Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-04-15

An article taken from tho Fairfield
Ledger appeared in which appsan the
following:
1T IL rather remarkable that the
states which passed into the hands OF
the reformers have practically all in
creased their expenses enormously.
Take Iowa for an example. When the
Standpatters," much as they have been
abused for other things, had control
Of affairs, a watchful eye was always
kept upon the state expenditures. The
extravagance in this state began with
the entrance Of the reformer and the
progressive into our political affairs.
II the state IL ever redeemed from its
wanton expenditures and excessively
high tax rate II will be under the guild
ance Of these Same standpatters, the
people who stand for economy in state
affairs in the present campaign"
This critic assumes that an increase
in expenditures is conclusive proof OF
extravaganza and offers no evidence
to sustain his charge.
II it be conceded that the progress
sives'' came into control Of the state
and became responsible for all expenses
incurred by the state at the time Mr.
Cummins became governor in 1902 and
that the total expenditures OF state
revenue greatly increased from that
time, does 1t prove "extravagance" on
the part of those In control? Every
person at all familiar with govern
mental functions knows or should
know that the cost of all government
Is almost constantly on the Increase
This increase is greater during some
periods than others, and very often fol
good cause, az is easily shown by
comparison OF the prices of such thfngl
as the government must buy In the
open market.
During the period ending June 80
1881, there was paid from the general
revenue Of the state $2,005,S45. and FOL
the period ending June 30, 1891. the
sum expended from the same fund IN
creased over s1,000,0O0 and amounted
to 33,O25,945, an increase OF over 81
per cent. During the next decade the
sum expended gradually increased II
amount and for the period ending june
80, 1901, 1t amounted to $4,42l,O0O. Thli
covered all but about six months o.
MIR. Shaws administration as governor
and was before the progresslves, as
faction, came into power IN this state
vet the expenditures increased more
than s1,4ho,GG9, or more than - PEI
cent during that ten year period.
II an increase in expenditures Is ar
evidence OF extravaganza Mr. Sha"
and others in authority at that t1me
should be held responsible But tn'
amount expended is never an evidence
of extravaganza and Mr. Shaws ad'
ministration was, as / believe, a mos
economical one.
Why should not state expenses In
crease? Every intelligent person knows
II he will only pause and think. that TN
state buys in the market such things
as are required for the support OF every
family. Who does not know that NV
/ ing expenses" have increased yer!
greatly since? Some Of the things
| bought by the state have doubled II
price during that time. I believe tni'
is true of nearly all building materials
The state buys meats and farm prod
ucts in large, quantities and thes'
things are now bringing the farme
| much better prices than in 1902, an
the state must pay the price. Tn
| price Of labor has advanced but TN
iaborer's wage A. rule has not KEEP
pace with the cost OF living, but 1n