The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1918-10-26
EDITORIAL PAGE OF

II ~ to the choice of the voters of New Mexico
l. in the coming election. has been based upon
what we have sought TO make q fair comparison Of
the individual merits of the respective candidates
upon their training, known ability, character; up
ON their power TO perform best service for the state
aud It's people. We are far more interested, and
we are convinced that the people are far more ia.
tcrc,tcd, in securing capable government and re
suits for our state than IN any merely partisan end.
The partisan appeal of the president at the lnited
States to the contrary. this critical time aud the
critical period Just ahead demand the services IN
public offices Ut the aDlcSl men this nation can
elect. without regard 10 their party alignment and
what is true of the nation D., true of this ,tatc.
pom this basis % merit aud ability to serve
this state. careful attention is directed to the candi-
dates for state auditor. Few people not ia init.
mate touch with state business appreciate the i'm
portaucc of the auditors office. Few understand
that the auditor is the responsible officer in all
public expenditures that without his warrant the
state treasurer has no power To- cXpend a dollar of
state funds; that he is ia effect a mere custodian
of public money. under AN adequate bond and that
the auditor is in fact the disbursing officer of m"
state and of all It's departments. including It's
schools and public Institutions.
In addition the state auditor now is charged
with appointment OF and responsibility Tor the
travelling auditor and his assistants. These latter
are the men who check the financial records OF the
counties who inspect and report upon the books
of county trcaSurcrS; who investigate and report
upon the expenditures of every state Office and
department and institution. Their ability and their
integrity are absolutely vital to good government
and to the safety and wise expenditure of the
money OF the taxpayers.
The state auditor, with these responsibilities
upon him, must. If he properly performs his duties,
be a man of sound Judgment and business training
lac must be q clear thinker, absolutely Just and
far aLd of AN uugucstIGuablc integrity, and he
must be beyond the reach Of political or partisan
Influence ct any kind for the men under him
nra .l.pf..I nth fl. urtItff,.v sc 4h, hob. unl
accounts Of both democrats aud republicans I'M
state and county offices; opening mp almost I'M
limited possibilities of danger TO the safety and
proper conduct of the public business should any
other than the highest business standard aud the
lu!tlesi personal integrity characterize the gutd-
ing hand II is a big and a most important state
office and should be- filled with greatest care.
Edward Sargent, the republican nominee. !, q
practical business man of a wide and varied OX
pcrieucc. Starting as 4 Stockgrowcr his business,
interests have become Widc and varied and have
extended 10 all part, of the state. He is one of
the heads OF the important Bond Sargent enter.
prisrS, having won his way there 10y hard work,
good business methods and personal integrity. Ia
the private offices OF the banks of New Mexico
Edw~rd Sargent : name stands for 100 percent in
tru,tworthne>s and sound business principles and
practice. HIS own large business interests require
'hc appointment of competent auditors. lie has
mad experience IN choosing men for this hight.
responsible form of business activity. lie has been
trained for the job of state auditor i'm a practical
school in which he has made good by every worthy
standard.
Marcos &. dc Baca. the democratic candidate
Tor state auditor, j. a professional politician. lie
lives az Br|rualIio, Sandoval county. lie is nearing
go years OF age and is said to have held various min.
cor political jobs during 80 or more of those years
His business training has been mcagcr and has been
acquired chiefly ~ the county offices he has held
m Sandoyal, and before that in the old political
rule days of lcrnalillo county. Locally il Is we'll
known that hr quit the republican party, by way
of the progressive route, two years ago, in order ia
win "a county fractional fight In Saudoyal county
lie won n. and no was nominated hy the democrat,
al Santa Fc. not with view IT his ability to run the
auditing department ot Tins state rs il should be
run but because h. was hoped that his SandpvaI
county political pull would deliver that county fol
the democratic state ticket.
The above is q plain unbiased statement Of III,
facts as regards the two candidates for state audit