Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1892-10-06
.$1S,50O


1t will be seen by the foregoing figures
that each of the Offices has been appro-
priated far more than the limit provided
by the constitution, the total aggregate
for the eight Offices being the enormous
sum of Sill, 994.7O. While l do not
pretend to say that all of these appropri-
atoms are unnecessary, do emphatically
assert that they are outrageously excess
sive, and consequently needless addi-
tional burdens upon the taxpayers. The
creation of these numerous clerks, dep
uties, and assistants was for the purpose
Of providing family connections and party
helpers with sinecures and enabling the
various heads of the departments to use
their appropriations for travelling expen-
ses, though some, if not all, Of them
travel on passes and pocket the appropri-
priations. In addition to the aforemen-
toned sum there is an appropriation for
fish commissioner of $4,000.
This makes grand total Of $120, 994.70,
or more than 100000 per year for the
support of the nine state officers, or
nearly $1,000 each am certain many
of the readers of this would be ready and
willing to undertake these jobs OF state
for less money than our extravagant in
cumpents are doing it. The voters and
taxpayers Of this great state should offer
their protest against this unconstitutional
use of their hard-earned money; against
this creation Of needless offices and use-
less clerks and deputies; against paying
large salary for man to hire the work
done. AS an example Of the reckless ex-
travagance and unwarranted expendi-
lures of the Republican administration
let us notice one of the officers above
mentioned, and see if there is any excuse
for providing him with more than
double what the limit Of the constitution
allows. The appropriation for the attor-
ney generals salary, clerks, deputies,
travelling expenses, incidentals, ETC., for
the two years is SIS, 800, or So, 250-almost
$40 ,0O0-a year. Great Scott! What is
there so arduous about the duties of this
Office to warrant the exenditure of nearly
$4,000 to support him? Some Of you
farmers who are paying this handsome
annual stipend to learn whether the
Bible can be used in your public shcools,
or whether the legislature can pay some
one to pray for it, would be glad to earn
that much clean cash in life time.
ask, candidly, is there service rem
dered according to expenditure? Is
there any need Of an attorney general?
If there is, should he be provided with
nearly dozen (9) deputies to pass opin-
ions upon two or three cases year, each
assistant drawing comfortable sum
annually? Is it necessary to appropriate
81 900 annually for the attorney generals
travelling expenses, when he is provided
with eight deputies in various parts Of
the state to look after local matters
Some of these "incidentals" are unneces-
sary, or "see through glass darkly."
Now, my inquiring friend don't go off
and say have been telling you pack
of campaign lies, but just turn to page 221
OF the session laws for 1891 and satisfy
yourself that what l say is absolutely
correct, and please bear in mind that
everything say am prepared to sub
stantiate. OF course if you believe these
are not exorbitant salaries and appropri-
atoms, then l have nothing more to urge
for you, for am simply stating plain
facts which believe ought to arouse
every taxpayer in the state to sense of
his responsibility, and appraise him OF
the danger threatening the common
wealth. -