TAXES. In calling your attention to the account of State Taxes, allow me to suggest as one reason why so small a sum ($5,441 86) remains unpaid is the repeal, last session, by the Legislature, of the act allowing until October for payment of the tax on non-resident lands. Promptness in payment of taxes is very desirable, and I strove to be able to report, this year that the taxes assessed were all paid, but notwithstanding my efforts, three towns, viz: Bristol, Royalton and Winhall, are in arrears, and I have been compelled to issue extents for the amount due. $127,002 47 The amount received on allotments is less than last year, owing to the expiration of terms of enlistment, and also on account of the large amounts of back pay unpaid by Government at this date. It will be seen from the foregoing that the payments made by this Department on account of extra pay and allotments, amount to $1,217,042,19. I estimate that there are over one hundred thousand vouchers for these payments, and in transmitting the money 19,140 checks on banks have been drawn. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE FUND. Having been authorized and directed by the agents appointed under the act of the Legislature, to proceed with the sale of Scrip received under act of Congress, it was effected during last March and April, with the following results: Proceeds of sale of 937 scrip, 160 acres each, Coupons due on Bonds, 1st June, 1864, $122,626 40 3,615 00 $126,241 401 $124,500 00 1,698 10 43 30 $126,241 00 The foregoing refers only to the business of the current year; when taken in connection with past years, a general statement of State Finances, at this date, is as follows: Deduct bonds authorized in 1862, and not issued, To be provided for by tax or loans, 775,007 00 150.000 00 120,000 00 $1,260,443 71 250,000 00 $1,010,443 71 Nothing has been received the past year on account of amount due from the United States, referred to ir a former report. In closing this my fourth annual report, it may not be improper for me to say, that, with the termination of the official term to which the generous suffrages of the freemen of the State have re-elected me, it is my purpose to give over the seals of office to such person as may be selected my successor. Treasurer's Office, Rutland, September 5th, 1864. J. B. PAGE, Treasurer. REPORT OF JOHN HOWE, JR., RELATIVE TO STATE AID FOR SOLDIERS' FAMILIES IN VERMONT. FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1863, TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1864. (Referred to on Page 17 of the Journal.) To his Excellency, John Gregory Smith: Herewith is respectfully submitted a report of the expenditures for State Aid to the families of our soldiers, under the "Act to provide for the families of the citizens of Vermont mustered into the service of the United States," approved April 26, 1861, and the "Act explanatory of certain acts providing for the support of families of soldiers," approved November 14, 1862. For details of the system of management pursued in all matters relating to these expenditures, I respectfully refer to my Reports of 1862 and 1863, as they embrace all the points of general interest. The accounts herewith submitted cover all expenses from September 1, 1863, to September 1, 1864. There are no valid unsettled claims within my knowledge. |