The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1908-12-30
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 80, 1908.
RoBBiNG THE TAXPAYERS.

SOu1V 0V0l VAAO6 ACSOA0tAVoo I u0OC
by the Montana Lookout as q result
Of its investig alton of certain matters
at the state capitol, and its exposure
of graft at the expense of Montana
taxpayers should cause them to sit up
and takes.notice. 1t has discovered
the existence of q state printing CON-
bine thata has been in operation the
past year, and which il flching from
the public treasury thousands of dol.
lars in extortionate charges.
The Legations made by the Mon
tana Lookout are supported by proof
that its charges are true. 1t gives the
history of the award of the state
printing contract by the state furnish.
ing board, one member of which-the
attorney general-protested vigorous
ly against entering into an agreement
which clearly contemplated injustice
to his constituents. The other two
members of thea.. board, however,
ignored the protest and the combine
was given opportunity to work its
graft to the limit.
The state printing combine, accord.
ing to the Montana Lookout, consists
Of the Helena Record and the Helena
Independent, the latter being nomin.
ally the present contractor in the alb.
sence OF bona ade competition from
its associate in the alleged deal. The
bid for state printing made by the
Independent about q Iyear ago, and
which was accepted by the furnishing
board, was condemned by the attorney
general as q tender that would in.
crease the cost Of supplies about $780,
600 over the price formerly paid, but
this feature of the transaction did not
prevent the award Of a contract at the
rates specified.
Some astounding instances of state
printing graft under the existing con-
tract are cited by the Montana Look
out to prove its charges. An order
for Arbor Day manuals that was for
merly charged at less than sos was
this year billed to the state at $6O5.
Another lot of supplies that formerly
cost 1892 is boosted in price to $40.
A job of binding that formerly cost
S97 would amour under the present
contract tossabout So, 772. and various
other comparisons show an
able and extortionate increase in the
cost of supplies covered by the exist
ing contract.
An agreement that permits robbery
OF the taxpayers having been made by
the state furnishing board, it is ques.
tionable whether a continuance of the
graft can be prevented, but the situa.
ton certainly calls for action by the
legislative assembly or some other
authority thatsmay be able to provide
q remedy.
1t is a we'll known fact that in most
cases the cost Of supplies and services
of a public nature il greater than that
paid by individuals for similar goods
or work. There is 10 legitimate rea.
son for such conditions, but it ia the
6CuCl ! CApCtICuCC III puOllC oil ulC6
that the community.pay more than
al individual for certain value re-
ceived, and it willIcontinue to pay more
until the citizens. themselves take more
interest in such.. and insist
that the public business shall be con-
Quoted on q strictly business basis.
Excellent work is being done in some
parts of the country by citizens who
have organized taxpayers protective
associ %ations, and it might be a good
idea for Montana citizens to organize
upon similar lines and head off any
graft hat may affect their interests.
A general supervision of the affairs
Of local government--state, county
and municipality an organization
or committee of taxpayers would un-
dou btedly result in benefit to the gen.
eral public.