The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1895-08-24
Maryland's High Credit.


In his letter accepting the Democratic nom
nation for Comptroller, which is published il
another column. Hon. Marion DeKalb Smith
takes occasion to allude 10 the finaHHas ofthe
state and its high credit During his ineum
bency of the office of Comptroller, nearly foul
years, he says he has maintained the sinking
funds of the state to the last dollar lawfully
appropriated, and within that period placed
SI,6I8, 600 TO the credit Of said funds, while
every appropriation and obligation Of the
state has been promptly met.
When the state was wrested from the Re
publican control in 1867 the annual interest
on the debt of the state amounted to 1892, 600.
II is now but $3.50. OOG-a reduction Of sf5<,
0o0 The net per capita debt is about ST.
The state tax today Is Ia cents on the
500, 10 cents Of which is applied 10 public
schools.
What was the rate under Republican rule
In ls62-6s - cents ON the 500, and 80 cents
in 1866. the last year Of Radical domination.
This was an increase Of five cents in four
years.
There has been, under Democratic rule, a
reduction Of l2I cents on the rate of taxation
and reduction in the debt and rate of inter
est so that the annual interest charge Is now
S452. 600 less than it was the last year of Re
publican administration.
Had the Republicans levied 10 cents for
public schools, the rate in 1866 would have
been 30 cents on the 500.
Do the people want a change? Do they
want to 20 hack to Republican rule, with a
tax rate Of 40 cents on the 500? VIII the
Democrats stop and discuss personal politics
and let the state go Republican We believe
not. When the taxpayers of Maryland come
TO look at tax rates, learn q the reduction Of
the state debt and the lessening Of the annual
interest charges. and realize the high credit of
the commonwealth now as compared with
what was the condition under Republican rule
they viii not vote to return to Repuhleanism-
AND they win not be deceived BY the false
issue of Gormanism raised by the tax-doging
press. They are more interested in good
government. the credit Of the state, the redac
ton Of the debt and low tax rates than in the
pulling down and setting up Of individuals.
II Mr.. German has bossed this state, As the
Baltimore tax-dodger press are proclaiming,
il cannot be denied that he has given the peo-
pie upright aud competent officials, who have
ably administered afsirs. u he has set up
Hurst. Smith and Crothers, none viii deny
that he has selected men cf high character
and capacity. ~
The tax payers. the good citizens. the pa
triotie people. Democrats, as rule are not
ce-seekers. aud are more interested IN the
application Of principles aud good business
practices ta government than in the political
fortunes Of individuals. Il IS NOS natrer Of
importance who holds the Offices. so they are
faithfully administered Il matters not who
leads. 50 the leadership results in good gov
ernment.
But the bossism complained Of IS largely
imaginary, and the issue Of Gomanism al
tempted to be raised by the tax -dodger press
Of Baltimore is false. Il has no existence,
except with the Sem and Neics. who are cha
grianed thar they could not ''ooss the Demo
cratic party. dictate the nominees and make
she platform. These Journals are opposed to
reassessment, and hope BY raisinga false issue
to defeat the Democratic party and conse.
qaenily fair and proper assessment law.
Aud because they are opposed TO . reassess-
ment the San and Ne'cs are both supporting
the Republican. ,icket-l.owndes Graham
and Clabaugh.