18,797,389.59
Delinquencies and forfeitures in former years 667,188.69
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Total taxes, including delinquencies collectible
in 1871 $24,130,820.51

The taxes levied in 1871, collectible in 1872, were as follows:

State taxes $ 4,350,728.28
County and local levies 18,604,660.12
Delinquencies and forfeitures 632,275.84
--------------
Total taxes and delinquencies collectible
in 1872 $23,587,664 24

It will be noticed, with gratification, that the annual increase of
taxation, to which the people have been long accustomed, has been
checked, and that the taxes, both State and local, have been
somewhat reduced.

The increase of local indebtedness still continues. The returns
made to the auditor of State are imperfect, but enough is shown to
warrant the opinion that during the past year the indebtedness of
the towns and cities of the State has increased not less than one
million of dollars, and that their aggregate indebtedness now
equals the indebtedness of the State. I respectfully repeat, as the
remedy for this evil, the recommendation heretofore made, that all
public debts be prohibited, except in cases of emergency, analogous
to those specified in sections 1 and 2, article 8, of the
constitution.

The report of the adjutant-general shows that there has been
collected by him from the United States during the year, on account
of the State war claims, the sum of $145,304.60, making the total
amount of war claims collected $2,826,247.94. It is probable that
about $100,000 more can be collected on these claims without
additional legislation by Congress. This will leave about $400,000
of claims unpaid, which, it is believed, when presented to
Congress, with proper vouchers and explanations, will be provided
for by special act. As long, however, as the board of military
claims exists, these claims will continue to increase, and it would
not be advisable to seek Congressional action until the State, by
closing its accounts with