University of South Carolina Libraries
THE BY JULIAN A. SELB* The City Debt. To m Ejditob ox the Phcznix: It is mir to presume thai the report of Gen. Btolbrsnd on the city finances, and the speech of Hon. L. Cass Carpenter on the ?asfe subject, embraces about all that the City Council haa to say in de? fence of its management of city aflhira during the past fire yean. This la not much, after all, but as the figures, so disarranged by these gentlemen, may confuse some persons who are honestly and earnestly seeking for the facta, I take the liberty of asking for a small space ia year columns to repeat, in part, the statistics contained in the re? port of the OiMsens' Committee of In? vestigation, and to add thereto an exact Statement ot the debt as carried on the Treasurer's books at the beginning of Mayor Alexander's administration, at the cod of his first term and at the end of his second term. The first state? ment is made for the 91st of May, 1870, as, according to say recollection, that is about the data at which the litigation between the old and new Councils ended, and the new Council was installed into ofiice: Debt May 31, 1870. five per cent, bonds.916,600 00 Six per cent bonds.. 167,900 00 Seven per cent bonds. 161,460 00 Past due bonds. 30,260 00 Bills payable.. 8,000 00 City currency outstanding.. 16,204 10 Total.$399,324 10 Debt Marek 31, 1872. Five per cent, bonds. $16,600 00 Six per cent bonds. 167,600 00 Sevan per cent bonds. 161,460 00 Bills payable. 81,000 00 Total.$496,860 00 Debt April 30, 1874, Six per cent bonds.$167,900 00 Seven per cent bonds. 176,960 00 Seven per cent, bonds, 1872. .913,760 00 Bills payable. 63,478 76 City currency outstanding_ 7,613 96 Total..$619,692 70 Recapitulation. Debt May 81,1870.$399,994 10 Debt March 31,1879. 426,850?00 Debt April 30, 1874. 619,699 70 Between the first two periods named, thai is, during the first tana of Mayor Alexander's administration, 1,992 9-9 shares of stock in the Charlotte, Colum? bia and Augusta Bailrcad were sold, bringing the sum of $49,076.88, which must be taken Into account in making a comparison of the actual debt at the two periods. If this sum he added to the debt on March 31, 1879, the correct figures, for the purpose of comparison, are $474,996.38. The figures will sustain this statement Real Increase of the City Debt. Between May 31, 1870, and March 31,1879.$75,602 28 Between March 81,1879, and April 80, 1874. 193,742 70 This is the debt as obtained by an ex? amination of the books of the adminis? tration under review, derived from its own records, which, as puhlio records, are open to the inspection of all I have not included in either statement an esti? mate of the unpaid coupons, or of out? standing bills, for the reason thai there is no date upon which to predicate any reliable conclusions! Such an exclusion does no real injustice, however, for it Is freely stated that the forthcoming state ment of the debt, under the oath of the Mayor and City Clerk, win show the outstanding coupons to exceed the sum of $60,000, a greater sum than is even claimed by Mr. Carpenter to have been unpaid at the inauguration of Mayor Alexander's first term. Hence, I may disregard the coupons for the purposes of comparison. The Statement by Gen. Stoibrand, thai after the date of May 31, 1870. bills made by the former Council to the amount of $16,000, were paid by the new Council, need not bo left to guess work; it ;is susceptible of proof, and it is only nsoeseary to take up and examine Mr. Etter's accounts to specify every one of such payments. The records of the dry show the debt to have been increased, between May $1, 1870, and April 30, 1874, by the sum. In round figures, of two hundred and twenty thou? sand dollars, and that property was sold during that time and the proceeds used to the amount of forty-nine thousand dol? lars in addition thereto. I invite Mr. Carpenter to make a new and more care? ful study of these figures, and to bear in mind at the same time, that prior to the pssssge of the Act of March 13,1872, the maximum tax imposed upon the city, for all purposes, was ten mills on real es? tate 'alone; while now, for the present year, the tax is eighteen mills on real and personal estate; and it is well known that it has not produced sufficient to liquidate even the outstanding current expenses of the city, a considerable por? tion of which, it is asserted by members of the present Council, wss incurred by its immediate predecessor. I did not pro? pose to restate the figures of the report of the Citizens' Committee on