The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-05-14
(Official City, State and County
Newspaper
Foreign Representatives
SMALL. SPENCER, BREWER
(Incorporated)
CHICAGO NEW YORK BOSTON
In All Fairness

TneSe are trying LlmeS LOT pubic
officials. Naturally people bur-
dened with high taxes turn to them
for relief. In the process these Off
Gals are often blamed for condition
brought about by the people them
selves. 1t is not the intent Of this
editorial to relieve any public official
of the pressing obligation placed upon
his shoulders now of easing tax bur-
dens where possible, but rather to
point out that the present situation
is in part due to demands Of the pub
lie for governmental services beyond
the taxpayers ability to pay.
In the past bond issues have been
endorsed at elections with resound-
ing majorities. Service clubs, in white
heat of enthusiasm, have endorsed
this or that public project and de-
manded that county. school and city
boards whip into line and make the
levy.
Now that pay day has arrived not
all the blame can be shifted to public
officials. To do so is unfair. Citi-
zens generally, If they will study the
tax situation in all its phases. will be
slow to denounce public officials or
to make them the goats Of the pre-
dicaments all governments now find
they are in because people cannot
meet the taxes which their past fol-
lies have imposed.
It is better tactics to cooperate with
public officials in facing squarely the
situation. Ranting against them or
seeking to dig political graves strictly
on the issue of tax reduction is not
playing the game exactly according
to fair rules.
True, officials have been too plant
In the face Of public demands for in
creased governmental services and our
legislatures have been devoted to Gre
ating pork barrel concessions to build
up political machines. Times now call
for constructive action, not destructive
criticism. No good end is served by
carping, Censorious statements Of what
everyone knows to be the bitter truth.
The candidate with specific and
definite program to correct the situa-
ton is worthy Of a hearing. Going
into rouldy political graveyards and
paving over dead issues is 50 much
lost motion. Let the dead past bury
its dead. There is no way out Of the
present situation but to face it in a
spirit of fair play and correct the ills
If possible which have placed upon
the shoulders Of taxpayers and OF
everyone in fact, stupendous burdens.
Cost Of state, county and city gov
eminent can almost be halved with
out reducing necessary operations to
maintain the peace, health and safety
OF North Dakota. Politicians know
that this can be done, but they won't
face the music, for it means cutting
from the payrolls members of great
and efficient machine who perform
no service except to political bosses.
The present state administration is an
arch offender in this respect, as every
one knows.
Candidates who will go on the hust-
ings and pledge reduction of govern
mental costs, regardless Of political
machinery. will get an audience and
support ut the polls this year. Those
candidates, however, who justify pres
ent expenditures because Of precedent
and political necessity are due for a
rude awakening.