The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1940-02-28

, The governors speeches over the
radio and direct to audiences in the
state and to the state legislature,
claiming that the state general fund
was in the black for the first time
in the history of the state, had one
element that was essential - perfect
timing Had these speeches been
made one day earlier or one day later,
they might have been classed as de-
liberate falsehoods, but on the day
and hour when made, the records to
some degree substantiate the state
ments, if one doesn't take into account
the current transactions affecting the
fund.
During the SO months of 1887, 1888,
1889, the general fund was overdrawn,
except on the following dates: June
30, 1898; February %. 1899; June 30,
1899. How much this means actually
is indicated by the condition of the
general fund just 80 days after these
three dates. On June 30, 1888, when
the governor and the state accountant
went on the air" and told palpitat-
anced and the general fund in the
black, the records show a cash bal
ance in the general fund of Sill, $500.
One month later, on July 81, 1898 it
was back in the red 1898 ,01655, so
during that month, the cost of govern
ment had reached the figure of 1914
1854 for the month. On February 2S,
1889, while the legislature was in ses-
sion mote that the general fund
again was in the black with a bal
ance of $122;88760 and month later
on March 81, it was in the red again
to the tune of S150,566.49. On June
80, 1889, the general fund again
$10S,398.14. A MONTH LATER, JULY
81, 1T SHOWED AN OVERDRAFT
OF $473,626.55. THUS THE COST
OF ORDINARY GOVERNMENTAL
FUNCTIONS FOR THAT ONE
MONTH WAS $5S2,O24.69.
1t is interesting to note that the
general fund appears to have the hap
py faculty of showing a cash balance
at the most suspicious times; once
when the legislature was in session
and twice on the day when the states
fiscal year ended and a report was
nances. 1t certainly was most oblig
ing on the part of the fund, or could
it be the result of some deliberate
action
There are two particular things for
the people of the state to bear in
mind, if and when the governor or the
state accountant again releases prop
uganda about the economical admin
istration of the affairs of the state.
These are: There has been tremend-
GUS increase in revenue accruing to
the general fund from the growth of
the states liquor business, despite all
the possible and probable leaks indi-
Gated by the findings of the investiga-
ton of the traffic by the last legis-
lature. The other is that during the
present administration, despite ire
increased revenue to the
fund, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY
OVERDRAFT FOR THE 81 MONTHS
OF GOVERNOR AYERS OCCU-
OF THE GOVERNORS
CHAIR UP TO JANUARY 81, 1910,
HAS BEEN $515,063.S0.
The figures given here are from Of
fetal records supplied by the office
Of the state auditor. They cannot be
challenged by either the governor or
the state accountant. In later issues
of the Voice, an analysis of compare
tive revenue to the general fund dur
ing the present administration and
ones will be given. The
manner in which the funds of the state
are handled is very definitely of in
terest to all of the people of the state.
And the next time the governor goes
on the air or makes one of his self
laudatory speeches, remember the fig
ures in this story.