The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-10-07
RITTER OF STATE ISSUES.
Recent Legislatures Action on Disposal
Of State Funds Sharply Criticised

At the conference at Philadelphia
on Thursday of prominent Demo
Gratis and the state Democratic candi-
dates Hon. Walter f. Ritter, the |
nominee for auditor general, said
alt seems to me that there has
never been a time in Pennsylvania
when there was a greater need Tor a
thoroush reform in matters OF our
state government. The positions OF
auditor general and state treasurer
are the KEY of the whole situation. 1t
is admitted by everyone, regardless OF
politics, that fiscal affairs of the state
government have not been admins
cred for years past in that business
like way that ought to characterize
public affairs. The dissatisfaction
with the control Of the state treasury
has been as great among the better
classes of Republicans as among the
Democrats.
"The independent sentiment Of
this state has at times heretofore,
when it appeared that matters OF
state government were not conducted
in proper manner, overthrown the
machine control and elected persons
of opposite political views and the
result has invariably been to the ad-
.. vantage of the state.
"The last legislature passed bill
which provided for interest to be paid
upon state deposits that were placed
in certain banks of the state. at the
rate OF two per cent, but the same
e act also provided that the two banks
in the city of Philadelphia and two
J. banks in the city of Pttsburg and one
in the city of Harrisburg, which were
i to be known as active banks, shouo
pay one and one-half per cent. or
ID daily balances. This interest, 1t Is
presumed, is to be paid into the STATE
n. treasury, but the same act OF assem-
p bly, provides that the state treasure
shall be exempt from any losses tina
l. may be occasioned by failure of thes
10 banks, inasmuch as they have beef
selected as banks of deposit by tn
r. board of revenue commissioners.
es "When it is remembered that tn
board of revenue commissioners
VS. composed of the auditor genera
to state treasurer and the secretary c
the commonwealth, it will be see
he what an opportunity is given for put
nd lie plunder under this provision
Hitherto the state treasurer and h
ITS bondsmen have been held accoun
ms able for all funds that belonged
the state. Good business judgmel
ew would dictate that the highest rate
On. interest possible should be obtalne
zoe upon state deposits, and this none
then paid into the state treasury al
nc that the state treasurer should
will held responsible for the faithful Pc
he formance of his duty.
.While the discussion has ars'
cen over the state deposits and the sta
con funds, the Importance of electlng
ing auditor general should not be ov
as. looked. 1t is he who counterslg
all warrants and who passes upon
legality of appropriations before tt
are paid by the state treasurer.
by these two positions are held by N
who seek to administer the hs
affairs of the state in proper m
anK i ner, these abuses which are compla
hen ed of to such an extent at the pres
'rth- time can easily be remedied' !
tne Reading platform emphasizes
said necessity for reform in state pollt
neo' and its candidates are pledged
iour elected, to carry out in the best
my possible the promises of that P
child forn,
vic --