The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1904-10-05

istratiOn announced 10 the fHVI NOUS
average Of SSH. O0O.0 900 per year This
large expenditure was due to consid-
cradle extent to the cost Of the Span
ish-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
30 1904, we're about s519, 100000,
which is the largest sum hitherto
reached, during like period, since
the close of the civil war.
This draft upon the revenues of the
country has had the effect which might
h.-c hee., k.ctscs-.tna I'D ..e-...-..
have presented the reverse of the sit
uation, which led to the famous OBJ
servation: ut is a condition, and not
theory, which confronts us;' 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
S91 100000, there was an excess Of
expenditures over receipts at the close
of the last fiscal year of $42 600, 006, 4
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 II is interesting
to note the recent administrative or
ders forbidding government officers
from making public any statement Of
estimates on which future appropria-
tions are to be based
If man of ordinary intelligence
and prudence should find in the oper-
ating expenses Of his business such
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
it, 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 periuries 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 notoriorzN VIC
lated >" there was neral
popular demand for a rigid < eeeping
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 minors
ity was right. The liberalitv natriat-
ism and national pride Of the people
should not be made an excuse for
waste Of the public funds. Oficial ex-
travagance is official crime.
There is not a sentence in the re-
publican platform recommending re-
duction in the expenditures Of the
government; not a line suggesting
that the increase in the cost OF the
war department from sS4,O0O,000 in
1886 to $115,000,000 in 1904 should
be inquired into; and not 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, If they desire it, order such an
investigation and inaugurate a policy
of economy and retrenchment 1t Is
safe to say that this will not be ac-
complished by indorsing at the polls
tho republican majority Of the house
Of representatives which refused the
and made the appro-
priations, nor by continuing in power
the administration which made the
Reform In expenditures must he had
in both the civil, military and naval
in order that the ma
tional expenditures may be brought
to basis of peace and the govern
ment maintained without recourse to
the taxes of war.
have put aside congenial work,
to which | had expected to devote my +
life, in order to assume as best I can,
the responsibilities your convention
put upon me.
l solicit the cordial cooperation and
assistance of every man who
that a change Of measures and
Of men at this time would be wise. and
urge harmony Of endeavor as we'll as
vigorous action on the part of all so
minded.
The Issues are joined anu the peo-
Pile must render the verdict.
Shall economy of administration be
demanded or shall extravaganza be en-
Shall the wrongdoer be brought to
bay by the people, or must justice wait
upon political oligarchy?
Shall our government stand for
equal opportunity or for special privi-
ege?
Shall 1t remain government of law
'r become one of Individual caprice?
Shall we cling to the rule of the
people, or shall we embrace beneficent