10 REPORT OF THE

All the money in the hands of Bounty and County Commis-
sioners has been refunded, except a portion of the balance from
Baltimore City, for which suit has been instituted by the State's

Attorney.

PENSIONS.

There was paid during the fiscal year on account of Pensions,
tinder chapters 385 of 1867, and 432 of 1868, the sum of $118,-
350.00. As the law now stands and is executed, it is a great
source of annoyance and trouble to the Department, caused by
the number of agents and individuals collecting these claims. It
was a charitable and patriotic spirit that induced the payment
of pensions to the soldiers and widows of soldiers of the war of
1812, and if only allowed to those who are really in necessitous
or indigent circumstances, it would be well enough; but from
the manner in which some of these claims are made at long in-
tervals, I am induced to believe that many are not indigent—
otherwise they would claim payment quarterly, as the pension
matured. It certainly is a reflection on the independence and
filial affection of any person, to permit an aged parent to be-
come a pensioner on the bounty of the State.

Should the General Assembly, regarding all the circum-
stances, decide to continue this law in operation, it is desirable
to throw further safeguards around its execution, in order that
those who are not really needy or indigent, may be excluded.
I would most earnestly recommend the appointment of an agent
in every county, and in each Legislative District of Baltimore
City, to receive applications and disburse the money, and to be
paid for their services by a commission fixed by law.

This would save the Treasury Department much trouble,
and render the law more effective.

MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS.

The receipts into the Treasury from all sources of revenue
will be found on Tables from 1 to 13 inclusive. Of these the
most important is No. 1—Receipts from Clerks, &c., amounting
to $487,373.77. As the law now stands, non-resident traders
are not required to take out license except in Baltimore City.
I think the law should be changed to embrace all the counties
as well.