Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-27
WEDNESDAY. ..OCTOBER 81, 1897.
DEMOCRATIC STATE TICKET.
FOR GOVERNORS:
j. HOGE TYLER,
OF Pulaski county.
FOR NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.:
EDWARD ECHOLS,
of Stanton.
FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL.
ANDREW JACKSON MONTAGUE,
OF Pittsylvania.
OUR PAYROLL.

In the letters that the Dispatch receives
H. has daily testimony that the matter
of the reduction of the States expendi-
lures is receiving great attention from the
people. Virginia's expense account is be-
ing examined with a thoroughness never
before equalled.
When we were at war with the coupon
holders. our financial condition was view
cd from a standpoint quite different from
that now taken by the average taxpayer
Then II was positively asserted that the
necessary cost of our government was
thus and so, and could not be reduced.
Now the people. upon closer examina-
tlon of our affairs. not only say that our
expenses can be, but must be, reduced.
And so we find scores of our best cit-
zens engaged in studying our accounts
OF receipts and expenditures, for the pur-
pose OF ascertaining what Offices may be
abolished and what salaries and fees of
remaining offices may be curtalled.
Our correspondence shows that there is
a widespread interest in the subject. And
II is plain to see that II the Legislature
falls to do the work expected of It, a
constitutional convention will be demand
ed so vigorously that nothing will remain
to do but to cali IT. The Dispatch, how
ever. hopes that the Legislature will be
able to satisfy the people. If it fails, II
will be because of the unwilingness of
public servants and other regular recipi-
ents of the States money to yield to the
n pttfi oil x.,1x,
draw from the public treasury fight re-
ductions. why then the Legislature cam
not but give up the job in disgust and
make way for a constitutional conven-
ton.
The last Legislature passed a number
OF laws In the interest Of economy. Most
Of these have worked well and have re- |
suited in savings. particularly in criminal |
charges. On the other hand, the Legis- |
lature created some new obligations. And |
we should not wonder II the next Legis- |
iature, too. did not have to add some |
items to our expenses. especially In the
matter of providing for destitute soldiers
and destitute widows of soldiers. Such
Is the urgency for larger appropriations
for this purpose, we doubt If they can be.
or ought to be. postponed or avoided
We have heretofore shown that IL the
appropriations for schools. colleges, PEN
sions. and the care Of the insane are TO
continue as at present. the assailable
amount of the States expenses will be
about $4,000 per annum. OF this sum
about one half Is on account of criminal
charges. II we could "cut" this item 50
per cent. we should have all the money
that Virginia needs under the present
assessment. to meet the increased rate
Of interest But to make such a great
reduction as that would be quite impos-
sible. without a radical change in our
court system-a change that in all prob
ability would require a series OF amend
ments to the Constitution.
So oil thoughtful men who study this
question must see that the next LegisIa-
ture will have an important work TO do
II will be work requiring the attention
OF those who are willing 10 delve in
statistics. The session will be one that ,
will demand in ain extraordinary measure
calm. thoughtful, and conservative "work.
Ing members" In every case that we
know OF where there is contest in a
legislative district. the Democratic nomi-
nee is more TO be trusted for this duty
han his opponent. 1t is important for
bur voters TO remember this. and II should ,
inspire them with the determination TO
30 TO the polls without fail on Tuesday !.
next.
II the people will back the Legislature:
4 the regular recipients OF the States :
|upds<~public officers and public institu-
liohs-will make prudent concessions. the
legislature win be able TO perform it's a
TASK But II contrary course be pur- I
'ued' We much doubt II anything can h
n'nasr the calling OF constitutional con- 8
Vlryinia's experience Ia tho read,uat- !,