The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1898-08-25

worth of property In addition to that
formerly exempted from execution and at
taChment to every house holder In the
state. This measure was deemed wise as
a protection to the honest but struggling
poor and middle class who were suffering
from the stringency of the times and
was the only available means OF defense
against the crushing influence Of the gold
standard monopoly.
These liberal exemptions from execution
and foreclosure have been criticised by
some Republicans. who declare that the
Law is calculated TO prevent capital COM
ing here from the East for investment.
and to injure the credit Of the state
abroad. There is no ground whatever for
either OF these views Of the case.
The law came as a measure of relief and
protection at the close of Republican ex-
travagance, and at a time when there
was positive danger that many Of the
smaller homes OF the state would be wiped
out. Mortgages were being foreclosed
right and left as tho records in the courts
VIII show, and executions were Issuing
thick and fast to satisfy debts contracted
when times were good and when there
were good prospects that the obligations
would be met without difficulty.
The situation had become serious 1t
looked as IL large proportion OF the
poorer people might unless business and
Industrial conditions quickly improved. be
stripped OF what little property they had
left, and the means Of earning a liveli-
! hood, and thereby become public charges
upon the few who would be able to hold
out. Hence tho law was necessary. 1t
was never intended that II should be per-
manent, but continued in force only until
such time as he further development OF
the states resources would bring about
conditions rendering 1t unnecessary.
Acting in this way and for the purposes
he 10 ha. l.F Of vail -
to the otherwise helpless. and reflects
great credit upon the wisdom OF tee Fu-
sion Legisla ture
An act was also passed exempting $3.50
worth of personal and 500 worth OF i'm
proVements from taxation, as a measure
TO assist the poor and to encourage them
TO press forward in the work of develop
ing the resources OF the state until times
should improve. The fate of this law as
meted out by Republican intrigue is fully
set forth in another part of this publlca-
ton.
Board of Audit and Control
The Legislature also established tho
Board OF Audit and Control. aboishing
the expensive boards that mismanaged
the state institutions. and placing them
on most economical and efficient foot
ing. full account of this excellent move
ment is given on another page.
The Fusion legislative body very prop
erly abolished the old corrupt and expen-
sive appointed Land Commission, and
placed in its stead state officers who had
been chosen by the people. viz: The Land
Commissioner, the Secretary OF State
and the Superintendent OF Public In
struction. who serve in tina. capacity
without extra pay. The work of this
commission, which stands to the great
credit OF the Peoples Party, is fully given
elsewhere. q
Many other food measures were enact
ed by the Peoples Party Legislature Of
1871, and that body's excellent work Of
reform will go down in history to future
generat''ns as an example of ability. hon
esty ana economy worthy the emulation
Of future law making bodies in this and
other states.