Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1897-03-18

have performed their duties. If they
had anything more than the reports
and demands from the heads of de-
partments to govern their actions, it
has been something more of the same
kind. AS far as any opportunity for a
| member to learn the facts or necessi-
ties of any of the institutions is con-
cerued, one might as well have re-
| manned at home. If the committees
reported the demands of the chiefs
without further particulars, they had
as well have saved themselves the
trouble of going over the lengthy docu-
ments.
The financial condition of the states
excheger has necessitated considering
figuring to meet the necessary expendi-
lures, and help the extravagant ap-
pendages to maintain their little king
doms. The decrease of the state tax
from twenty to fifteen cents on the hun
dred dollars assessed valuation, caused
a loss of one third of the states revenue
for general purposes. While the in
crease of value, owing to the financial
condition, has not greatly lessened the
shortage resulting therefrom. And as
it seems to be the costom to use about
all of the income for one purpose or
other, and as no one offered to accept
less amount for the support of their
lobby, it looks as if there might be
trouble in sight. Appropriations were
made to take care of all of the favor
ties except the University, and for fear
that this white elephant would fare
less sumptuously than usual, it was de-
cided to take it from the common herd
and pastures and turn it into the gar
den'of the treasury. The size of the
appropriation being out of proportion
to the ability for its support, it must
have an endowment far in excess of
any former occasion, and this was
made possible by transferring its sup
port to the state interest fund. Which
would only consume about a hundred
thousand dollars a year, and conse-
quently postpone the payment of the
state debt. There is a sentiment pre-
vailing among the members that the
educational institutions of the state.
after being so perfectly equipped and
established, should he put on their
merits and be self sustaining, and COM
pete for their patronage along with
similar business matters. The main
tanance OF extravagant luxuries, for
the higher education of class of citi-
zens who, if able to attend any of the
state schools, are able to pay for their
benefits, ceases to be a virtue and be-
comes burden to an over taxed peO-
pie. There are enough necessary state
charities, without fostering unessential
ones. The University and Normal
schools are virtually local institutions
and are only benefit to the few sur
rounding counties, and the state would
do well to donate them to their patrons
and friends. Deficiency reports are in
evidence, where the appropriations Of
previous legislatures have been too
small to meet the extravaganza of mis-
management.
AS soon as all the possible probable
income has been apportioned, the ad
ministration will be willing for US to
return to the tax payers, and explain
what we tried to do for them. A lot
of Indian Cigar signs could accomplish
as much if they could be made to vote
when necessary and sit down in the
mean time. g. w. F., JR.