The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-07-28

ed people should stand in need of an
object lesson showing how their money
goes when 1t is taken in the shape of
annual taxes let them study the figures
presented by our Raleigh correspondent
in yesterdays Messenger. Let them
examine the evidence revealing how
very reckless and u~nprincipled was the
management of the Agricultural De-
partment under the combine manage
ment. But for the triumph of the
White Mans party last year all this
rascahty and venality would have re-
manned covered up. 1t has been sus-
pected for some time that h manage
ment was extremely extravagant and
vicious, but it appears more extrava-
CANT and vicious than could have been
we'll anticipated. The victory of the
white voters in 1898, meant a very
great deal for North Carolina. 1t meant
a close examination into official abuses
and the return to the honest and repu-
table ways Of the democratic party.
We would not say that everything was
as it should have been when the demo-
Gratis were in power for twenty years.
There were no doubt some abuses. some
improper expenditures. But really the
record of the democrats is purity itself
when placed alongside OF the venality
and waste and incompetence of the late
| gang who ran their hands deep dow
into the peoples rather SHINY supplied
pockets. 1t was something of a des-
| perate grab-all game. Let us use AND
despoil, for there is no telling when we
shall ever get another chance at the
peoples pocket-books.
Take Ramsay's testimony before the
legislative committee. What did it
show? 1t cost the taxpayers SIS, 1914
just to inspect fertilizers. The year be-
fore it cos but little more than one
third this SUMS ,344. There is no
guarantee that the work was done with
any efficiency, costly as it was. Ram
say could rot explain why this great
increase was necessary. He tried to do
so, but his effort failed to explain. He
thought it was necessary, etc. People
can see Through this vile extra expendi-
ture without help. even Ramsay had
to admit that there was some unneces-
sary expenditure. He could not do less
when it wa seen that with an extra
expenditure of nearly $40, 900 the addi-
tional collections made only amounted
to $1,000 clear loss to the taxpayers
Of nearly 5000. That might be classed
under the head Of luxuries.
But there is milk in the ~cocoanut."
There is a secret hid away hat is just
being uncovered. What is it? The
fusion gang were heavily defeated in
last November, and it was after the
tidal-wave struck their bark and en-
quilted it hat more than half of the
increase took place. That is, up to
November 7th they had not expended
less than $7,S00-how much less we are
not informed. After the overthrow
they went to work to get all they could
next three months Or so they made way
with nearly or quite $1,000.
But bad as this is for the fusion gang
and the fleeced people, it is not all.
Raleigh members drew 81 a day for
their board while the board was in ses-
oNOA' - O-N CAAA(v 49, oilo SAl
what do you think of it.
Take Loge Harris as an example of
prosperity under the Russell regime. He
got $500 for preparing two reports. He
is, you know, a very great lawyer and
powerful speaker At least the combine
thought so, for they paid this marvel
Gus legal orator {, 1000 for a little
-~0,,t;nr I@ ia t~ l.
have done, before the United States su-
prenne court. But this was not all the
greasing he received from the very
obliging board. He was paid $3.50 year.
ly as counsel But this was not enough
to meet Loge's necessities or express
the great appreciation and sense of
gratitude of the accommodating board.
They gave him in addition to the $3.50,
81 a day and 81 extra for expenses dur
ing every days session of the awful
body.
Then, having members to attend
meetings vas a high priced affair, a
farther draw upon the pockets of the
burden-bearing taxpayers. 1t is shown
that it cost the neople-the tax-pay-
ers-$70.50 for j. c. Ray, to attend. This
was for transportation from his home
to and from Raleigh. W. A. Graham
received $50.60 for 692 mileages or near
ly s cents a mile. He served for but
two days at this high price. Railroads
should not be so hostile to members
of a fusion board as to draw from the
people in their behalf so high rates OF
travel. Altogether, it is a very frag-
rant affair n smells high of abuse
| and wrong-doing.
| Other exposures will follow the prose-
cution Of a careful and thorough scrut-
my. The people should be allowed to
see how the great promisers and re
fawmers' gouged them with such ra-
| pacious hands.
N. G.. CHARITIES.