the payment of interest or redemption of city curren? cy, or any other point, as they are taken directly from the ledger, and can be ex? amined by any one who may feel inter? ested to do so; but I cannot pass over one item of Mr. Carpenter's book-keep? ing, which looke so muoh like the cross entries of the City Treasurer, whose busi DAILY "Let our Just Censures COLUMBIA, S. 0., nen it seemed to bo to confuse the ac? count* at the period when Hr. C. was at the head of the Finance Committee. I am really not surprised at the error he has fallen into, following such skillfully (?) kept records. But if he will scruti? nise them more carefully, he will see that the money deposited in the Carolina Nation Bank, under the head of "Con? struction fund," was drawn out and ap? plied to payments on the City Hall, and that it is an error to credit it twice to the City Hall fund. In other words, he can? not eat his cake and hare it, too. It is always safe to look at both sides of an account The figures remain, as stated by the committee, that over sixty-six thou? sand dollars of the proceeds of the bonds were not used either in the construction of the City Hall or new market, but di? verted to other purposes. I don't know thai it is really neces? sary, yet I may as weU here disclaim the credit given me by Mr. Carpenter, of having represented the Carolina National Bank in its transactions with the oity, relating to the sale of the bonds oz the arrangement ef the trust I merely acted ss the officer of the bank, carrying out its interests as or? dered by the Board of Directors. My recollection is thai the negotiation on behalf of the bank was initiated and car? ried on by its President the Mayor and Mr. Carpenter being the principal agents representing the city. Of the use mads of the funds, neither the bank nor its officers can be held responsible. That responsibility rested, in part on Mr. Carpenter, and I decline to relieve him of his share. On behalf of the Committee of Investi? gation, I desire to say that they ware not actuated in their report byany desire t* promote partisan ends. They do desire to bring about a better city government to limit its expenses, to reduce the taxes, to pay its debts and to build up its credit These things will promote the well-being of us all. The committee were satisfied that the present city go? vernment had introduced some reforms, and was doing, perhaps, the best it action. It has simply exposed the mis could, under the circumstances, and has not mads a single criticism upon its management waste and extravagance of a former administration, for the benefit of the public at large. Are there parti? sans who can afford to defend these things? I think not The reform of the city finances is a matter of business, and I have sought to confine their investiga? tion strictly to business considerations. Very respectfully, W. B. QUXJCK. Si According to the style lately set by the Princess of Wales, it is fashionable among English ladies to have their monograms and coats-of-arms embroid ered in arabesques on their skirts and corsets. TAJJUW Who feeds me from his grocery store, And shows me every day a score Of dainties, finer than before? Tis Solomon. Qroosries, Family Supplies, Fare Liquors, Wines, eVc. Whose clerks are smiling, childlike bland, And always at my service stand Attentive to my least command? Why, Solomon's. Strips, Beef Tonfuea, Sal? mon Bellies, Fulton Market Beef, Canned Goods and Other TJsliomeiss, Who cares for no man's smile or frown While he can keep his prices down, Yet sells the finest goods in town? Tis Solomon. A Splendid Assortment of Hew Cof? fee sad less?Japan, Ool?ng, Gun? powder, Hyson, Imperial sad Mixed And can I ever cease to be The best of customers to thee, Who always did so well by me, Oh, Solomon? Fancy Crackers, Raisins, Mats, Mew Floor sad Buckwheat. TU keep to the store I like so well, 'Neath Mr. Gorman's big hotel, And kept by Hardy B-O-L O-M-O-N. JBS" Price* still lower, and goods fresh every day._April 9 NEW BOOKS At R. L. Bryan's Bookstore. GEORGE IV. His Life and His Court Scientific London, by Beeker. Science and Religion, by Dr?per? $1.75. Farrar's Life of Christ?$2.50. The Shadowed Home, by Bickersteth? $1.50. Conquering and to Conquer, by Schonberg Cotta Family?$1.25. Vernes' Journey te the North Pole? $1.50. Ralph Wilton's Weird, by author of Wooing O't? $1.25. The Science of Law, by Amos?