The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1915-01-14
people, composed Of various factions

agreeing on the same subjects and en-
tirely at variance on others. It is
perfectly proper for all citizens to
bring their ideas into prominence be-
fore this high court, but they must
wait with patience for the opportunity
to have them considered in new laws
or in the repeal of old ones.
You have your right of legislation
in which it is not my intention to in
terfere; the duties devolving upon me
also may need no interference from
you; but, as far as is possible, it Is
at least hoped that we shall all work
tremendously for the common good.
Every individual member of the leg
islature will be judged by his fruits,
and those who intend to accomplish
the expense of others, are cautioned
that sometime their ambition may
lead them into broader fields of OPERA
lions and their preferment will be
based upon their records for broad
gagged consideration of all matters
coming before them on the principles
appertaining to the interests of ''hu-
man welfare
Financial Matters
Having examined somewhat into the
financial records of several of the
past administrations for purposes OF
comparison, it seems necessary to use
of ho lint II or
this no material benefit can accrue in
exhibiting them to notice.
The prospects of the future are
such as seem to warrant the belief
that they may be anticipated to such
an extent as to secure the substantial
improvements necessary to facilitate
the movement of our products, which
would be easily recOmpensed by
bringing us nearer the markets. Also,
any other improvements or facilities
and population should be carefully
considered.
In comparing the financial records,
especial note should be made of any
excess or decrease in appropriations
for one year and another. lnvestiga-
ton will ascertain whether an increase
or decrease is of an extraordinary ma
ture, as of specific emergency; other
wise, new appropriations for the vari-
Gus departments may inadvertently be
too small or excessive in total
The last state auditors report is
for the year 1913, and it is noticed
that many departments made ex-
peditures largely in excess of those
for the previous years of 1911 and
1912.
1t is for you to determine what
amounts will be necessary to be ap-
propriated for the years 1915 and
1916, and whether it will be necessary
to appropriate so large amounts in
some cases, or more in others.
If any of the extraordinary in
creases were made for the reason OF
more efficiency, you are to judge
whether the efficiency has been at
tanned, and. also, whether it is of
value to the taxpayers proportionate
to the increase, and, again, whether
We can consistently continue appro-
preparations of such proportions.
The Auditors Report
An attempt to analyze or compare
receipts and expenditures from the
different auditors reports will clearly
show the need of more detailed CLASH
tication. The state prints various re-
ports of the several departments.
some of which are of large proper
lions; but to my mind there is moth
ing more important than a compre-
and this report has been one of the
smallest.
1t is recommended that an act be
passed making it mandatory that the
auditor shall give a detailed report
each year, and that a plan or system
be provided whereby it shall be uni
form, having all receipts and ex-
penditures of all departments classi-
fed in detail and also alphabetically
arranged under the same correspond
ing items so that they can be easily
compared year by year and at a glance
it can be determined whether any de-
parmtent or any regular charges
thereof are being increased or not.
The question OF Legitimate ex-
penditures is not referred to, but,
even if it is, the people are en-
titled to know, when, and by whom
the expenditure is authorized. wheth
err it be right or wrong.
The amount of cash on hand Jan. l
has no especial significance, unless,
together with other quick assets. it
is in excess of the current liabilities
aside from the regular debt. There
appears to be confusion of ideas as
to money on hand and appropriations
unpaid for.
The whole principle of our financial
proposition is that we raise money
each year by taxes and income, and
we may appropriate an equal amount
and expend like amount, provid-
hg it is all collected, in which case
there would be nothing to start on the
next year except the money for the
bills which have not been paid.
When it happens that there is no
money left over in any year, by rea
son of all bills having been paid, or
by reason of slow collections, tenn
porary loan is made necessary; 9TH
erwise, there would be no money to
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