The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-10-29

applied, with the result that Mr.. Scott is
never caught unawares by any demand for
information. A few minutes work suf-
foes to prepare the figures showing just
where every county fund stands. One
result Of this up-to- date system is that
the auditor always knows how fast ap-
preparations are being expended and is
in position to warn the county COM
missioners of impending danger of the
exhaustion Of a fund, so that they will
have no excuse for not keeping within
the limits Of the strict laws governing
deficits and the transferring Of moneys
from one fund to another.
A New Regime. .
In fact, Mr.. Scott's administration Of
the county auditors office has marked
new regime Its affairs are conducted
such excellent business principles as to
surprise those only familiar with the old
ways.
a Low Tax Champion.
AS an ex-officio member of the board
Of tax levy Mr.. Scott has a consistent
and admirable record for supporting low
taxation rates and the extreme Of econ
omy. His vote has always been on the
side Of the taxpayers, and he has kept
free from any lOg-rolling combinations
in that board.
1t has been the easier for Mr.. Scott
to do this that he. as representing county
disbursement, has been able to come be-
fore the board with clean hands. BY that
is meant that he practices what he
teaches, that with him economy begins at
home, and that the county has been mod
est in it's demands.
A Wonderful Showing.
It is a remarkable fact that although
the valuation Of the county is now $751;
4I,0r fnr1tS Ga ~
county expenses are $4,000 less than they
were. If all the local government de-
partments that annually make their pleas
before the board Of tax levy We're tending
the same way as the county, taxpayers
would have nothing to fear from that full
valuation of property which the constitu-
ton and the law enjoin, but which as
SCISSORS rarely enforce.
Auditor Makes Estimates.
The county auditor makes up the county
budget in conference with the county
commissioners, but from his closer study
and naturally greater familiarity with
county finances, the responsibility rests
chiefly upon him. The budget will be
modest or extravagant, as he shapes 1t.
The figures given below concisely show
how the county budgets have been re-
stricted since Mr. Scott came into office,
Jan. 1, 1901. The two years preceding, as
well as the two years Of his incumbency,
are given.
County Taxation.
Year Rate Valuation Revenue
1899 mills $117,s7s,1o7 s353,ss7.s2
1890 3.17 mills 110.209,379 349,363.73
1901 2.92 mills 112,875552 329,596.60
1902 2.30 mills *133, s67,276 OS,124.73
valuation fixed by county board of
equalization and does not show increase
made by state board.
This table shows the remarkable fact
that though the valuation of the county of
Hennepin is $4,000, 900 more than it was
foSr years ago, the amount of revenue has
decreased $4,000 with a consequent low
ering Of the rate about rs per cent.
For Taxpayers to Remember.
These are facts and figures worthy Of
the consideration of the Retail Merchants
Association, the Real Estate Board, and
all persons interested in low taxes and,
consequently, in keeping in office man
who, with no little power to affect the
theory and practice Of taxation, is known
and proved by his works to be champion
Of the minimum rate of taxation consist
ent with public welfare.
Biography.
So much for Mr.. Scott official. A
few words about his private life may not
be amiss. He was born in Minneapolis in
1853 and is the son of Charles Scott, who,
with General Morgan, built the first ma
chine shop and foundry at the Falls of St.
Anthony. His early boyhood was spent on
a, farm in St.-Louis' Park His education
was received, in thes Minneapolis public
schools and Michigan university. He
early began to take an active interest in
politics, and was a member of the repub-
lican campaign committee in 1896. In
1897 he entered the county auditors office
as second deputy. He left that position
to enlist in the Thirteenth Minnesota vol
unteer infantry, with which regiment he
served in the Philippines and elsewhere
until it was mustered out in October, 1899.
In the following year Mr.. Scott was elected
county auditor. He is married man and
enjoys a wide acquaintance and has many
warm friends in all parts Of the city and
county who are DESTROYS of making his
vote as large as possible as deserved
compliment.
HAYNES NAILS A ROORBACK
1t has come to my ears that certain
parties, representing my opponents, have
been Systematically circulating the story