The Huttig news., 1912-12-21
REPORT OF STATE AUDITOR.
Some Interesting Sections Of the Biennial
 Report of Auditor lobe.

D6iOW we reprint several sec tons of the biennial report of re- tring State Auditor John R. lobe that should be interesting reading to every citizen interested in Ar kansas:
 At the present time the taxable property in the State is assessed at something in excess of $425.- 100000, an increase of about $5O,OOO.OOO in the last two years. On the basis of this assessment. the present general revenue levy will yield about 45,OOO.OO Assuming that the assessment of taxable property will not change. and that the levy will remain the same during the next two years. the State will realize from this di- rect tax during the ensuing two years $1.4oO.OOO. During the two years just past we have re- ceived for the general revenue fund from sources other than the one and three-fouth mill tax. the sum of $z82,065.55. This has been derived from liquor license. insurance taxes and fees, fees from the secretary of states office. franchise tax, inheritance tax. and from sundry miscellaneous sources. Should the same amount be de- rived from these sources during the next two years, added to the direct tax revenue, the total would be $2. 2.2z2 .O63.55. This sum is in excess of the actual expend- lures of the past two years. and if the expenses of the government should not increase over those of the biennial period just closed, the revenue would be adequate to the needs of the State. but for one un- fortunate fact This fact is that during the past two years we have been forced to anticipate our reve- nues. This was strikingly shown in the early summer of 1911, when the State went on scrip basis, for the first time in many years. and similar condition obtained in the latter part of that year and the first half of 1912. For several months past the State has been able to meet her obligations promptly, but it is now quite evi- dent that the general revenue fund will again become exhausted before January l next, and again the State will be practically on scrip basis until next July. In order that our finances may be placed in a healthy condition, there should be devised some way of raising, as soon as possible, approximately a half million dollars, to meet cur rent expenses and prevent the States warrants from being thrown upon the market at dis count.
 The penitentiary has not only been self sustaining during the past two years, as 1t is required to be under the law. no taxes being paid by the people toward main taining this institution, but has earned considerably more than actual running expenses. The health of the convicts has been much better that in former years, the general conditions prevailing are improved. and the financial status of the institution IS better than it has been since the present board assumed control. nearly two years ago. When the outstanding indebtedness will have been fully paid, and the new year will begin with balance of several thousand dollars to the credit of the institu- tion. This condition is largely due to the splendid crop made on the state farm this year, being by far the best it has ever produced. This crop will embrace more than 500 bales of cotton, about 5O.- GOO bushels of corn, and vegeta- bles, peas, hay and other feed stuffs, amounting to several thous-