The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1878-10-17
THE STATE.
Pennsylvania Expenditures.
A Favorite Theme for the Democratic
Politicians In the Campaign.
Some Interesting Facts and Figures that
Throw a Little LIeh. on the Var.
Ious Administrations of the
Commonwealth.

The increased expenditure of the State admin
istration has been and is chosen subject of
comment in all Democratic discussions. 1t is
thoroughly legitimate topic, and one we are
glad to have opened The only fear is lest 1t
snail drop out of sight after the election, as it
has SO often done heretofore. The periods gen.
orally chosen for comparison are those of
Packer, Democrat, in 1s5s-60, when the costs
were 81, 200, $40 II for the term; of Curtin, in
1864 sc, when they were 81 1885, 157 68; of Geary's
first term following, when they amounted to
81, 453, l4S 6i; of his second term in which they
were 49, s0s, 305 OF, and of Hartranft's late ad
ministration, In which they have advanced
from 5000, ,9S II in 1873 to S1213 276 81 in 1877.
Resting upon these facts, the Democrats and
Nationalists censure the Republican party un-
stintedly for extravaganza, and hint at malfeas-
ance.
1t is so difficult TO procure absolutely trust
worthy and ineligible statistics in such debates
that Hon. Chester n. Farr rendered good SER
vice to the interests of the State, the knowledge
of the people, and the cause of truth, in his con-
sideration and presentment of the facts at
Myerstown on Saturday evening He did not
undertake TO deny or apologize for a state of the
case involved in the history of the State, and
generally known to every one; but promising
that the expenditures OF the Commonwealth th
justified the facts convincingly, and when am
pie justification could not be found, pointed to
Democratic action as equally or wholly respon-
sible During Packers administration, of
1S5S-60, the expenses were 81, 200, $40 II. Since
his retirement the population of the State
has increased from 1906, $40 TO about
42O0, 600. This increase has necessitated in
creased expenditures in every direction.
CAUSED BY COMBINED ACTION.
One-half of all that has occurred in the
seventeen years is due TO the combined
votes OF Republicans and Democrats, when
the constitution OF 1874 added go members
TO the Legislature, increased the judiciary
heads of departments and clerks This action
of both parties appropriated $1,000, 900 annually
to the public schools; increased the pay of the
Legislature 800, 400, and that of printing S6l,-
O79 o. OF the S2is, ,070 46 remaining increase to
be accounted for, S157, S0i is accounted for by
the increase in the salaries of the executive de-
partment, clerks and judges, all of which is
non-partisan, and has been approved by the
increase of mileage and stationery in the sum
of S57, OO7 90, or s32, 595 03 more than double
what they cost in 1860, and by $40, 53s 81 appro-
priated TO Soldiers Orphans Schools, leaving
but Si3, 25S SO of all this vaunted extravaganza
unascribed-the major part of the growth
having been wisely concurred in by both
Democrats and Republicans in order TO meet
the increase of 25 TO so per cent which has
touched all branches of living since 1860. AS the
increase of expenditures under Democratic rule
from 1914 TO 1860 was ed per cent. the increase
of the same expenditures for the years from 1860
to this time falls absolutely $50, 900 below the
ratio of Democratic increase when the costs of
reorganiZing the government and Legislature
are sub:.acted. On the other hand the Repub-
licans have not only carried on the government
In period of civil war, and through a,follow-
ing term of depressed industry and inactivity
made an annual saving of $780, OOO together with
profit of S261, 1922 by refundng the State debt,
which they have reduced from S42, 600, 900 to
Sl3, 900, 900 and placed in the course of speedy
liquidation.
We remark of an exhibit which will crafty
Taxpayers and true Pennsylvanians, lrrespec-
tive of party, that 1t proceeds from a compe-
tent, responsible and reliable source, where the
floating statements which impeach State credit
and hurt the prosperity of the State, indirectly
if not directly, are the products of partial
knowledge at the best, and either leavened with
partisan feeling or Intentionally colored. With
this authentic exhibit the case is made up. The
financial issue is the greatest In State as in
national politics. Having shown great re-
duction of the State debt, greater efficiency and
permanent gain in every department of ad-
ministration, and preparation for greater econ
omy and profit, the party may well and conf
IDENTIFY go to the people, who wanted no other
evidence to renew xeir original friendship and
sustain policy they marked and demanded.