The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-09-26

With Kohler." What a fine war cry
for all candidates for state and county
offices. In this state too much en-
phasis Is placed upon political reprisal
and not enough upon constructive
discussion Of how North Dakota Is
going to work out her salvation under
the staggering load she carries.
who gets the job," is the slogan
most heard in some political circles.
That Is q minor matter compared
to the mess on our own doorstep. How
long North Dakota taxpayers will
stand to be deceived and bilked by
theory and sophistry remains to be
seen. This state has written off
losses on state-owned creameries,
home building ventures and other ac-
tivities no more connected with gov
ernmental obligations or functions
than green cheese is with the moon.
Money lost in them is so many hard
earned dollars, picked from the pock-
cts Of Woodworking, suffering people
Of this state.
X X X
There are other great losses still to
be written off. North Dakota is get
ting more into the red side of the
ledger every day. Losses on the mill,
losses in the two bureaus conducting
rural credits and excessive charges
foisted upon the taxpayer for running
a special depositary for public funds
which could be handled at a small
fraction of the present cost by the
state treasurer's office.
Here is challenge for MIR. DePuy
and Mr.. LANCER to offer constructive
plans to take a staggering load from
the backs Of the farmers of this state
who comprise IS per cent Of her peo-
pie and who pay lions share of the |
taxes.
Mr.. DePuy has been constructive in
most Of his utterances. LANCER has
promised he will strive to cut mil
lion from the states running expenses.
Both can 60 much farther and if |
courageous they will hit the stride of
a Kohler who proved daring knight
in the political arena. North Dakota
has been using weasel words too long
regarding the so-called state program.
A discredited state regime lately,
through the board of equalization and
after years of delay, compromise and
has made a levy to take
up some Of the loss reflected In the |
states balance sheet due to several |
and Improbable VEN
lures.
X X X
During the famous recall election,
this newspaper stated its position I'M
equivocably on the issue of state own
ership. 1t refused to support the re-
call of Frazier, Lemke and Hagen be-
cause the I. v. A. decided to COM
promise on the League program and
allow political exigencies to govern,
rather than principles.
The Tribune is of the same opinion
still, adamant against organized raids
upon the state treasury. A pay day
is as inevitable as night follows day.
When 1t comes, some of the glib dema-
gogues who prance about the state
promising the farmers pot of gold
at the end of the rainbow will have
to explain that 1t was not gold after
all, just terrific boost in taxes, Just
another mortgage on all property; for
the power to tax is also the power to
destroy. Until the laws Of the state
are drastically changed the politicians
will have the right to slap a mortgage
on every home and every farm in
North Dakota.
1t is high time to be honest with
the voters. The tax collector is pre-
senting heavy bill. Heavier ones
are sure to follow. and when they
come some politicians still painting
the lily will be looking for the tall
timbers.
North Dakota has a racket as men,
acing as WiSconSin'S.