The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1868-12-26
THE FINANCES OF OREGON.

We find the following in the Ore
gon City Enterprise of last week:
''The Copperhead press of Oregon begin
to vince and wiggle very much because of
the course pursued By their party in the last
Legislature. The Albany Democrat comedies
that the Democrats might have passed an ap-
preparation bill and that il was their fault
that one was not passed that giant wrong
has been perpetrated, and that the people of
Oregon are the victims of the outrage but
in the same article says the question is not
now-''WhO has inflicted this wrong ?n-
but ''How shall the wrong be remedied ~
and proceeds to argue for an extra session.
We hope that Governor Woods will continue
his defiance Of the secession hordes who now
assail him. He has borne to be burned in
efigy by them has heard their threats Of
yiolence-let them sail in ~
We have never conceded that it was
the fault of the Democrats in the Leg
islature that an appropriation bill was
not passed, except for the sake of
argument. The editor of the Enter
prise knew this ;-hence he knew he
was lying when he made the above
statement. Such lying subterfuges,
however, is precisely what may be ex-
pected ofone who, three or four years
ago, was rank "eopperhead" him
self 1t is precisely what may be ex-
pected from one who became 'loil"
from bread-and-butter motives. 1t is
exactly what may be expected from
the man who got knocked heels over
stomach by sea-captain, and who,
instead Of resenting, picked himself
up, seized his hat, and-walked off.
This pot-valiant whelp virtually adyi-
ses the Executive not to discharge his
official duties because he has been
burned in efilgy by few Democrats
There is craftsmanship for you. Il
Governor of great State is advised
to vent bic personal spleen and malice,
because by so doing he may thwaft
the wishes of some Democrats We
are happy to know that all his party
friends do not concur in this advice, as
the following from the Salem linton
ist of Monday last will prove:
'tThe unfortunate condition of the State
finances, consequent upon the failure of the
late Legislature to pass general appropria-
tion bill, IS becoming question of seri1us
importance. Not only are the State officers
and contractors subjected to inconvenience
and loss, as a direct result Of such failure,
but every taxi payer in the State will be
made to contribute to pay the extra expense
incurred IN running the State government
on a credit.
It is not our design at this time to crimi.
nate, or charge the responsibility of the pres.
ent anomalous condition of the State and its
financial interests to the recreancy or miscon-
duct of any party. The unerring pen of
history will not fail to indict and properly
arraign those on whom the responsibility rests.
1t is enough that we know that great wrong
exists, directly affecting the interests of the
people and retarding the course of justice.
And possessing this knowledge, we shall
fearlessly state the condition of affairs as
they are, and suggest that which, In our
judgment, is,the proper remedy.
At least thirty per cent viii be added TO
the expenses of the State during the next
two years under the present condition of af-
fairs, If justice be done to those in its service
during that time. State warrants are now
selling at discount of from twelve to twenty
five per cent, and this while the State treas.
ury is groaning under its burden of gold
These warrants draw ten per cent. per an
mum, which the State must honestly paw or
dishonesty repudiate. The expenses of the
State Penitentiary, and all incidental expen.
ses, will be greatly increased, inasmuch as
provisions, clothing and labor cannot be had
for deprecated State paper at as reasonable
rates as If the cash were paid. The State is
under contract with Dr. Hawthorne. for
keeping the insane and idotic for two wears.
for which he was to receive Sc 5Oa week Der
capita in q. S. gold coin. He now receives
warrants which he is compelled to discount
heavily. In justice to himself. he will of
course present bill for relief to the next
Legislature, which, in all Justice. should be
paid. But If paid, it will fix precedent
for others who have been similarly subjected
to losses, and the Legislature will find itself
beseiged with innumerable relief bills. in
the hands of wronged creditors, each demand.
ing, and justly too, spay that thou owest. y
In addition to the above, there are grave
doubts in some Of the best legal minds in
he State, as to whether the Secretary Of
State can legally issue warrants beyond the
mount Of $4,000, which the Constitution
zes as the limit. beyond which the State
mot contract Indebtedness And again.
is held BY many shat the Constitution does