The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1875-01-23

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suud, from which lie realized at annual
income of &c, 1000.
The appropriations for the Penitentiary
have swelled considerably our annual
that for last year amount
ing to "a, 461,06 This institution has
been in process of construction, and 1t
has been the policy of this administration
to push it forward to completion as
rapidly as possible. This policy has
been urged in the belief that the institu-
ton, once completed could be made to
sustain itself, and the Legislature be re-
lieved of the necessity of providing for it
each year by large appropriations from
the Treasury. The building is now
entirely enclosed, and hope to be able
to say, in another year, that the institu'
ton has arrived at period Of its exis-
tence when it can provide for itself.
Freed from these items of expense, as
the State can and should be at an early
period, the annual appropriations neces-
sary to carry on the Government will be
very much reduced.
The demand for an economical admin
istration of public affairs was never more
imperative than now. The fact that the
State Is governed more irugally than ere
MANY of the other States, is no good
reason why its expenses should he cur
tailed wherever curlailment is practica-
BILE. In times like these we cannot
afford To indulge in extravagance OF any
character. 1t should be born in mind,
however, that there is wide distinction
between economy and parsimony. Tie
people, if l know their temper, will
cheerfully pay all that is necessary TO
carry on the Government properly; but
they have right to expect that thei'
representatives will not permit the ap-
propriations to go beyond that just limit.
LOCAL TAXES.
The State levy for all purposes, includ-
: ing interest on the public debt, sinking
fund, and the one MIL levy established
by law for the support of public schools
comprising but about one-sixth of the
amount which the people were called
upon to pay last year in the shape Of
taxes. The great burden of the people
is local taxation. The tax collected
throughout the state last year for county
purposes alone was nearly twice as great
as that collected by the State. The same
is true of the collections from school
districts, while the amount col Elected by
city and township governments is about
equal to the entire amount paid into the
State Treasury. How to reduce this
local taxation without impairing the
public credit, is question which should
recieve your first and earnest consider
alton. The school districts a-e urGe;
the immediate control of their citizens
and they alone are responsible TO-
the seemingly exhoI bitant taxation levi
ed for school purposes. 5MagnificeH'
school buildings have been erec.ed. fn'
which. in majority of instances. bones
.,ave been issued. The Interest on these
bonds mus. be paid, and a sinking FUND
created for their fina! redemption; and
thus the tax is swelled to large propo.
tons.
There is broad field for reform in the
management of our County COVER nments
One great source Of expense in fact, tht
greatest-is that attending the holding
of the courts. For the year ealing Sep
TENDER LIST, 1874, it cost the county o
Leavenwor,h, for this purpoee, SlS,36S.
OF, and this exclusive of the sum OF j.,
ooi ,94 for boarding prisoners aud othe
Jail expenses Much needless expens'
grows out of the vast number of trivia
cases appealed from Justices courts, an'
l submit that you might with prophet!
place such limitations or restriction
upon the right of appeal As would
i:elieve the district courts of much o
their present labor, and the taxpayer o
much of his present burden.
A most serious mistake in our practice
is that which compels civil officer t.
pc. form official duties without furnish
ing qua :anty for his pay. "The lahore
is worthy of his hire" is a maxim whicl
loses none of its force when applied t.
one holding an official position. Te,
uader the law, no matter how WORTHLESS
or irresponsible party to litiga IN ma.
be, the clerk of the district court and tn
sheriff are, upon his demand, required L
perform service with no security what
ever for the payment of their fees. Tn
result Is, that these officers. at the end q
each year, find themselves in possession
of a large number of worthless fee bills
; and it is this fact which has made
necessary, in order that they may receiv
fair remuneration for their labor, tha
the present high rates of fees should b
tolerated. Here is an opportunity TO
; substantial reform. Lat the law he S
amended as to secure to the officer hi
. pay for services, faithfully rendered i
all cases. This done, the Legislator
m ght, without injury to any one, bu
with great advantage to the public, IT
!, duce the fees of those officers at leas
!, thirty-three per cent.
INDIAN DIFFICULTIES.