The copper era., 1901-11-21
ADVERTISING RAIES.
SMOKED OUT.

l ne e0ltOr or the bulltIlH Id5 dL ltAol been smoked out, and in most in- genius and artistically worded article, attempts to prove that the county's finances are in most excellent condi- tion. We have heard the musical voice of this sweet singer before, and while it has a charm for some thero are others that have grown weary Of its melody, and desire a rest. The article is as follows:
 The Bulletin is sorry to see the editor of the ERA endure such thirst Tor knowledge. We probably should have been more prompt in feeding such gnawing hunger.
 This paper contcndcd last year that with Graham county undivided and re- maiuin6 as it is there was hope Of re- ducing taxation which has been tire some burden, but that to divide the county would be to put the question of tax reduction beyond hope. This opinion was based on figures taken from the books at the time, which were then incontrovertible and are yet. Forany statement issued by the clerk this paper is not responsible. The statement is d more estimate of re- ccipts and expenditures, at most, and may be too high or too low. The item for support of schools for year is $36, GOO. That was what was asked for by the county superintendent, The amount expended for schools last year was $27, zoo; the levy for school tax is the same this year as it was last and it is not likely that the schools will re- ccive more than the amount for last year. In this one item the estimated expense is nearly Sl0,0OO too high. In the estimated expense on account of the general fund is put down in the statement at S65,00O, but the total charge against this fund for 1901 is only s5S,OOO, including allowances for the last quarter of 1900 and excluding tho allowances for the last quarter of 1901. Here again We find the esti- mated expense 5000 too high. Another item of expense is the amount due the territory, which in the statement is put down at S3l ,000. This is the total levy for territorial purposes. The ter ritory will receive what is collected on the territorial levy and no more, which will not amount to more than $32, 600 allowing 6 per cent for delinquency. In these threo items in the statement we have an over-estimation ot expense amounting to Sl9,OO0. In the estima- ton of receipts the total levy is given which is SlI7,000. The prOpable de- linquency on this will be 6 per cent, or about S7,000. The other items of in come are probably correct. We be- lieve the figures given above will hold good, which, if they do, will result in a surplus of about S3,000 instead of & de- ticiency of about $9,0O0, as estimated by the clerk.
 And this is not all. The Bulletins contention that taxes could he reduced in Graham county has been proven by the cold fact that a reduction in county taxes was actually mado this year Of 32 cents. The territorial tax was in- creased p cents by the Guardian's good and economical leg gislature. which leaves the total tax in Graham county the same as last year.
 Sabe?
 In other words, Recorder Tom Smith don't know beans when the bag is open. Before preparing a financial state ment for the county in the future, the ERA would advise him to consult with tho editor of the Bulletin. It i, most refreshing to note that the Bulletin is not responsible for the statement made by the county recorder. It is not a statement that the Bulletin can endorse, because it is at varience with former statements of that renowned journal of finance. The most unique part of the statement made by the Bull letin is the proposition to cut down the school expenses to that of last year. Every school child in the county knows that the schools last year were con ducted under great difficulties, for lack Of means. The schools in this section each, and in order to be maintained even for short terms, the companies were called on for financial assistance. It is more than probable that the superintendent of the schools knew the amount of money needed when he asked for the appropriation of S}6. .00O. Anyhow the people will not submit to having the educational interests of the county sacrifcied in order to make the ] financial ledger balance at the end of i the year. The schools must be main l tained at all hazards, and if some other | means of curtailing the county's ex- penses cannot be evolved, it would be | better to let her continue to run be- hind as she has for years past.
 In the meantime perhaps the Bulle- tin can suggest some other mean. of reform more in harm ony with existing conditions.