$1.75. Also, a variety of new English Novels, paper covers, by Mrs. Olyphant, Far geon, author ef "Castle," Mrs. Braddon, Wilkie Collins and others. A pri' 25 WEDNESDAY MORNING, For Music Teachers. NOW examine and select books for the next season's campaign. La our catalogue (sent free) yon will find all you need, and of the beet quality. We now remind you of our HONG MONARCH, (75 cents.) Unequalled as a class book for singing schools. 4?riOM School Music Readers. BooklCSS cents,) Book II (50 cents.) Book LTJ (50 cents.) Excellent graded books for schools. Richardson's New Method For Piano-Forte. ($3.75.) The greatest and best of Piano instruction books. CLARKE'S NEW METHOD For Reed Organs. ($2.50,) which occupies very nearly the same position with respect to beoks of its class as Richardson s does to other Piano-forte Methods. And if, as is likely, you are a leader of a choir or musical society, you will find excellent material in our new books, THOMAS' QUARTETS AND ANTHEMS, ($2.50.) or PERKINS' ANTHEMS, ($1.60.) or FOUR PART GERMAN SONGS, ($1.50.) for Mixed Voices, or DANE'S ANTHEM SERVICES, (Episco? pal,) $2.50. Sent, post paid, for Retail Prices. Sold by all principal Musio Dealers. OLIVER DITSON A CO., Boston. CHAR H. DITSON* CO., June 19 ?W* 711 Broadway, N. Y. Interest Allowed. TIE Mechanics' and Farmen' Build? ing and Loan Association, of Rick land, is now receiving deposits of $1.00 and upwards, and allowing interest at the rate of 6 per cent per annum on all amounts over $10.00, which remain 30 days or longer. Deposits received by T. H. Gibbes, Treasurer, at the Central National Bank, B. D. SENN, April 22 I President SIMMONS' LIVE For all Diseases of the Li' ris evidently a Family Medicine mediate resort, will save maay dollar in time and doctors' bills After forty years' trial, it is suit r monials of its virtues from persona sponsibility. Eminent physicians EFFECTIAI for Cossttpatiok, Hxaoachz, Pain Stomach, bad taste in the Month, I Heart, Pain in the region of the 1 forebodings of evil; all of whick ar< I If you feel Dull, Drowsy, Deb Mouth tastes badly, poor Appetite ing from Torpid Liver, or "Bilious speedily and permanently. The Liver, the largest organ in tl disease, and if not Regulated in 1 and DEATH wiB ensue. Armed with this ANTIDOTE, all food may be faced without fear. FEVERS, BOWEL COMPLAINT NAUSEA, the Cheapest Purest a World! "I have never seen or tried sucl and pleasant remedy in my life."? "I occasionally use, when my cc Liver Regulator, with good effect" "Tour Regulator has been in us< am persuaded it is a valuable add it j. GrLL Shobtkb, Alabama. "I have used the Regulator is years. I can safely recommend it 1 nave ever used for that class of dia Tbiopxm. "Simmons' Liver Regulator has ] cine."?C. A. Nutttmo, President o "We have been acquainted with more than twenty yean, and kn< offered to the public."?M. R Lroi fontaine, Ga. flOOfONft' LIVER For DYSPEPSIA, CONRTIPAI TACKB, SICK HEADACHE, CO! SOUR STOMACH, HEART BURN Is a faultless Family Medicine, Does not disarrange the system, Is sure to cure if taken regularly, Is no drastic violent medicine, Does not interfere with business, Is no intoxicating beverave, Contains the simplest and beat ren CAUTION .?Buy no Powders REGULATOR, unless in our eni Stamp and Signature unbroken, j ftB 30 }w6mo J. H. ZELLIN & I PH(E Attend the True Brent." JUNE 16, 1875._V< Notice to Tax-Payers. FTAHE COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE JL -will be optn for receiving RETURNS from JUNE 1 to JULY 20, 1876, instead of July 1 to August 20, as heretofore. The law requires the County Auditor to assess all parties who fail to list their personal property within the time above noted, at the same valuation as of 1874, and add a penalty of fifty per cent, thereto; and all new bondings and structures, not returned in 1874, must be returned for the fiscal year 1876, and in default thereof a penalty of fifty per cent will attach. To facilitate the tax-payers in making their returns for the fiscal year 1876,1 will attend in person at the following Precincts: Oadsden Precinct June 17, 18 and 19. Acton Precinct June 21 and 22. Davis' Precinct, June 24. Garner's Precinct June 28 and 29. Camp Ground Precinct, July L KiUian's Precinct July 6 and 6. Hopkins' Precinct, July 8. Trenhoim's Precinct, July 10. A. L. SOLOMON, May 80 Imp_County Auditor. Millinery fOF the LATEST STYLES; also. Ladies' and Children's SUITS of all sizes and qual? ity, UNDERWEAR, COR? SETS, HAIR sad FANGT GOODS. Just received, a large assortment of Wenck's PERFUMERY, at _MRS. 0. E. BEEP'S. What Yon Meed. EXTRA MESS BEEF, 10 cents per i pound. _ Fresh May BUTTER, direct from Mil ford, N. Y., 3 pounds for $1. CIGARS.?We