The Prescott daily news., 1915-07-14
STATES FINANCES OF GREATER MOMENT
 THAN POLITICS
No Denying Fact that States Finan- ces are in Bad Way-Spending More than IncOme-Other An nouncements Expected for Gov.
By Clio Harper.


 Inouncement for Governor is expected to be made by Senator J. Marion Flu trell, unless Gov. Hays breaks through his reserve and beats him to it. But he has been counted among the four teen Possibilities all along, so that his entry in the free-for- all would not occasion great surprise.
 Former Congressman c. c. Reid of Little Rock also admits that he has his ear to the ground, and that strang- CT things have happened than his de- ciding to get into the race for gover- nor.
 A. J. Walls, U. s. Marshal and Chairman Of the State Committee. whose stock was quoted high a few weeks ago, is not saying anything these days. He appears likewise to be playing a waiting game, which seems to be the fashion in politics and diplomacy these days. None of the others has decided to take the fatal leap into the malestorm yet for awhile. It is always easier to get in than it is to get out.
 In the meantime, Messrs Hodges. Taylor, Brou2h, and McRae, the avow- ed candidates. are being heard at county fairs, picnics and rallies, school exercises and other occasions, where they can reach the ear of the People. Gov. Hays, whose ability as an orator are well known, is also in great de- mand, although to even his most inti- mate friends he has not intimated what his intntions are. However, it is generally believed that he will be in the race for another term.
 Some interest is being aroused over the Attorney generalship. Judge Moose will not likely be a candidate for another term, although the third term habit is becoming prevalent since Jeff Davis set the pace. Mike Hud~ dleston, of Paragould, who, years ago, was a clerk lN the U. s. Land Office here and then became State Senator, Prosecuting Attorney, etc, is an a. vowed candidate. But if his law part ner, Senator Futrell, should decide to get into the race for Governor. Mir. Huddleston will probably withdraw. Senator Elmer Lundy also has his eye on the legal portfolio, and during the past week was in conference with a number of his political advisers.
 Political conferences are a popular diversion in the capital now, and many potential career is boosted or blockaded behind closed doors in Lit tie Rock hotels or offices.
 But, really there are some things of greater moment to the people of Arkansas than a discussion of long distance politics. For instance, there is the states finances.
 There is no denying the fact that it is in bad way. And it is due to just one thmg: The state, like too many individuals, is spending more than it's income. That Is too elemen- tai to require a shrewd fnancier to see it, but no one has come forward yet with a remedy Several remedies were suggested in the last legislature but they were rejected. The gover- nor's veto of $63G,000 in appropria- tions helped some, but he has restored by proclamation something less than $100,000, and should Commissioner Page succeed in his suit in Supreme Court at the opening of the fall term, all of it would be restored.
 But that is incidental, the big ques- tion to be considered and solved is how to rest, re the state to cash basis and keep it so. Undoubtedly every candidate for governor will have his proc ram for the states finan cidal rehabilitation, and he next Leg islature, with the example of the last before it. will be wilfully negligent in it's duty to tl.e people who elect them.
 The high water mark of the states outstanding indebtedness few weeks ago was $815,00G. The sheriffs and collectors are settling now, and Sat urday night he balance against the state had been reduced to $6S1 ,232. It was estimated that if all settle ments were made this month, which will not be done, the balance would