The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-26

itol, by stretching q period of actual
building operations over ten years, and
doing exactly one-tenths Of the work
each year. is the most wssteful method
possible. You cannot make a salts
factory contract. You cannot take ad-
vantage Of a favorable market for ma
terials or labor. You, have to leave an
unfinished work standing exposed to
the deteriorating effects of bad wealth
er. The whole project is contrary to
common business sense and business
custom. If 1t weie necessary, it would
be unfortunate. In this instance, there
is no necessity for it whatever.
The location ofithe state capitol is
question put out of sight for all time
to come. Nobody will ever propose to
revive 1T. A site has been pur-
chased and half a million dollars of
the peoples money are already either
actually expended upon it or under con-
tract. Therefore, the, old fight for the
capitol having been ended permanent
ly, we have now to consider only the
best interests Of the state in construct
ing the new building We feel sure
that there will be a unanimous vote in
favor of the plan of speedy construc-
!. ton The state is going to have this
new capitol. 1t has already appropri-
ated the money for 1t, stfpuIatfng only
lnat II snail become available in fixed
quantities at certain times It is now
apparent that this same building, with
out the change of stone or a girder
can be made ready for use at less ex-
pense and three or four years earlier
than was anticipated by the simple
process Of using money belonging to
the state already in hand for expendi-
lures, and turning it back again from
the capitol tax levy as fast as that is
collected
+ The Tribune need not concern itself
about the legality Of the proceeding.
This is not taking money from one
fund for the use of another. because
the revenues from the state capitol tax
are just as certain as if they were al
ready collected. II one state fund
should become depleted, it might be
improper to replenfsh It from another.
because not only would extravaganza
be promoted, but it might be doubtful
whether the legislature would ever
make the appropriation. necessary TO
pay this money back In the case un-.
der consideration, no increase of ex-
pense is contemplated, and the propos-
ed loan is not az loan at all, in one
sense of the word. The funds which
have money to invest must invest it
somewhere. Why not as we'll in an
tlcfpatfng revenue for capitol pur-
poses as in the purchase Of Tennessee
bonds or some other, securities? BY
this simple method of financing, with
out increasing our Indebtedness a dol
lar, or going beyond any limit which
the legislature has already established.
we may save the state money and have
Cur new capitol as an ornament to the
city and credit to the state wears
earlier than by conforming to the slow
process set down in the law as orig
1nally ~passed. We are gratified with
the intelligent and kindly understand
ing Of this question exhibited by the
Minneapolis Tribune, which we are con-
Vlnced represents the real attitude of
ninety-nine out of every hundred of the
people of that city. We hope to have
practical proof of this in the hearty
support Of the proposed amendment by
the Minneapolis members of the legis-
lature at the coming session.