are closing out our stock I of Cigars, and offer the best FIVE CENT Cigars in the city, and only want a trial to convince you. May 16 L?RICK A LOWRANCE. The symptoms of Liver Comp Lain t>re uneasiness and pain in the side. Some? times the pain is in the shoulder, and is mistaken for rheumatism. The stomach is affected with loss of appetite and sick? ness, bowels in general costive, and sometimes alternating with lax. The head is troubled witp pain, and dull, heavy sensation, considerable loss of memory, accompanied with painful sen? sation of having left undone something which ought to have been done. Often complaining of weakness, debility and low spirits. Sometimes many of the above symptoms attend the disease, and at other times, very few of them; but the Liver is generally the organ most in? volved. R REGULATOR! rer, Stomach and Spleen ! ^ and by being kept ready far im an hour of suffering, and many a eceiving the most unqualified testi > of the highest character and re? commend it as the most * SPECIFIC in the Shoulders, Dizziness, Sour Bilious Attacks, Palpitation of the Sidneys, Despondency, Gloom and e the offspring of a dier ased Liver, ilitated, save frequent headache, and Tongue Coated, you are suffer ness," and nothing will cure you so ic body, is generally the seat of the time, great suffering, wretchedness climates and changes of water and As a remedy in MALARIOUS S, RESTLESSNESS, JAUNDICE, nd Best Family Medicine in the l a simple, efficacious, satisfactory H. Hainkb, St Louis, Mo. indition requires it Dr. Simmons' ?Hon. Axex. H. Stevens. ? in my family for some time, and I ion to the medical science."?Gov. i my family for the past seventeen to the world as the best medicine I eases it purports to cure."?H. F. proved a good and efficacious medi f City Bank. Dr. Simmons' Liver Medicine fer :>w it to be the best Liver Regulator ? and H. L. Lyon, Druggists, Belle HON, JAUNDICE, BILIOUS AT L.IC, DEPRESSION OF SPIRITS, , Ac., Ac, "o Zlq.'ual. "or"Prepared SIMMONS' LIVER iraved wrapper, with Trad* Mark, None other is genuine. CO., Muton. Ga., and Philadelphia. NIX. -=F, )LUME XI?NUMBER 7jC/ no humbug! B upini in CMUiigr, 8ry Cbodi 1 Bait CLOSING OUT SALE POE 15 BAYS. HAVING in contemplation the remc _ delinp of store sow occupied by me, I shall offer my entire stock, con? sisting of READY-MADE CLOTHING,. DRY GOODS and HATS, Ac., AT COST. All goods remaining on hand after 26th instant will be sold at public out-cry every day and night until disposed of.. Those in want will bean in mind that this is no humbug, as the goods must be sold, and bargains may We anticipated.. Call early a? D. CfOODMAN'S, June 11 f_164 Main street Kraaan & Welkt?To patrons in .4 V arolina for their liberality: We \j Indeed thank you for buying A V ur fine ready-made Clothing, v,*3 Neckwear, TJnder-wear, cheapest, T argent stock ever in the oity, JJa And we believe best, for wo sell T"T nion Adams' Black Silk Ties, liJ Kassian Braces, Suspenders, flhirts'njf ade specialty, good fit; guaranteeiJau Durability, elegance, comdert U TJ uyer. The Quaker City and _I> &Star Shirts are all the go, and X n Silk, Lin en. Gingham UmhreBasJL We claim to sell at lern profit a good A rtiole than anyhouse in the tr&d exx In fine, ready-made Clothing, our CV tyle and price is unequal ed. kjF Iin en CunVHandkerehiefs,CoUors;/"'\ I ur stock can't be surpasied. v " Eeganee, style and fashion, Hsts in asaimerc, Silk, Straw, Felt.WooLVj Y?u>h?'clothiI^.8hirt?.H*te.Cape, A t No. 124 Main street. J\. AND CLOTHING AND HATS, FOB s p b i a m OF 1875, Now in store, and to be sold at low prices. I. ft f. C. SfMHItfc Spring Clothing*; Spring Clothing! Spring Clothing! Just opened The Largest and Best Staeft. Ever seen here, AT D. EPSTLN'S, UVDER COLUMBIA HOTEL. STYLES, New and Handsome! FABRIC and DESIGN, Elegant! BEST MAKE UP! PRICES, Lower than ever! Very full lines of Boys' and Youths* CLOTHING, FURNISHING GOODS an* HATS. Call and examine at April 4 Under Columbia Hotel!. Prepare Tour Own Mineral Waters. BY US IRQ TUM Granular Effervescent Salts*. KOCKBRIDGE ALUM, VICHY, CRAB ? ORCHAD, KISSINGEN. FRIED RICHSHALL. The Salts represent in a-> condensed and agreeable form the me? dicinal constituents of these various Mineral Waters, and from their 'jonve- ? nience and comparative cheapness, are - coming rapidly into us*. One or two large tea-spoou-fuls added t to a small tumbler of water, instantly y reproduces a draught of the natural -' Water, accompanied by a sparkling effervescence. For sale at L. T. SILLIMAN t CO.'S April 6 Drug Store. .