The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-07
SEVEN MILLIONS.
Will Cost More Than That to
Run the State.
Auditor Nation Makes Up His
Estimate.
USED KNIFE FREELY.
Still Amount Is $125,OOO More
Than Two Years Ago.
Would Have Appropriation Bills
Passed First.

completed his summary of estimates
for state expenses for the years 1912
and 1913, and announces total OF
$7,511,139.15 He cut out $1,200,000
asked for buildings for institutions
and made other slashes all down the
line, yet his estimate is more than
was appropriated by the last legisla-
ture by $125,00O for this purpose. The
last session appropriated 1885,
57S.O4. Mr.. Nations estimates do not
include appropriations for miscel-
laneous purposes nor for legislative
expenses. In his report he precedes
his table of estimates with the follow
ing explanation:
In the following pages I have
given, first a summary of the amounts
required to be appropriated to the
various departments and institutions.
This aggregates Ssh, 1913. Fol-
lowing this is a detailed statement
showing how these amounts are made
up. Although 1 have cut out OF my
estimates $1,200,000 asked for build
ings for institutions, yet my estimates
exceed the amount appropriated by
the last legislature. 1t is apparent,
therefore, that the task of keeping the
appropriations within reasonable
"I recommend that the legislature
at the beginning of the session take
up the appropriations for the depart
ments and institutions for which ap-
propriations are absolutely required.
Heretofore it has been the custom of
the legislature to defer the state in
stitutions and various departments OF
state until the close of the session.
The result has been that the leglsla-
tors have been persuaded to make ap-
propriations of doubtful character, not
knowing what was in store later in
the session. In my judgment II the
legislature would first appropriate for
the institutions and departments TOT
which appropriations are absolutely
required, a great many of the grafts
that ordinarily slip through would be
held up. If the governor would re-
fuse to sign any appropriation plis,
except legislative expense piiis, untA
the main appropriations bllis are
passed it might have wholesome eI,
feet on keeping down appropriations.
Auditors Recommendations.
Mr.. Nation recommends to the next
legislature that it make provision for
committee rooms in the quarters now
occupied by the State Historical socl-
ety as that organization VIII soon
move its effects to the new Memorial
building. He urges that the registra-
tion law relating to bonds be AMENDED
so that all bonds will have to be reg
istered in the auditors office ana De
nassed upon by the attorney general
He urges that no change be made in
the law requiring state officials to fur,
nish receipts for expenses incurred
while travelling on state business. he
recommends an appropriation OF W.
900 for new stone steps for the east
front of the state house. and states
that the steps at the west front Will
have to have new foundation laid .Sn pn+
der them Mr.. Nation Suggests tndt
new ground entrances be built at tne
east and west fronts with archways.
He recommends that the office OF at
torney for the railroad board be abol-
ished and that the attorney general at
tend to the duties of that office
Mr.. Nation refers to the TACT that
the lieutenant governor is now no
longer member of the state df,es board r. OF OF
49, 11oTroI1 to the tune of 500 per
year. The auditor has estimated tin aoSarno 500 or
per year for the lieutenant governor, l1lo
because he is required to do SO by the
old law and he suggests that the leg
stature fix salary for the lieutenant
The following is the auditors table
of appropriations for the fiscal years