The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-14
THE TREASURY.
Endorsing the Sentinel 'The Whole Sys-
tenn of Managing the Public Monies is
Wrong"

Indorsing the SentineI-N'The whole Sys-
tenn of Managing the Public Monies is
Wrong"
Communicated
Your position in relation to the investi-
cation of the Treasury is heartily indorsed.
1t is question" having one side-that is,
no question at all; but business principle
not admitting OF argument. A portion Of
the people, on the statements made by the
Governor, call in question the Treasurer
methods OF keeping the public funds. The
peoples representatives order an investiga-
ton, and the investigation leaves the mat.
ter unsettled in some respects. The Demo
Gratis are in the majority, aud refuse to either
investigate or permit it to be done, until all
information obtainable has been reached.
That is simply suicidal. 1t avails nothing
to say that the opposition would cavil any
way; the fact remains that the Investigation
has not been full. 1t may satisfy some, but
II has not been thorough. majority
may feel that the funds are
safe, or that the Treasurer will
procure them when called for, and the
Treasury will not be a loser. That is no
answer made TO the charge of the Governor
people, viz: That the money paid in for
taxes is not actually on hand in the Treas.
urY, wherever the treasury may be kept-in
one place or more. Ii avalls nothing TO say
that the Governor neglected his duty in not
making an examinRtion-having the 20 yer
and II being duty. 1t avails nothing To
say that II Is the duty OF Governor Gray, and
have aim perform it. The charge has gone
out that the money is not on hand. The
investigation made shows that il is not on
hand, but that It is secured and the Treas.
urer can command money TO meet warrants
drawn on the States moneys when called on.
None of il meets the demands made upon
the peoples representatives, aud they have
and are eVading that demand. 1t is doubly
the duty Of the Democratic majority 70 see
that that demand is fully complied with.
The Treasurer takes an oath and gives a
bond conditioned that he will discharge the
duties OF Treasurer according ID Law; not
that he will do so as other Treasurers hays
done. II he should say to the nominating
convention, when a candidate, II will not
undertake TO discharge my duties as re-
quired by law, but l will do as other Treas
uTers have done" he would not bs nOmi-
mated. III he should be be would not be
elected. When called on TO exhibit the
moneys paid over to him and in his hands
IN contemplation OF law, it is no showing 10
exhibit evidences of debt due 70 him.
County orders, certificates of deposit in
banks, checks and drafts on banks are only
evidences of debt. They are not money. If
the Legislature provides no sufficient vaults
to keep the States money in, and the Treas.
urer sees proper to hire a place in the vaults
Of banks and other repositories that are as
safe as can be found in which to pat the
states money, 1t may be as we'll rs he can
do; but when he deposits il with the bank it
is only loan to the bank. on cali; and the
banks check, draft or certificate, when
shown in place OF money, is no answer to a
demand by an investigating committee TO
exhibit the money. Knowing be was 20 be
called on. he should hsve converted his evil
dence of debt into money, and when the
committee called on him he should and
would have been enabled to show the States
money on hand.
While it may be understood that the Treas
uTer seeks the office, not for the saary and
honor, bat because be can use the States
money 10 make larger gains for himself, il
is no answer 10 "a Official inquiry that
he has safely invested the moneys.
Toe law neither contemplates or psr-