, 1890-12-18
WHAT 10 YHE PEOPLE
,SA W

1t naturally follows that papers
like the Seattle Press, which vigor-
ously support the proposition to give
away the tide lands and the water
fronts of the seaport cities, should
lead the van In the attempt TO vote
away quarter or half million dol
lars Of the peoples money in order
that sinecures may be made for half
IA dozen political favorites; and it
goes without saying that such sheets
should question the motives ofevery
newspaper that dares to dispute the
dangerous tendency toward impov-
erishing the states treasury and
voting burdensome obligations upon
the people.
The public spirit' which leads
these sheets to pour out the peoples
property and the peoples money is
truly inspiring "Give away the
tide lands" exclaim these open.
hearted and generous prints; 'give
away the harbors, give away hun
dreds of thousands of dollars for
pomp and show, and down with the
penurious spirit that would dare to
interpose IA barrier to these princely
gifts. The state Is rich and the peo.
pie can stand it." Very likely the
generous, open hearts of these self.
constituted dispensers of the states
property and the states taxes will
next arise with n "public-spirited"
proposition to give away the school
lands, and the capitol and tho pub
lie institutions generally, and no
doubt the newspaper that asserts a
right to question this extravaganza
will fall in for a generous share of
abuse and vilification.
Against the idea of a state dis.
play at the Worlds fair the REVIEW
mas nothing to urge; but 1t insists
that the enterprise should derive
its support from voluntary contri-
buttons and not from an enforced
levy upon the people. "Oh," IL will
oe urged, "the people would not
give IL half million dollars. That
proposition could never be carried
out" Then why should the public
be held up by II legalized PROPOSE
ton little short of highway robbery
and compelled by the strong arm of
the law to render tribute to the
proud city of Chicago? Let us get
an expression from the people upon
this subject. If they agree to the
proposition then the REVIEW will
cheerfully withdraw its objection,
aud oppose no barrier to the prop
osition, If they want to tax them
selves in order that the state may
vie with the other states in pomp
and show, then there is no further
room for objection.
There is not "a candid man of no.
litical knowledge within the entire
state who does not know that the
proposition transcends the proper
functions of government. IL Is
against the foundation principles of
both parties, and would he bad
enough even If itwere sanctioned by
the consent of the taxpayers.
We caution the public that this
proposition will not rest content
with S250,000. The Seattle Press
and other papers whose voices have
been lifted in support of the scheme
declare that Washington must sur
pass California In the magniticcnce
and extent of her display. The lat
ter state, the same papers assert,
will appropriate Sl,OOO,OOO. IL
naturally follows that Washington,
If she makes u more snowy exhibit
than will be made by California,
must appropriate rs much If not
more than that stupendous sum.
Can the state afford 1t? Is the
game worth the candle? These are
questions for the people to answer.
The republican Legislature can not
afford to take hasty action in mat
ter so important and so far trans
cending all precedent.