Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-10-27

his advisers at headquarters and that
ne had been too busy to read the deci-
sion to determine how far it bore on
the absurd issue he had himself raised.
The next blunder was the candi.
dates estimate of the expense of hold
Ing the Philippines. 1t is easy
enough to show that his figures, $3.50,
100000 as the cost of the islands ex-
elusive of the Spanish bonus, were
three times too large and it is also a
simple matter to prove that his esti.
mate of 100000 lives lost there is many
times the total number of Americans.
solulers and civilians, who have even
visited the Philippines.
But the latest folly on the part of
Judge Parker is also the worst. II
shows that his ignorance of the rou.
tine of the treasury department of the
government. which he criticises freely
is greater than that of the average
school boy. In q speech made q few
to find out whether the deficit in the
treasury is growing or not: that the
estimates Of public officials are con-
cealed land that the treasury depart
ment. by an executive order. has beer
seeking to suppress information as to
the financial condition of the govern.
ment. Every member of congress, the
head Of every bank in the United
states, every editor of every daily
newspaper, every clerk in the depart
ments. and many schoolpoys know
that the government prepares and is
sues for circulation on every business
day in the year complete financial
statement.
This statement may be received each
day by anyone who is sufficiently in
terested to ask for it. Judge Parker
could have it for the mere asking, just
as any other citizen can. Nothing
but lack Of knowledge, and a woeful
lack. can explain his error in thus
criticfsing system which is as open
as the day.
This statement shows the receipts
from customs, internal revenue, and
miscellaneous sources for the day, the
month, and the fiscal year. 1t shows
the expenditures for civil and miscel.
laneous purposes for the army and
navy, for Indians. for pensions, and
for interest for the day, month, and
fiscal year. This statement shows the
total receipts and expenditures, and of
course the excess of either. 1t gives
the same figures for the corresponding
days and months and expired portions
OF the last fiscal year. 1t shows the
national bank notes retired and the
money deposited for new notes. 1t
shows all the exchanges of gold and
silver, as well as the conversion of
greenbacks and treasury notes.
Besides that this treasury statement
every day contains a most complete
and minute balance sheet showing
every dollar which comes into and goes
out Of the United States treasury
Every asset and liability is noted and
even the trust funds held for the re.
demption of gold and silver certificates
are minutely described from day tc
day. Nothing is omitted but every
particular Is Included in this report
Judge Parker should take a course
OF training before applying for the
presidency. 1t might be well for him
to take a civil service examination,
work as clerk in one of the depart.
ments at Washington, treasury prefer.
red, and learn as much as possible
about how this government is run
Ihen, when nominated for the presi.
dency by convention hopelessly cast.
Ing about for some hook upon which
10 hang hope of victory, he would at
least be in position to shun some
plumbers. A man who, as candidate
cannot make quiet campaign without
making SO many errors that his own
supporters run out of excuses for his
ignorance, would make an exceedingly
poor president.