, 1923-01-31
ThroHIing a Basic Industry.

mHE TRIBUN would be the last of all interests
L to urge expenditure upon the State of Wyom'
ing in present circumstance of depression or even
in the day of affluence for that matter. We are
of the school that believes that the peoples tax
money creates a sacred fund, that is to be expended
with Intelligent economy, good business sense and
Judgment, faithful accounting and strictly for the
The State of wyoming has a splendid exhibition
plant, in a magnificent location at Douglas, equip
ned for the showing and encoura cement of each
and particular tho activities to which our people
are devoted. The investment made from time to
time covering n number of years Is considerable.
The investment must be protected and the property
maintained.
whole people are interested and take part. The an
uual exhibitions are an index to our growth, pro
rress and development in the various lines OF en-
deavor. More particularly in the basic industries
of agriculture, 1.-Two stock, and manufacturing. The
things that are Wyoming should be encouraged by
wyoming. Those things from which we obtain our
daily bread and which we are constantly striving
to Improve in quality and quantity. An annual
comparison of results, a friendly rivalry in the
things we have accomplished In our yearly toll, are
altogether desirable as a means OF education IN
methods and experience. Such things are vital to
advancement
To the person Of breath and intelligence, no CUES
ton arises with reference to the proprlety. OF
proper financial support of the State Fair from
the funds of the people. The people desire 1t and
urge it. 1t is one of the broad benefits that &C
crue to them through taxpaYing. 1t is OF the high
est business importance to the state and they recog.
nize it as such.
wyoming cannot afford to recede from the pc.
sition she has won, by dint of hard and intel
Iigent work, with her State Fair. Those placed in
charge of our fiscal affairs must not assume to or
der the concerns of the people with high hand.
Established institutions, necessary to the people
must not be stinted through Ignorance or captious-
ness. They must be provided for properly and with
due regard to growth and expansion.
Agriculture, of all of our industries, must be
fostered. 1t must have every opportunity that
science and intelligence can bring to its develop.
ment. 1t must not be retarded for the lack of
funds as is now threatened by the trainers of the
state budget.
Governor Ross has an appropria'
ton of $4,000 for 1924 for agricultural extension
work, a reduction of $4,000 in the appropriation
of 1872. This is not economy or good business
Judgment, t. is suicide TO tho agricultural interests
of the state. This appropriation dealt only with
the state university activities and those of the
county agents. 1t should remain at the same figure.
The State Fair appropriation for 1917 was
$4,000, and $4,000 for improvements. This session
it is proposed by the governor that the appropria'
tion be cut in half and no additional whatever for
the necessary extensions. This is more false econ
omy. With a fair that has grown from $500 entries
to approximately 5000 entries in four years to cut
appropriations instead of increasing them Is short
sightedncss besides being actual foolishness.
The State Fair should have not a cent less than
an appropriation of $4,000 for 1921 together
with an additional appropriation for the specific
purpose of additional buildings and other neceS-
sary improvements. The State Fair is worth this
sum and more to the people of Wyoming.
Rather than a niggardly appropriation which
admits of getting nowhere in so worthy a purpose,
let us nail up the gates and turn the beautiful
grounds into q ram pasture.
If the state is to practice economy, and we all
desire it to do so, let us practice economy not
by squeezing the life blood out of the peoples an.
nual harvest festival, let us rather use judgment
their substance and give their state prominence in
worthwhile accomplishment.