The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-11-24
The state TreasuryshIp.

II u y
It is becoming very evident, from the
tone of the leading Radical papers in the
State, that the disgrseeful political debauch-
cry that attended the election of State Treas
ufer by The Legislature in January last. will
be re-enacted at the election Of that officer
during the approaching session. 1t is open
ly declared that Simon Cameron, through
the corrupt appliances Of which he is SO
Skillful master. is determined to re instate
bis friend Mackey in the position from which
he was unexpectedly elected last winter by
General Irwin. That result was bro ught
about by the Democratic members aud about
fifteen or eighteen dissatisfied Radicals uni
ting and casting their votes for Irwin. Be-
lievirg that Mackey was unscrupulous and
corrupt-that he was the head and front OF
the notorious "Tressury Ring"-we ap-
proved of the action of the Democratic mem
bers in supporting Gen. Irwin. The conduct,
however, of that gentleman, when he. ap-
peared before the Treasury Investigating
Committee, and obstinately refused to answer
all the questions propounded to him as to
the manner in which the public funds-we
mean the unexpended balances in the Treas
ury-had been used, materially changed our
opinion of his official integrity aud forced
US to the plain conclusion that there WAS
something rotten in Denmark" 1t is un-
derstood that Gen Irwin will not be can
didate for reelection and that Mackey'
most formidable competitor will be --
Taggart, who is chief clerk in the Treasury
Office.
The Office of State Treasurer, ever since
1850, has yielded a fortune to every man
who has held it two years in succession,
whether he was a Republican or Democrat
1t is not the mere salary of the Cflice thai
makes its incumbent rich, but it is the full
and unchecked privilege he enjoys of loan
ing at interest to the banks. as we'll as tC
his personal and olitical friends, the surplus
money in the treasury. and putting thu
pocket. 1t is golden prize and hence th'
exciting annual coltest to secure it.
1: has been suggested by several Radica
papers, the AHeghaniaH Of this place amongs
the rumber, that new man, unconnecteC
with any ring OF clique Of corrupt politica
managers, should be nominated and elected
Would this remedy the evil complained. of
Not at all. i: is just as certain as the nigh
follows The Gay. that if a new man defeat
both Mackey and Taggart for the nomina
ton in the Radical caucus, lie toU form
ring of his Opn before he is one month ii
the Office. The truth Of this proposition
perfectly manifest from the very nature {
things There is but one way by whic
this DEVILS rock in the sea Of Pennsylvani
politics can be removed. Let the member
Of the Legislature, at the very commence
raent of the session, assume the virtue c
honesty, even though they have it not, an
pass stringent and well guarded act re
quiring the State Treasurer. from time t
time, to laon on good security to bankn
institutions, or to private individuals, th
unexpended balance under his control, an
compel him under heavy penalties to furusl
the Legislature, at the commencement I
eaCn session.. Win StoO!H Stat6tnCnL Vi III
amount of said loans, the names of til
banks or persons who received them, an
the amount of interest received thereon all
paid into the treasury. Such a law or on
similar to it, would simplify matters amal
ipgly and would eifectually prevent til
Treasurer from speculating In the publ
funds for his own pecuniary benefit. Eve
If the Treasurer was made elective by th
people, as he ought to be, by an amendmer
to the constitution, the evil now complaine
of would still exist. 1t is only by tho pa
sage of law such as we have indicated ths
any State Treasurer, however pure and VI
right be may be when he assumes the dutit
of the office can be prevented from using II
public money for his Own personal gam all
be compelled to invest it for the benefit
those to whom it rightfully belongs, II
heavily burdened tax payers Of the Common
wealth.