The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1904-09-29

lstration amounted to the enormous
average OF S51l. 000. 900 per year. This
large expenditure was due to consid-
cradle extent to the cost OF the Span
lsh-American war, which occurred
during that period; but the terminus
ton OF that war brought no relief to
the treasury. for the average annual ex-
penses Of the government. during the
three subsequent years ending June
80, 1904, were about $4,000. 900.
which Is the largest sum hitherto
reached. during a ffkeT perfuds sfuce
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 We
have presented the reverse Of the sit
uation. which led to the famous OBJ
servation: 1T is condition. and not
theory. which confronts u.s." for,
although the present incumbent found
at the close OF the first fiscal year.
during which he assumed control OF
the administration, surplus Of re-
ceipts over expenditures Of more than
| SOL, 100000, there was an excess Of
expenditures over receipts at the close
of the last fiscal year Of s42.000.000.
and the official monthly reports made
by the treasury department show that
the expenditures are continuously and
rapidly increasing. while the receipts
are diminishing.
In this connection Il is interesting
to note the recent administrative or
ders forbidding government officers
from making public any statement OF
estimates on which future appropria'
lions are to be based.
II man OF ordinary intelligence
and prudence should finu in the oper.
ating expenses of his business such q
tremendous percentage OF Increase,
would he not promptly set on foot an
inquiry for the cause of the waste.
and take immediate measures to stop
II, especially when trusted employees
have been found dishonest and con.
victed, and widespread impression
exists that thorough investigation
may discover other cases Of malfeas-
ance! When the chief executive re-
ported to congress that. through
frauds, forgeries and perjuries. and
by shameless briberies. the laws re-
lating to the proper conduct Of the
public service in general, and to the
due administration of the post office
department have been VIGOROUSLY vio-
lated ;" there was q general
popular demand for a rigid, sweeping
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 re
Al publican platform recommending re-
duction in the expenditures of the
government; not line suggesting
that the increase In the cost Of the
war department from $3A,000,000 In
, 1885 to s115,OoOO00 in 1904 should
, be inquired into; and not a paragraph
calling for thorough investigation OF
, nose departments Of the government
, in which dishonesty has been recently
: disclosed.
s| Conclusion.
| The people, however, can by theiI
) votes, II they desire It, order such an
r investigation and inaugurate a policy
: Of economy and retrenchment. 1t II
, safe to say that this will not be &C
= complished by indorsing at the polls
: the republican majority of the houst
v of representatives which refused thu
: investigation and made the appro
s priations, nor by continuing in power
j the administration which made Thu
e disbursements.
J. Reform in expenditures must be hal
In both the civil. military and nava
establishments In order that the ma
tional expenditures may be brought
:, to basis OF peace and the govern
ment maintained without recourse Il
the taxes of war.
have put aside congenial work
4 to which had expected to devote m,
: life. In order to assume, as best can
!, the responsibilities your convention
! put upon me.
al solicit the cordial cooperation an,
= generous assistance of every man VIII
! believes that change Of measures an,
!" Of men at this time would be wise. AM
n urge harmony Of endeavor as well .
e vigorous action on the part Of all Q
minded.
IL The issues are Joined anu the PED
a pie must render the verdict. B
& Shall economy Of administration b
Z demanded or shall extravayance Be En-
r eouraged?
Hl Shall the wrongdoer be brought i
r bay by the people. or must Justice wal
= upon political oIigarchy? =
II Shall our government stand "a
4