Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-08-31

OF the people of Vermont. now that the
project has been undertaken.
The Legislature about to go out Of ex-
istence has Just voted $4,000 for the
purpose Of helping the federal admins
tration carry out n patchwork scheme
Of national defense to tide over tho ma
tional election. II the state ever gets
back any OF the money thus paid out
precedent indicates that It will be some
time In coming generation, and not in
time to help out the present situation
to any extent
Under the circumstances, II Is safe
to say the Legislature which meets next
January will thus have as an inheritance
from the present administration an OBJ
legation of 100000 or so, in addition to
the increasing cost of the maintenance
of all State institutions Prices of food
and other necessaries are advancing and
increased appropriations will be neces-
sary for practically all departments the
coming year.
This is especially true in view Of the
fact that roads are giving out under
the wear of heavy auto trucks, with more
money an absolute necessity to say
nothing OF the increasing demands for
improved school facilities.
Under these circumstances it will be
absolutely necessary for the people Of
Vermont to send to the Legislature,
both the Senate and House, men who can
figure well for the state, as Indicated
by their ability to figure for themselves,
State Auditor Graham has demonstrated
his ability TO cut down expenses and ne
proposes, II elected governor. as he will
be without question, to economize for the
State by consolidating some of the COM
missions. AZ we'll as carefully watching
appropriations.
But no governor alone can ensure an eco
nomical two years of state government
He must have the cooperation Of good
! accountant and figurer in the office of
State auditor. as we'll as cooperation all
along the line. We have looked over the
field carefully with reference to the
situation which will confront the peo-
pie of Vermont with the beginning of
tho next session of the Legislature and
we are satisfied that instead of having
in leading positions men who are eener-
GUS in their habits of dealing with State
funds We should have men who have
shown in the past an inclination to deal
with the money of the taxpayers ot the
state as carefully as they would husband
| their own funds
We have become satisfied that Mr..
| Thomas II. Cave, who has been assist
ant State treasurer for four years, hav-
| ing serted with both State Treas urer
| Deavitt and State Treasurer Scott. has
the experience as we'll as the tendencies
and affiliations that will make him a
more economical state auditor than gem
ial Ben Gates secretary to Governor
| latter a personal favor.
In like manner it seems to us judging
| from the training and tendencies aud
| previous service of ex-senator Roger W
| Hulburd. that his influence as lieutenant
| governor would be more in the direction
| of wise economy than that of Speaker
Weeks, much as all of us esteem Judge
| Weeks.
| Special contingencies demand special
service of special men, Vermont has
| been brought to such a period. As be
| tween men otherwise deserving we
| should choose at this time the mon for
public office we feel will best NEE. the
| requirements OF the situation.