The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-09-26

the enormous average Of S511 900 900 per year.
This large expenditure was due 10 a considerable
extent to the cost of the Spanish American war;
which occurred during that period, but the ter
mination of that war brought no RELIEF to the
treasury, for the average annual expenses OF
the government during the three subsequent years
ending June 30, 1904, about Shl9. oOO,oOo,
which is the largest hitherto reached during
la like period since the close of the civil war
This draft upon revenues OF the country has
had the effect which might have been anticipat
ed, and we have presented the reverse sltua-
ton, which led to the famous observation. 1T
is condition and not theory which comforts
u.s.: for altho the present incumbent found at
the close of the first fiscal year, during which he
assumed control of the administration, surplus
of receipts over expenditures OF more than s9l'-
100000, there was an excess of expenditures
over receipts at the close of the last fiscal year
of SAL 900, 900, and the official monthly reports
made by the treasury department show that the
creasing, while the receipts diminishing.
In this connection it is interesting esE2. to
government officers from making public any
statement of estimates which future appropri-
atoms to be based.
If man of ordinary Intelligence and pru-
dence should find in the operating expenses of
his business such tremendous percentage Of
increase, would he not promptly set on foot an
inquiry for the Of the waste, and take i'm
mediate measures to stop it, especially when
trusted employees have been found dishonest
and convicted, and widespread impression eN-
lists that thoro investigation may discover other
cases Of malfeasance? When the chief eXecu-
tive reported to congress that thru frauds, for
geries and pe:juries, and by shameless briberies
| the laws relating to the proper conduct of the
| public service in general. and to the due admin
istraton of the postoffce department. have been
| VIGOROUSLY violated ," there was
general popular demand for a rigid. sweeping
investigation by congress, in addition to that
undertaken by the executive himself. Such an
investigation the republican majority in congress
would not permit altho the minority insisted
! that the interests of good government demanded
it. And the minority right. The liberal
| ity patriotism and national pride of the people
should not be made excuse for waste Of
| public funds. Official extravaganza is official
| crime.
| There Is not a sentence in the republican plat
| form recommending reduction in the eXpendi-
| lures of the government; not line suggesting
| that the increase in the cost of the war depart
ment from S34, 100000 in 1886 to S115, 000,0 900
| in 1904 should be inquired into and para
| graph calling for thoro investigation of those
| departments Of the government in which dis
honesty has been recently disclosed
The people. however, can, by their votes, II
| they desire it. order such an investigation and
inaugurate policy of economy and retrench-
| ment. It is safe to say that this will not be
s dc ts house te o
| tives which refused the investigation and made
the appropriations, nor by continuing In power
the administrations which made the disburse-
ments.
Reform in expenditures must be had in
the civil military and naval establishments in
order that the national expenditures may be
maintained without recourse to the taxes Of
war. ...
! Conclusion.
! I have put aside a congenal work to which
had expected to devote my life in order to as
sumo fs best I can, the responsibilities your
convention put upon
| T solicit the cordial cooperation and generous
assistance of every who believes that
change of measures and of at this time
would be wise and urge the ha rmony OF endcavor
as we'll vigorous action on the ART of all so
minded.
4 The issues are joined and tie People must rem
= der the verdict.
Shall economy Of admins tration be demanded
or shall extravagance be, encouraged?
Shall the wro1fgdoers l,eE brought 10 bay by the
garchy?
Shall our government stand for equal opportu-
nifty or for special privilege?
Shall it remain government of law or be-
come of individual caprice?
Shall cling to the rule OF :he people CT
shall we embrace benehcent despotism?
With calmness and confidence await the
peoples verdict.
If called to the office of president, shall con-
lsider myself the chief magistrate of all the
: people and not of any faction. and shall ever be
mindful of the fact that many questions OF
national. policy there honest differences Of
. opinion. believe in the patriotism, good sense
and absolute sincerity of all the peiple. shall
! strive to remember that he may serve his party
best who serves his country best.
If it be the wish Of the people that undertake
the duties of the presidency. I pledge myself
, with Gods help. to devote all my powers and
Eenergy to the duties of this exalted office Very
truly yours Alton B. Parker.
puxT rArcE cruTNu 7Ean