The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-01-05
FRIDAY. JANUARY, 5 1891
THE STATE FINANCES

That the last legislature appropriat.
cd more money than it had tn spend.
and that in consequence there is a
shortage in the state treasury at the
present time, is fact which is much
commented on at the present time.
In these comments much attempt is
made to make political capital by
stating on the one side that the repub.
licans were in majority, therefore 1t
IS republican misrule, while on the
other hand it is urged that because
Governor Shortridge did not use his
veto power. the present lack of funds
is due to his Incompetence, and
therefore blamable on the two parties
that elected him to office. g."
This is true to certain extent on
both sides, though there are MANY
other things than those of partizan
nature, unseen by the general public,
which affect the appropriation bills. =
When John Haysecd, or Ole Good
fornothingson. by chapter of acct
dental preferences, buys IA boiled
shirt and a flaming red tie, with which
TO place himself on a level with the
other solons Of the state legislature.
ne at the same time fills his grip-sack
with the idea that he must do some.
thlng for buncombe; that unless he
Is the author of a bill, and that bill
passed, that he will be deemed a sort
OF legislative eunuch by his neighbours
on his return. The bill itself is usu.
ally OF the harmless variety, and
serves only to help the state printer,
but If 1T passes, John or Ole comes
home with an engrossad copy OF "his
Dill" as proof Of his ability. If this
was all there wouldn't be mnch harm
done, but thereby hangs a tale, and
some other laws and appropriations.
many OF which are questionable.
There are a large number of cities
and towns, in which are located the
different state institutions. These
cities and towns send trained and
experienced men to the legislature.
These men are sent for the purpose of
obtaining a big appropriation for their
local institutions. They begin to
combine and figure, and often have
the whole appropriation business
practically Strengthened out before the
first day of the legislature. In them
selves they are a large and influential
part of the legislature. They have to
aid them the legislators of their i'm.
mediate localities. who assist from
local pride and interest. They also
have the hearty assistance of the par.
tlcular partizan friends of the "admin.
istration," because "the administra-
ton" wants appropriations for itself.
It's offices and its officers. If these
together don't quite make majority
they go TO "John" and cole" and by
endorsing his little aforesaid bun.
come bill, have his hearty assistance,
but remorselessly defeat every ambi-
tton OF the "John" or "Ole," who
attempts to put stopper in the bune.
hole of the state treasury. John or
ole's little buncome bill, just puts a
handle on himself by which he can be
lifted to any desired
position.
The fact is that a very few men,
mostly from the large appropriation
!, towns" control the appropriation
bills, by their experience and skill in
forming the proper legislative com.
blnes, and the whole matter is often
practically disposed of before the re.
representatives. Of the country districts
have found their cheap boarding
places.
Inc last appropriations were not
made less, because every one Of the
state institutions wanted more. and
wouldn't agree to take less: while
Governor Shortridge, in view Of the
generous provisions made for house
Tor his excellency, various worlds fair
J'hketings, and for the salaries and
support of state officials, could not
but approve of the generosity shown
In other directions.
Meantime John and Ole are now
wondering how it happened; It didn't
look like that last winter.