The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1904-09-30

bay 49, NAANAN
average OF SSH. 000. 900 per year. This
expenditure was due TO a consli-
extent 10 the cost OF the span
ish-American war. which occurred
that period but the termina-
ton OF that war brought no relief %
the treasury. for the average annual ex-
penses Of the government. during ths
three subsequent years ending June
30. 1904, were about 9.O00.O0D.
which is the largest sum hitherto
reached, during a like period, since
the close OF the civil war.
This draft upon the revenues OF The
country has had the effect which might
have been anticipated. and now wa
have presented the reverse OF the Sit
uation. which led 10 the famous OBJ
seryation 1T is a condition. and not
a theory. which confronts u.s." for.
although the present incumbent found
at the close OF the first fiscal year.
during which he assumed control os
the administration. a surplus Of re-
ceipts over expenditures of more than
S9l 100000. there was an excess OF
expenditures over receipts at the close
OF the last fiscal year OF $42. 100000.
and the Official monthly reports maIs
by the treasury department show tina.
the expenditures are continuously AMI
rapidly increasing. while the receipts
are diminishing.
In this connection IL Is interesting
10 note the recent administrative or
ders forbidding government officers
from making public any statement %
estimates on which future appropria.
lions are to be based.
If a man Of ordinary intelligence
and prudence should 1nu in the oper-
ating expenses OF his business such A
tremendous percentage OF increase.
would he not promptly set on foot an
inquiry for the cause OF the vase.
and take immediate measures to stop
IL. especially when trusted employees
have been found dishonest and con.
victed. and a widespread impression
exists that a thorough Investigation
may discover other cases OF malfeas-
ance? When the chief executive re-
ported TO con that, through
frauds. forgeries and perjuries. ami
by shameless briberies, the laws "a
lating 10 the proper conduct Of the
public service in general. and TO the
due administration OF the post Office
department have been VIGOROUSLY y.O
lated =" there was a general
popular demand for a rigid, sweeping
in investigation by congress. in addition
TO that undertaken by the executive
himself Such an Investigation the re-.
publican majority in congress would
not permit. although the minority in
sisted that the interests OF good gov
eminent demanded It. And the minor
ity was right. The liberality. patriot
ism and national pride OF the people
should not be made an excuse for
waste OF the public funds. Official ex-
travagance is official crime.
There is not a sentence in the TO-
publican platform recommending a re-
duction in the expenditures OF the
government; not a line suggesting
that the increase in the cost Of the
war department from sS4.000.0 900 in
1856 to Sis. 900, 900 in 1904 should
be inquired into: and not a paragraph
calling for a thorough investigation OF
those departments OF the government
in which dishonesty has been recently
disclosed
Conclusion.
The people, however, can by their
votes. il they desire it. order such n
investigation and inaugurate a policy
Of economy and retrenchment. II y
safe to say that this will not be ac-
complished by indorsing az the polls
the republican majority Of the houss
Of representatives which refused the
Investigation and made the appro-
priations. nor by continuing ia power
the administration which made the
disbursements.
Reform in expenditures must be had
in both the civil, military and naval
establishments in order that the ma
tional expenditures may be brought
10 a basis Of peace and the govern
ment maintained without recourse 20
the taxes OF war.
I have put aside a congenial work.
10 which | had expected to devote my
life. in order to assume. as best | can.
the responsibilities your convention
put upon me.
7 solicit the cordial cooperation AMI
generous assistance Of every man who
believes that a change of measures AMI
Of men at this time would be wise, AMI
urge harmony OF endeavor as well as
vigorous action on the part Of all -
minded.
The issues are joined an the peo-
PIE must render the verdict.
Shall economy Of administration be
demanded or shall extravaganza be en-
couraged2
Shall the wrongdoer be brought 10
bay by the people. or must justice wait
upon political oligarchy?
Shall our government stand for
equal opportunity or for special privi-
lege?
Shall II remain a government Of law
or become one OF individual caprice,
Shall we cling TO the rule of the
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