The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1889-11-22
correspondence.


While the columns of tho GRAPHIC are always
open for the publication of communications Of
general or personal interest, the editor disolaims
all responsibility for tho statements made by the
writer's. All articles must he signed or accom-
panied by the name of their authors, as a guar
antea OF their contents.
sage Advice From father Austin.
To THE EDITOR OF GSApnIc:
/ sew an editorial in e recent issue of the
GRAPHIC that prompts me to write q short ar
ticle for your paper. 1t seems that Brother
Lowe has been saying something about retrench-
msnt that struck the GRAPHIC man as being
correct and he ventnred to make further sugges-
lions.
Now, I An we'll aware that great minds have
bsen known to- differ on questions OF political
economy, so that il i should venture a few ideas
in that direction no one will accuse me of the
folly of thinking that l think myself authority
or that l may be absolutely correct in my concln
sions.
We frequently see in print such words or sen-
~tences. when speaking Of our government, as
Representative government" "a government of
the people, by the people and for the people.
and aometimes they come right out and declare
that the people are actually the government. II
these terms are correct and the sentiment con-
tanned in these assertions correct. how does the
actions OF the people correspond with the
sentiment conveyed? How many measures or
laws have been passed by various legislatures OF
these Western Staees that were in any sense rep
resentative7 Have they not nearly all CT: Rinated
with these bodies-men called Representatives."
How many men ever think when they cast their
vote for Q representative, what thsy want him to
de or have any idea what they want done them
selves? II we give no plan or direction for
what We want done why should we complain Vt
their act;ons2 Have We the right to expect
moro Of them than We could of ourselyes7 We
certainly should be loath to confess that they
are more learned than ourselves, and more cap
able of knowing what is best for US. And yet
we complain, Does the fault lay at their doors
l cannot see it 80. Let us pause for a moment
before uttering complaints and reflect on past
experience and see if there is anything to lead
US to think that various measures needed cannot
be viewed by US alike-and who can intelligent
ly say that one name opinion is not as sacred
to him and as worthy of respect as anothers! Is
there not a method whereby the will Of the
people can be obtained to n certain extent with
out u vote being taken? Please let me suggest
an idea: Suppose that every man who feels that
his taxes ara more than they should be would
ldhg LtIc VIII " III NV AShN'No SS
township supervisors, of the school boards, of
the commissioners. and finding any service too
highly renumcrated or that could be reduced or
wholly dispensed with without detriment would
give his views to tho different papers in the
county, who would be only too willing to print
them, would not such n course be likely to OK
cite criticism that would be of great benefit?
Now thnt we are starting in statehood what a
grand thing it would be to start right. and
should the responsibility all be thrown on the
legislature? Would it not be a good idea for
the several Alliances throughout tho county to
call special meetings and discuss the matter OF
wise legislation in all its bearings?
1t appears too, that Brother Lowe has said
something about the county treasurcr's salary
being too high; Tinan agrees with him. All
right, l agree likewise, Now, when three great
minds agree on a certain thing it must certainly
be worthy of attention. ASH matter of fact, why
should it be worth $1,000 n year to collect the
taxes III n county of 1,+0O voters when in more
eastern suites, with three times the number of
voters, it is done for $500 to $1,000? Where ia
the tax. payer that averages one-fourth of $1,000
a year for his work. The office OF Register of
deeds is still worse. What is the amount of
ability necessary for the position? Are not
neary the whole duties of the Office merely cler-
ical? Would not good penlnanehip and steady
habits be about all would be required3 Another
thing. What is the necessity of transcribing
the whole body of n deed ora mortgager They
all run about alike. Would not the name OF the
mortgaser and mortgages, date, time and con-
siderntion bel about as good and the Taxpayers
be about as we'll served us with tho present GUS
tom? mir. Austin is Il little off here, we opine;
records to be of value must have all conditions
which necessitates a verbatim copy. But,
nevertheless, forius of mortgages and deeds are
too long in themselves. Already there is n move
mont in New York s,ate to cut down the forms
to about one-third the present size-Ed.J In
that way there could be some forty instruments
recorded on one page, where it now takes a
whole page or more for one. The books cost the
county something like 500 annually, an amount
that would furnish books for twenty years ifthe
records were abbreviated.
The sheriff was mentioned. am not 30 sure
that he receives great deal more for his work
in most counties of South Dakota than he earns.
However, it might be we'll to look his work and
pay over and il the fees are not in proportion to
tho work make them SO.
Now want to say a word about the auditors
Office while l am at it. 1t il evident that tho
trainers of our laws never had much experience
with the work of the different Offices. The audi
tor has n hundred per cent more brain work than
all the other three put together. He must be n
good mathematician, his work is very compli-
Gated and Il little inaccnracy would work Il great
wrong and inconvenience. We have had tax
books made in this county of which net n page
would balance, therefore the office of county
auditor requires energy and close attention to
business. The auditor now receives a per cent.
on the amount raised for taxes which two years
ago amoun.edt to a little over $500. 1 am not
complaining that it is not enough, but of the
proportion with the other offices,
And there is another matter: The law provides
for tweniy-three grand jurors-say, whoever dis
covered any benefit from q grand Jury AWAY
but il We must have it, wouldn't a less number
not only lessen expenses but expedite business
also? As much may be said Of tho petit jury.
Why wouldn't seven men do as well as a doEen?a
Now, there are many other places where e1-
penses could be materially reduced without dis
advantage to the puplic, but I will not take the
time now to discuss them. 1 trust that others
will where 1 leave off and push the
subject of retrenchment in the use of public
funds until it will bear good fruit. Tho majority
of our legislators are farmers. but il like our
selves. they are inexperienced with the ways of
the sleek politicians and wire pullers would
not a we'll formed plan enable item to cope
successfully with that class mentioned. As said
before. they should know what they want them
selves before hand and what their constituents
want. Again allow me to urge that the Alliance
take hold of this matter as one agency. We
mightlet the usury question drop for a little
time-we may also wish we had let the prohibi
bition question drop in the course OF a few
~years-there are subjects Of far more vital i'm
portance. Personally, l am of the opinion that
law il q poor means of working reform in the
habits and customs OF the world. Ny exper-
fence has been that when man has sought to COM
pei his neighbor to accept measures repugnant