The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-10-29
THE STATE AUGMENTATION.

Gov. McGraw and the state administra-
ton are to be congratulated upon the
really remarkable freedom from hostile
criticism which they are enjoying. i, Is
an open secret that the Popocrats intend
ed to make an aggressive state campaign.
They expected to be able to present case
OF extravaganza and maladmlnistratlon
that would have caused something in the
nature Of a popular uprising for their can
didates. The Democratic and silverite
part OF the combination did not like the
ieea OF taking NJ with Rogers very much.
but they expected 10 be justified even in
THAT by the terrible disclosures promised
In regard 10 state affalss. The disclosures
have not been forthcoming. With the
state records open TO their closest inspec-
ton. those entrusted by the Popocrats
with the duty Of discovering administra-
ton misdeeds have given UP the task in
despair. Rogers and Bridges have pre-
ferred what charges their ingenuity could
devise. but these have been shown one by
one TO be baseiess. SO utterly absurd and
so completely without foundation In fact
have these charges been that not A news
pa rsr In the state on the Popocrat side
has deemed them worthy OF Endorsement
or felt called upon TO insist that they
should he explained. There never was
anything quite like IL in the politics OF
this state.
The truth OF the matter II that the state
administration can afford to court the
closest criticism. Its record will bear tho
sesersst scrutiny. Called upon TO manage
the affairs OF the state during a period Of
profound business depression. II Is able
TO make financial showing which re-
fleets the greatest credit upon It's methods.
There was much criticism OF Gov, Nc
Gfsw.s appropriation vstoes. but their
wisdom has been demonstrated by svents.
Il Is well known also tina, further ecouo-
mes wcald have been accomplished IL the
governor had not been obliged In several
Instances to permit what he deemed ex-
,rssagant appropriations TO pass because
20 veto them would have left important
branches % tho public service Without
funds whereslta 20 carry on business.
The governor, /; must be understood. can
not reduce an appropriation. II ne thinks
the legislature has voted too much for any
service. he cannot cut /, down. He must
let I. All go or mono OF IL IL 10 within his
power 20 see taas the money is econom-
icaily expended. not OF course by the in
speetion personally OF every account. ha.
by indicating 81 the administrative orscers
ana 10 thu state auditor those rules ..
economy which must DO followed. ana ,hs
records show TIA, this policy las been
pursued by Gov. McoFaw. and trait the
money voted ~ the legislature has IN all
cases been expended IN &~pvuaens ana sco~
romfeai manner. y this were not the casa
ws nav tsea very sare TIA; the Foeecrass
woala nos have allowed al hntaaay ortwa
OF TIE campaign to pass without showing
wherein sae governor has been az ssnlt.
srrs1y when 20 allegation o. naalaa-sinss-
,raises IN th,s respect has been sorsacou,-
inS. rot to say 40 proof. Il Is time fer TIA
eTroesnis os Gov, Mc<sraw 10 cease ;hetr
vague assertions "a the strength CO which
Trey are asking voters "a hand the STATE
over 20 the popaigsts.
In the larger matters % administration.
there has been singular absence os even
criticism. Rarely. u ever. las state aemsn-
lssraslon been On the eve Of surreaaeranx
So trust ep 10 IRE people wlsa q record
50 clear of scandals as Gov. Nccraw.s
Tas gaveFnev can freeix challenge his o.
rsEsnis. whs sss sy 60 ms4ns delicate