Evening journal., 1902-01-14
TUESDAY. JANUARY "a, 1902
MORE THAN MONEY

The taxpayers Of this city and county
II is estimated have had forty per cent
of their money misspent and misap-
propriated for some years. When
therefore there is an effort at reform
which shall correct the abuses of the
present and make their repetition for a
time at least hazardous II not impos-
sible. naturally our first impulse is TO
measure the gain in dollars and cents.
And while it appeals to us strongly
from this standpoint. since our people
can ill-aiford the drain upon their
purses, yet it is a matter of deeper
concern. When there is general dis
trust over the conduct OF our public
affairs and officials are accused of
serving their own interests at the OK
pense OF The taxpayers, faith in our
institutions is lost and the idea is dis
scminated that a public offieeis an
opportunity for public loot.
when we lose faith in our clergy Il
affects MS in our estimate OF the truths
OF the church. It breeds lax moral con-
duct and offers an excuse for low
plane Of living. The same is true of
government. If in the first quarter
century OF the life of this Republic our
presidents and other participants in
the government had been venal and
selfish, the government would have
gone to pieces. not because of the ex-
pense entailed. but because of the dis
trust and disgust in the minds of the
people The men selected to conduct
our affairs are not only the guardians
OF our purses, but the guardians of our
honor and dignity.
We are spending large sums for pub
lie education. but nothing makes so
deep an impression on the minds OF
men and Of our youth. as example.
Let it be generally understood, then,
that the men selected TO administer
our affairs are simply engaged in the
endeavor to fill their own purses. and
we become distrustful. not only OF
them. but Of our whole system Of gov
ernment Examine class of bright
boys in the public schools upon their
ideals of government, and we shall
find that they are very low. We shall
be surprised at a cynicism astonishing
in those 50 young. Yet the cause Is
not far to seek The lesson is earl,
impressed that If in future years the,
aspire to preferment. they must be.
come adept in the means to get there
and they have had expert training II
how to reap the emoluments of office
IT, however, this state of affaiis breed.
disgust in the youthful mind, Il is apr
TO lead to the conclusion that an abso
lutte withdrawal from politics is tn,
honest mans only course Thus Tn
rascals are left in possession of th
whole machinery of government, an
TO enjoy its loot.
II then becomes evident that tn
chief reason for good government doe
not lie in the protection of the tar
payer. although that is a necessary in
cident and offers a good basis fC
comparison, but we require a cleal
honest administration OF affairs b.
cause Of it's moral effect. for docel
people are entitled to decent and hol
est public servants.
In a republic the danger does not I
50 much in general rascality as
lethargy and indifference, We m,
invite theft by leaving our window
open and our doors unbolted. A tho
sand indifferent or apathetic men
low a scalawag to get into Office. al
when he is there they give him /
opportunity by their indifference a.
carelessness. An officer OF the peol
should be surrounded with safeguarr
and for his own protection. his a,
should always bo subject to the pub
gaze