The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-09-13
SOME COUNTY ISSUES

SOME COUNTY ISSUES
The republicans come before the
people this year with distinct issues
Not alone do they ask the people to
uphold the President and the repub
lican Congress in what they are doing
for the good of the people, but they
ask their support for needed reforms
in county government
Chiefest among these is reform in
the Freasurers Office. The republicans
are not accusing any man Or men with
dishonesty in connection with this
Office That must be clearly under.
stood. They are not assailing any
bank or any Treasurer. The banks are
interested in receiving deposits
whether from the public or from private
individuals. They stand ready to pay
interest on deposits and it makes no
difference to them whether the inter
est or bonus be retained by the county
treasurer for his own benefit, or to the
people for the lessening of their tax
es. In point of fact we believe they
would prefer to pay to the county
reasonable rate of interest on the
average deposit rather than to be
under any obligation to a county
treasurer. Under such a system
there could be no favoritism and the
treasurership would be taken out of
bank politics entirely.
No one knows, save the parties in
terested. how much if anything, the
treasurer now receives or has in the
past received as interest or bonus for
the deposit of public funds. There
is every outward indication however
that remuneration of some kind has
been received, The old theory is
that the treasurer gives bond, is re-
sponsible and that it is no ones bus
mess what he does with the funds 50
long as he is able to produce them
when wanted.
The new theory is that the funds
belong to the public, that the treas
urer is fully paid. by his salary, 70,
handling them and that if any interest
is to be received it should be paid te
the people.
Our taxes are heavy enough, good
ness knows. While the court house il
being paid for they will be heavier
than ever. This means that there
will be a larger average deposit thar
ever before.
The court house will cost 5000. 0O(
before the last payment is made.
Some time ago we made the state
ment and we were called liar foy
doing it, but we think no one will
deny it at present.
The payments are due at stated
times, but taxes are payable at an.
time. This means that monies mus
be accumulated, lie in the bank
for greater or less periods, awaiting
the times OF payment.
Why should not the people receiv
the benefit? Why should it go to tn
county treasurer whose salary tn,
people are paying? Why should h
receive two salaries, one from tn
people and one from the banks?
it not injustice? Are you not il
favor of reducing the taxes of tn
county by at least thousand dollar
year? Are you paying so littl
now that you do not care to hav
your taxes reduced?
The republicans of the county hav
declared boldly for this reform. Nh
Johnson the republican candidate ha
stated specifically that if elected h
will turn over all the interest to tn
people and will be satisfied with blu
one salary. Neither the democrati
party. nor the democratic candidat
Mr.. Evers has made any such state
ment. They may have a death-be
repentance now that the republican
have brought the matter forward, bu
they had no such notion of their owl
accord. Up to this time we have NJ
reason to believe that Evers. if elect
ed, would not follow the course of hi
predecessors and pocket the interes
on the people money. We woul
urge the people to vote for Mr.. John
son. He has come out honestly an
fearlessly. He deserves whateve
credit may attach to anyone, for h