the work. lie also stated To the grand
jury that he wished To assure them
and the public at large that no mem
ber OF the committee OF the Chamber
OF Commerce or any other individual
had made or would receive n single
dollar Of personal profit out OF the
dealings with the railroad; that those
In charge OF this matter had given
their time and labor for the public
good; that there had been no land