Iron County register., 1899-02-16

the people, regardless of the fact as to
whether | voted with my party or not
, In these matters one can have no bet
, ter guide than the dictates. of his OWL
: conscience.
: If it is essential for party loyalty &c
: turn aside from the teachings of a life
time. wherein no thought shall be
, other than for truth, then indeed II
becomes the duty of every honest man
: to use his influence and utmost endeav-
, or to turn back this element in politics
before they lead the party to certain
destruction. / would not oppose any
measure purely from prejudice or
, spite. but certainly will oppose any
thing from whatever source that l dc
mot believe to be for the interests OF
the people. Neither my friends nor
have made any coalition with the Re-
publicans, but positively refused to
consider their offers.
The first occasion when it became
necessary to make a choice between
apparent politics and common honesty,
was when the question of allowing
double pay to the auditing committee
whichshad been appointed to inspect
the. books of the State officials who
control the finances. The statutes
provide that committee shall be ap-
pointed by the Governor, from the
members elect to the legislature, Shy
the thirtieth day of November, who
shall begin their work at once, and
report by the twentieth day of the
session. This gives from fifty to sixty
days in which to perform the duties
required of them, and the trainers of
the law certainly indicated that the
time was sufficient. For these services
each member receives FIVE dollars a
day salary, two dollars and half for
expenses each day and all travelling
expenses. After the opening of the
session the regular pay for members is
added, with another mileage, so that
| their salary is from twelve to fifteen
dollars each day.
| The constitution of the State and
the oath of Office plainly say that no
member shall receive more than the
salary fixed by law for any service
rendered. Allowing the committee
the extra pay for the twenty days was
not satisfactory; an additional fifteen
days was asked. There was no par
ticular objection to the extension of
time, but when it was acertained that
| the same double pay was demanded,
and that no report would be made un-
| less 1t was granted, somewhat of
division arose. 1t was we'll known
that some of the committee had occu-
| pied most of the time in securing their
election to the offices of the legislature,
instead of auditing accounts. All who
opposed this scheme and desired to put
an end to the practice which has been
tolerated on previous occasions, were
called disturbers and were irregular
in their actions and accused of attempt
ing to embarrass the Democratic ma
| jority. On investigation it was shown
that the first committee appointed un-
der this law, required thirty-three
days in which to complete their lahors,
the second occupied seventy, the third
one hundred and sixteen, the fifth one,
only needed one hundred and sixty-one
days, and strangest fact of all, these
days were included between Nov. so,
and March 16, of the same year. The
calendar gives one hundred and eight
days, but the committee got in just
| fifty-three more, and drew double pay
| for every day of it. Believing that
this. was a favorable opportunity to
lessen the deficiency which we had
been assured was just in sight after
fair investigation was it decided unjust;
| but doubt whether our action will
prevent them from being paid just the
same.
8 - t. 10 to ant
days, why not make it worth while
ten to lug in that old standby, ''party
caucus" and make it do duty as peace
| maker; so that enough members voted
against the wishes of the party leaders
| to defeat their scheme, and very natur
ally this brought forth all kinds of
abuse. 1t is sometimes hard to bear
the kicks and cuffs one receives from
the hands of his political opponents,
bu: to be unfairly judged aud con-
demned by ones friends. instead of re-
ceiving comfort and coincidence is add
| ing insult to injury.
Revenge may be sweet to those who
are accustomed to resort to il, but the
knowledge of duty honestly and fear
tory. For such actions we are called
insurgents. and accused of attempts to
destroy party harmony, and its influ-
ence for good. The next occasion for
complaint was when an effort was
made to dispense with some of the un-
necessary clerical force. The paying
off of promises and making places for
kinsfolk was permitted in each depart
ment, until the whole affair became
disgraceful. One wrong action needed
another to make it safe, and so the
matter grew until even the worst of
them were annoyed. Then outside in
fiuence began to tell. A resolution
emanating from headquarters was In
troduced by one of the ADMINISTRATORS
most ardent supporters; but for fear of
serious results, was referred to the
committee which had granted the
privileges sought to be corrected, and
which certainly would not admit their
guilt by reducing the force. 1t was
only after repeated efforts that any re-
port could be obtained. Many were
willing to reduce, but objected when
ever their friends were mentioned.
They wanted to cut off all the patron
age which the Fillipiuos had, and
would have done so if they were able.
Fearing another defeat, they were
| forced to resort to that all-powerful
ally. caucus, so unfortunately over
| looked before. :.
Il is proper to caucus for obtaining
~