The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1915-02-11

Pierre, S. D., Feb. Sin a statement
given out here today Henry b. Ander-
son, of Mitchell, former state auditor,
and minority republican candidate for
governor in the 1914 primary, outlines
some of the reforms by which he claims
the state of South Dakota could save
close to $5O0,000 a year in it's expense
account, without affecting efficiency
and service in any line. Mr.. Anderson's
statement was in the form of a per-
sonal letter addressed to Charles Fl.
Weller. member of the legislature from
Dawson county.
Mr.. Anderson made the claim, in his
last official report as state auditor, that
a better administration of the states
affairs n institutions would result in
an annual saving of Approximately
100000. The present legislative SEES
sion made a request for him to furnish
details in support of his claim and the
statement given out today is Mr.. An
derson's reply.
One of the most urgent arguments
made by Mr.. Anderson is for abolition
Of he various contingent funds, which
he characterizes as the very founda-
ton of ar indefensible spoils system. He
claims the contingent system is illegal
IN South Dakota and intimates that it
is sustained only by official pressure.
He cites the growth of contingent fund
expenditures in support OF his objec-
tions-from $4,000, in 1906, to $400, 900
in 1914.
Resented Supervision.
In detailing his personal t~ribulations
In the way Of holding up questionable
vouchers. Mr.. Anderson quotes the fol-
lowing extract from a letter which he
received from f.. B.. Gault, president Of
the state university:
I have been in public service long before
you We're vested with a little temporary
power, and a bill Of mine has never been
questioned before. You conduct your Of
fee in an arrogant, offcious and meddle-
some manner, and all of us understand
that it is utterly impossible to get fair
consideration Of any charge or expendi-
ture that you are not compelled to allow,
and that the only way that such business
can be transacted is by having a row
with the auditor. it seems an unwarrant-
ed assumption that you are the only hon
est man in South Dakota and all the rest
of US are grafters. I resubmit the vouch-
er n demand a JUST consideration of
the same upon it's merits and not in ac-
cordance with your peculiar notion.
f. b. Gault.
AS a matter of information" Mr..
Anderson adds, II will say that this
claim was never paid. Further, I have
stacks of similar letters that can be
produced if needed"
The important details in Mr.. Ander-
son outline for saving the state Of
South Dakota $4,000 a year are out
ined as follows:
All of the state nornals should be con
~soltdated at some central point, and under
one management, offering a material saw
ing IN operating cost in addition to pro-
Vldlng a better state normal school
One Board of Control.
Piace all Of the state Institutions. edu-
c%ational and elleemosynary, under a. sin
gle poaTa OF not more thar three mem
save thousands of dollars annually in sal
aries and expenses.
Exercise special caution against the Gre
ation OF new departments in state govern
HeHl ana promote consultations Wher-
ever feasible.
Creation of tax commission, which cost
state $4,000 IN two years, claimed as I'M
necessary; that regular state euualization
board, with additional powers. granted r.
tax commission. could nave performed ali
Of the services.
BY making sheriff of each county game
warden more efficient services could he
secured in enforcing game laws, at less
cost. New game warden law. In first wear
OF operation. cost the state s32,04. 3s. near
of the IL circuit judges. Under present
regulations no limit to amount depart
ment may spend in one year.
Grief for Auditor.
State auditor arouses hostility or Of
ncials In trying to make close check on
legality OF alleged official trips, for which
mileage claims are presented. Regular
ture.
Operating expenses of a state is not
shown by tax levy, but by warrants ts-
ing June 30. 1912. totalled s1,s75, 087. 81: for
year ending June 30, 1913, So. 1902. 240. 80: for
year ending June 80. 1914. s2,ao3. sis. 81. IN
less expenses age checked either levy rate