The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-12-27

the theory that the Legislature will limit
Itself to the appropriations suggested.
In referring to the increase of the state
debt, Mr.. Reed says:
Unfortunately, during the sessions OF our ter.
risorial ana state legislatures for some years
past the passage OF the greater number Of our
ia"s .e.ating TO revenue aud the disbursement
OF pubic funds have been delayed until near the
close OF the session, and thus rushed through
"i1aout consideration, end apparently regard
less OF consequences Some of our laws relet.
ing 10 nnance and the disbursement of money
passed by the last Legislature. I regret to
say, IN some, respects at least are q
tfaves'y on ssasesmanship and good Judgment.
LOT We must take 1t for granted that these are
important factors (not doubling sincerity of
purpose or motivs) which tend to promote
wholesome legislation. Laws, the reasonable
CONSTRUCTION OF which, that give directly or in
directly unlimited privileges to incur expenses
against the state and 20 disburse funds for their
payment, aad 10. the payment of salaries TO en-
ployes or others, unrestricted only, if at all, by
the amount appropriated or set apart for such
purposes by the Legislature, and this, too. out
side the regular suditf channel of the state,
are laws not conducive TO the best interests of
the state.
The money thus practically diverted from
the treasury and the regular channel of dis
pursement not only involves the payment OF
advanced interest, before actual disbursement,
but relatively increases the rate of interest, by
Delaying the redemption OF large amount OF
outstanding warrants. Except upon occasions
OF an extraordinary nature, restricted by clearly
defined Limitations of Law, disbursements of the
public moneys of the state should only, in my
opinion. be tolerated through the regular chan
mel; namely, upon accounts and vouchers aud
lied and allowed by the auditor, and warrants
Issued therefor uyOu the treasurer and never
In advance of services performed or expenses
incurred
In the above references allusion ia made to
those laws, or particular provisions of law,
making appropriations for the support of the
schools for the defective youth and the feeble
minded youth, for the board Of horticulture,
agricultural college. state university and the
WORLDS Columbian exposition.
He cites the public printing as one of the
causes contributing to the increase of the
state debt beyond anticipation, and says:
There are practically no limitations or re-
strictions provided by law upon any OF the state
departments, or any of the several state ipstitu
tons, boards or other agencies OF the state, in
the amount of printing, or, indeed, the charac-
ter OF the work that these state Offices, boards
or public institutions may order demand of
the public printer The result has been, in my
judgment. much useless If not lavish waste Of
the public funds from this cause. am credi-
bly, informed that the printing orders and work
done Tor the agricultural college has required
tons OF material, perhaps five-iold over actual
necessity upon liberal basis of economy. l
cite this only as an illustration. There are 9TH
ers. but probably not relatively 90 extravagant.
He suggests remedy in the appoint
ment OF board of public printing, to be
composed of the secretary of state. at
torney general and treasurer, to have full
control of printing riders.
Mr.. Reed discusses the objections to the
revenue laws, taking them up under the
following heads:
First-The exemption of credits from taxa
ton and the absence OF any neutrality-suspicious.
OF law allowing deductions OF bona tide debts
from assets subject TO taxation. I am fully
aware OF the plstitudes OF argument and the
cries OF reasoning tina. are prevalent and that
may ye; find reiteraton in support of this feat
ure OF our revenue law now existing. II 10
alleged that the taxing of credits drives
capital from the state, retards invest
ments that open up profitable employ
ment TO the laborer. imposes greatly
increased burdens on the poor and especially
those whose temporary necessities might be
successfully bridged over by small sums Of
money at low rates of Interest, etc. Blu. this
can only be true in a limited sense. IL does not
change the fact that the exemption of credits
from taxation imposes unjust and unequal tax
alton. violates the spirit and contradcts the
letter of the organic law, throws the burdens of
taxation upon the poor, or those who are
struggling under financial embarrassment,
While 1t Is made possible Tor the
creditor or Capitalist (and they are
not 10 blame for embracing the legal
opportunity to go "scot free" from the pay
meDt OF any taxes for the support of the gov
eminent. Under our present Jaw any resident
heir Hs Inn afa of
his hundreds OF thousands in cash, may invest
every dollar III this state. faunt his credits or
other securities in the fsces OF the officers OF the
law with impunity, If disposed and go in
peace, having Eo disturbing questions OF tax
obligations to encounter. The law should be
changed, made equitable and just though the
heavens fall" Every citizen. corporation or
property owner i'll the state should be compelled
to pay al valorem taxes in just and equal pro-
portion to his or their actual wealth, no more,
no less
Second-ln the detail list, or schedule as
shown in Sec 10 of the revenue law, several OF
the classified items OF personal property desig-
natad AS subject to taxation do not harmoniz e
with succeeding sections of the law. These in
cousistencies are Troublesome and confusing to
assessors and should DC removed.
Third-Those provisions OF the law relating to
the taxation OF banks and banking institutions
have been made the subjec; OF much criticism
ana IN some instances caused trouble ana
noyance to county officers in attempts 10 enforce
the law Il is alleged that. IN spect TO nstiona
banks, the law is in conflict with :he banking
laws OF the United Ststes ! respectfully call the
attention of tie legislature to this matter
FOURTH also invite attention 10 secs 81 and
al of the revenue law, which requires the
county treasurers 10 make settlements and pay
over moneys TO the state treasurer These sec
tons are defective, and for economical reasons,
ct ne. 70 ska
vision. While II is enjoined upon :he treasurer
TO make fun quarterly settlements with the
county auditor, he is only required
20 make semi-snnusl returns of his
collections and payment OF moneys belonging
10 the state. 10 the state treasurer This is not
ouly pTejUdicial 20 the interests of this state
but IL gr.evous wrong. II serves as 4 tempt
ing inducemens TO the improper use OF state
funds while presumably lying idle in the
custody OF the treasurer By this means
large amounts. in the aggregate, at least. are
Withheld from the sIat9 treasury. which. If
PAID over promptly. would greatly lessen The
amount Of accumuiaiine interest and hasten
the redemption of outstanding warrants
I would respectfully recommend that
said sections ~ aud ri Ia re
visei aud amended. and would suggest
a 4 remedy for the eyi mentioned, as follows.
That the state aud ;0r be im mediately notified
BY the county auditor OF the result of the sew
ers. quarterly settlements made with the
county treasurer ss PROV deG in section % of the
revenue lsw. and that the state auditor he
required 20 certify 10 the state treasurer