The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-10-11
ARGUMENT FROM IDAHO.

THE STRONGEST ARGUMENT The
Herald has seen in favor of the
election OF the Democratic ticket In
Idaho is the one put forward by that
well known business man. Simon P.
Donneliy of Kootenai county. The Ida
no Democrats have been fortunate
enough 10 secure Mr.. Donnelly for
chairman OF their state committee. In
a circular recently issued he makes the
kind OF statement that might be ex-
pected from a man of his sterling
ability. In cold facts and figures Mr..
Dennelly shows how much better on
the. state OF Idaho has been under
Democratic rule. and points out the
folly OF expecting the Republicans to
better existing conditions.
When Idaho became a state and a
Republican administration assumed
control OF its affairs, it found an in
debtedness amounting to s167.5so.7s, Of
which $4,000 was IN bonds and S7,56o.7s
IN warrants outstanding. From that
time until Jan. ., 1897. or for a period
Of five years and five months. the Re-
publicans were in absolute and entire
charge. Then the people OF Idaho.
wearied of Republican extravaganees
and misrule. elected a fusion state
ticket.
The reform officials-that is to say.
the Democrats and the forces allied
with them-found that the Republicans
had increased the actual state debt
from s1s7. SCOTS to se6s, 544.s4 adding to
the burdens OF the people obligations
amounting to more than half a million
dollars. Their outstanding bonds ag-
gregated SS93.oO0. accrued interest
5000. outstanding warrants $3.50. s2s.57.
and deficiency certificates $4,000. This
makes a grand total OF $40. 1881. but
the cash on hand amounted TO $41. 1888.
making the net debt as stated.
Today, after five years and nine
months Of Democratic and reform rule.
the net indebtedness of the state OF
Idaho, Notwithstanding the vast sum
OF money expended for permanent
buildings and improvements Of various
kinds, is Just Ss76.s4O.6S. 1t requires
very little calculation to show that.
though the money has been found for
all necessary work, though the eff
cheney OF every department has been
kept at the highest possible standard.
the Indebtedness OF Idaho has been re-
duced by almost 100000 in less than
six years.
Another achievement OF the Demo
Gratis and their friends. which is thor
oughly deserving of the admiration and
applause OF voters OF every party. ia
their reduction of the state tax levy,
This they have all but cut in two, for
they have lowered the levy from the
Republican figure Of Sc cents on each
500 to 46 cents on the 800. These are
facts which the public records attest
and which the Republican campaign
managers dare not deny. And Chair
man Donnelly submits numerous other
facts equally convincing. 1t is small
wonder that, IN closing his frank state
ment to the voters. he can say:
with the superb state ticket, headed
by Governor Frank W. Hunt for re-
election. the grand platform of prin-
ciples declared in the state platform
and the record above referred 10 fol
honest. capable and economical admin
istration OF state affairs. the Democracy
leave their cause in the hands of the
voters OF Idaho. confident of deserving
a glorious victory at the polls"