The Lamar register., 1902-10-15
Democratic Extravaganza
and Corruption.

81
~ secured direct from Democratic sources Last week
we printed the scathing arraignment OF the Denver
fire and poce board by the county judge
b. Lindsey He charged them with being in league with
the criminal elements and conducting their office in
such a manner as to everasngly disgrace their party
their city and their The charges made by Judge
lindsay have never been denied Their truth is evident
every lives in Denver or occasionally visits 'ha
cv This scandaous condition affairs is enough oil
self to condemn the party toeratng it to everlasting
oblivion
But it is not alone in Denver and Arapahoe county
that corruption 1t rampant at the state house
Cn August 10th year the Denver Post valiant
Democratic organ printed the following as doubeeaded
editorial
Two years ago the people of Colorado discouraged
by the tangle into which the public finances had fallen
demanded honest straightforward common-sense
business administration of state afiairs.
The Democratic party undertook to supply that
demand.
In response to the general public feeling that a
practical business man-one who had made a success
of his own business afairs-should be placed at the
head of the administration, the Democratic convention
travail chose the leader of its ticket the
name of Honest jim orman
Mr. Ornan had had large experience in busi
ness way was a successful railroad contractor and a
large employer men, and it felt that he could
be trusted bring the executive office that practical
knowledge and understanding business details which
greatly desired.
The people evidently concurred in this view OF the
situation, and Mr.. Orman was elected
How well the hopes of the people have been
realized is by the facts published by the Post
yesterday to-day regarding transactions at the
state house during the past eighteen months.
Distressing these facts may be they appear to
admit of very fattering explanation
From them the conclusion is inevitable that there
has been either gross careIessness gIarins ncom
potency the part of those who are responsible
for the states financial transactions.
fund of $251,OOo. appropriated by the last Legis
for-among other things-the purpose of paying
the emergency warrants held debt of honor
against the state to have been largely divert
ed to other not authorized contemplated by
the lawn direct violation of 1t. in fact
In the meantime not a cent of these emergency
has been paid upon the plea that the Legis
lature did directly authorize each expenditure.
Yet much of this fund has been used for other
purposes not remotely specified and never
contemplated by the lawmakers.
Not only this, but for purposes plainly forbidden
by the general statutes
The state auditing board consisting of Governor
Orman as chairman Auditor Crouter and Attorney
General members. is directly responsible for
the administration of this fund.
1t was placed under their sole guardianship and
control
No bill against it could be allowed or paid without
their majority consent.
Irregularities in the use of other also
apparent.
The printing bills paid amount to the enormous
sum of s11SOOO-fully 100000 than the ap-
propriated-and among them are many glarng
charges such have called down severest condemna-
tion upon the of the Arapahoe county commits
sioners
Many other questionable transactions of
less serious nature remain be explaned-if indeed
they explanable
Upon the whole, the present administrator does
not appear have been any improvement any
of its predecessors.
The states finances a depIorable con-
dition than
There appears to be utter disregard of law
In the handling funds, and appropriations
are jugsled suit the purposes of those who have
control of them.
The people demanded and hoped for really con-
scientious business administration at the hands
Honest Jim" Orman and his responsible associates.
Instead they appear to have been served with the
same old brand of which they have been complaining
for these many years.
18th of August the Post printed another leading
The Post has several times taken occasion COM
mend the prompt and vigorous action taken by the
proper public authorities in the matter of the county
printing scandal
Now that it has been concusvey shown that
more serious and far extensive irregularities
during the past eighteen months in the
handling and disbursement of state funds, the
confidently anticipates that similar prompt vigor-
GUS action will be taken in this case, also bring
responsible parties to justice and protect the in