DILLON CATFISH DRAINAGE DIST. v. BANK OF DILLON

Messrs. Lide McCandlish, for appellant, cite: Legislature has power to constitute a drainage district a political subdivision: 137 S.C. 496. A drainage district, formed pursuant to drainage laws of this State, held not to be a political subdivision within the meaning of the Constitution: 103 S.C. 191. Will bonds constitute a primary obligation of the district: Secs. 3260, 3227, 3258, Code. When those benefited are required to pay in excess of benefits received, then unlawful taking of property results: 19 C.J., 731; 90 Am. Dec., 641; 24 A.L.R., 934; 2 A.L.R., 609; 9 A.L.R., 590; 43 L.Ed., 443. Special assessments are a species of taxation and the Legislature may provide that they may be apportioned to the property benefited according to the foot, area, or value: 31 L.Ed., 763; 45 L.Ed., 879; 60 L.Ed., 266; Id., 624; 19 C.J., 732. In the absence of action that is clearly arbitrary on the part of the Legislature the Court will not attempt to go behind its findings: 60 L.Ed., 523. Messrs. Gibson Muller, for respondent, cite: Issuance of bonds creates a primary obligation: Secs. 3250, 3260, Code; 72 S.E., 996; 5 A. E. Ann. Cas., 196; 42 A.L.R., 1027; 40 A.L.R., 1344; 208 Pac., 27; 228 Pac., 236; 42 A.L.R., 1187; 248 Fed., 269. Court has no right to go behind the findings of the Legislature: 41 L.Ed., 369; 60 L.Ed., 273; 69 L.Ed., 355; 137 S.C. 496. Distinction between the taking of property for a public purpose and the taking without due process of law: 2 A.L.R., 609; 93 N.E., 228; 46 N.E., 437; 72 N.W., 1091; 66 S.W. 163. Legislative power to assess property: 43 L.Ed., 443; 31 L.Ed., 763; 137 S.C. 496.