COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY. XXXV

to exist in the valuations, indicate the necessity for a now assessment.
By an examination of Statement "K," appended to this Report, it will
be seen that the assessed value of the property in the State has
declined in amount $64,900.079 since 1867.

When once a correct and equal assessment Of all the property in the
State is attained, the provisions of the Act of 1874, chapter 483,
enabling the County Commissioners and Appeal Tax Court to alter
former valuations, so as to make them conform to existing rates, will
do much to obviate inequalities, and the necessity for frequent general
assessments. Additional powers may perhaps be safely lodged with
these officers, to enable them with more certainty to preserve the cor-
rectness and equality of the assessable basis. The consideration of this
whole subject is respectfully submitted to the wisdom of the General
Assembly.

ECONOMY IN EXPENDITURES.

I cannot too strongly urge upon the Legislature the importance of
economy in the expenditures of the public money. A large amount
may be saved by prudence in appropriations, and by lessening the offi-
cers of the two Houses to the number absolutely required for the proper
dispatch of the business of legislation. The large number of appointees
at the last session contributed very much to swell the expenses be-
yond what they might otherwise have been, and the necessity of guard-
ing against a repetition of this policy, must be apparent to all. I re-
spectfully request also, that all appointments of officers by the two
Houses, may be certified to this Department, with the dates of appoint-
ment and the amount of compensation allowed, so that proper accounts
may be raised and kept in this office. Unless this is done, the De-
partment is compelled to bo governed entirely by the certificates of the
Chairman of the Committee on Claims, and cannot estimate in advance
the amount which will be necessary for this purpose

The appropriations to literary, charitable and benevolent institutions
for the past year, amounted to $117,500.00.

To raise this amount by taxation, a levy of upwards of two cents on
each hundred dollars of the assessable property of the State is
necessary. A reduction in this item of expenditure would render prac-
ticable a corresponding reduction in the State taxes.

An important saving may be made also by limiting the amount of
the public printing of the Legislature, to such bills and documents us
may be absolutely necessary for the fall information of the members,
and for such distribution among the people, as may be conducive to