Los Angeles herald., 1910-04-01
Norton, Democratic Chief, Points
to Political Faith Per-
pIexitieS
TO BACK NYE, A REPUBLICAN
Candidacy of Comptroller for Re-
Election IndorSed by
Both Sides
BY t. SHELLEY SUTTON


committee pointed yesterday to an in
teresting situation which may arise
from tho good government movement
and its organization in California.
This movement for purer politics,
better government and more efficient
men. which is general throughout the
state and in Los Angeles, has crystal
lized into a famous and far-reaching
organization that has revolutionized
the administrative affairs of the city,
has the support of the best men in
all parties and has been led and en-
couraged by these mon without re-
gard to political Affiliations.
As result of this, the good gov
ernment movement and its organiza-
tion has in at least two of the largest
cities in the state, where political des-
TIMES are decided become a tremen-
dous force to be reckoned with; and.
led by the best men in the various po-
ltical parties, these parties must look
to the good government organizations
before selecting or indorsing candi-
dates. The machine recognizes this
fact; so do the reformed" Republic
cans, league members and Democrats.
The "old push" candidates are afraid
of it.
DEMOCRATS PUZZLED
Chairman Norton of the Los Angeles
county Democratic central committee
declares the Democrats are more anx-
fous than any others TO respect the
wishes of the good government forces;
but a good government movement,
such as exists in Los Angeles, is
strictly non-partisan. and this will re-
suit in perplexing problems for DEM
ocrats and Republicans alike.
SO far, it is believed by the leaders,
the Lincoln Roosevelt league has
at least three men in the field whom
the good government organizations will
favor. although formal Endorsement is
not expected. These men are Hiram
Johnson for governor, a. j. wallace
for ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and Judge j.
ID. Works for senator. There are 9TH
ers, also considered to be clean and
capable men. who will receive the
support of a large majority. if not of
all of the good government men.
Mr. Norton says the Democrats do
not want to be placed in the light OF
"fusing," yet it is considered by nun
probable that in one or two instances
at the least. the Democrats will be
called on virtually to indorse Repub-
lican candidates, because these candi-
dates represent good government prin-
ciples.
AS a result of the good government
movement, say the leaders, the Re-
publicans and Democrats Will put up
the best array of candidates ever OF
fered TO the voters and some delicate
problems of political duty may result
The Democrats may wish, says MT
Norton, to indorse several of the Re
nublican candidates, but partisan prin-
ciples will not permit of this; yet
there undoubtedly will be one or two
exceptions taken to the old rule.
NYE UNOPPOsED
Mr.. Norton and other Democratic au-
thorites believe the Democrats VIII
place no candidate in the field against
COMPTROLLER A. B. Nye, who has an
nounced his candidacy for re-election
on the regular Republican ticket
Therefore, it is said, Mr.. Nye, at least,
If not one or two others, may receive
what to all intents and purposes VIII
he the Democratic Endorsement.
There are reasons for this Mr.. Nye's
record saw many political leaders of
all narties. has been exceptionally clean
and commendable. In Southern Call-
fornia there is no candidate whose an
nouncement has ELECTED more favorable
comment than that OF Comptroiler
Nve. whose reelection is deemed inn
portant. Regardless of partisanship, he
is liked generally because of his work.
Ir. Nye was born in Stockton in 1853,
and was for a number of years editor
of the Oakland Enquirer. As secretary
to Governor Pardee he devised the
present plan of state taxation when
has been highly indorsed as the most
practical and satisfactory yet known.
When he took hold of the treasury he
found the public money of the state
living useless in the vaults. earning
nothing He devised a system by
which these state funds were put out
on deposit and made to yield hundreds
of thousands OF dollars to enrich the
states treasury. He devised the in
heritance tax plan, and through It's
later becoming a law, California be
came inestimably richer. He also de-
veioped the present system of report
ing the revenues and expenditures OF
the various counties, whereby the state
comptroller's Office keeps its hand dl-
rectlv on the pulse of every public
treasury and money channel in the
state.
WOULD DEAL FAIRLY
Mr. Nye also proved his fairness when
he vigorously opposed the gigantic in |
crease of 40 per cent in the assessment |
of Southern California properties,
whereby Los Angeles in particular |
Nas made to bear more than its just |
burden of state taxation Despite Mr.. |
Nye's protests, the taxation was en-
forced, but Mr. Nye was not blamable !
in the matter.
1t is the duty of the comptroller to |
collect state taxes, and this is consid- |
cred one of the most difficult duties In |
the state administration. When Mr.. |
Nye became state comptroller he was
called on TO collect the taxes due the
which latter corporation stubborn
ly refused to pay There was
due the state back taxes from
this corporation for the years
1907 -OS-O9 and Mr.. Nye at once insti-
tuted suit to recover the taos for 1907,
using this year for a test case. He
won the suit, and it is believed now
that the taxes for the other two years
also will be forthcoming, if not outside
of court, then by litigation. The col
lection of these taxes means vast
increase in the state funds of Cali
fornia.
Mr.. Nye also instituted the civil ser
vice system in his department, by
which politics has been eliminated en-
tirely from his office. efficient clerical
help has been obtained, wrangling is