Casper Daily Tribune Newspaper, May 24, 1925, Page 8

PAGE EIGHT The Casper Daily Tribune HANWAY ond class matter, Prudden. & FE 0, M1, 286 -IPitth Ave., Ne City e 404 Sharon Bidg.: 55 New mery ally Tribune are on “GAST THE MONEY-CHANGERS YOU DON'T GET YOUR TRIBUNE OUT OF THE TEMPLE Of all the forms of unfaithfulness there is none that leaves a deeper wound than treachery to the peo- ple. Wrong, unconsciously committed, may be con- doned; but wrong, knowingly and purposely perpe- trated for personal gain, against those whothave given their trust calls for swift vengeance and the most drastic punishment the law authorizes. There can be no more contemptible and unworthy object than he who has deliberately deceived and destroyed the confi- dence reposed in him, attempting by sheer bravado to continue his nefarious practices in the face of those he has injured and who are fully aware of his depravity. The world loves an honest’man, even though he makes errors; but it has no patience with a thief, a scoundrel or a blackguard. And any person who is guilty of taking advantage of any public capacity in which he may be placed and any command he may exercise over the people’s treasure, to wrongfully se- cure for his own use and benefit any part of that treasure, be it one dollar or one penny, comes within the category of thief, scoundrel or blackguard. And any person who conspires with any other person, who holds any position of trust for the people, to obtain gain for himself by dishonest and iniquitous transactions, comes within the same identical category, and he is fit only to be ostracized by all honest and law-respect- ing citizens. Centuries ago a law-giver formulated ten brief stat- utes, embodying all that was essential for the guid- ance of humanity in that distant day; and these same statutes, strictly observed, are all that has been requisite in all the intervening years, and all that is demanded in this day of advancement for the moral government of men. One of the briefest of those statutes reads, “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”’ It isa command. Failure in its ob- servance has strewn the shores of time with countless wrecks, brought endless misery to innocent victims; filled jails and prison places with dishonored human- ity. It is one of the most repulsive crimes in the calen- dar. The one honest folk abhor. The one the perpe- trator cannot explain away, excuse nor justify. He has taken that to which he has neither right nor title. There is a story in this connection, brought home to the people of Natrona county as early as last Janu- * ary or possibly before, by the refusal of Casper banks a to longer honor county warrants drawn against public funds, for the reason there were no public funds. Then came the revelation that an overdraft of ex- ceeding $142,000 existed in the general revenue fund. This in the face of an assessable tax roll of $96,000,- 000 aroused the people tc inquiry and suspicion. Satisfactory explanations could not be made. A state examiner arrived upon the scene and forbid the fur- ther issuance of county warrants, and proceeded to examine into the transactions of the county commis- sioners. The report made by the examiner to the gov- ernor cast grave reflections upon the county board and the method of transacting county business generally. Then arose among the people a demand for a thorough audit and analysis of county affairs by an auditor. A Taxpayers’ Association was formed in which the principal taxpayers and property owners joined, a competent certified accounting agency em- ployed and an auditor placed in charge. The results of the auditors’ work is placed before the people in another column of this impression. The things disclosed in this investigation are brazen and shameless, and show’ nothing less than a Roman holiday of graft and wrongful application of the peo- ples’ tax money. Value received for expenditures made did not net the county more than 40 cents on the dollar, in many cases 500 per cent was realized by those who furnished supplies, goods and materials. A hossfital addition cost five times the original contract price. And on and on throughout almost every trans- action is there smell of graft. Salary and fee pay- ments wholly unauthorized by law, to commissioners and officials running into the thousands are shown by * the audit, public business was trafficked to the benefit of persons, and commissions exacted for the be- stowal of orders, These and countless other like in- stances are laid at the door of Natrona county public servants This is not th nplete story of wronged taxpay- ers. It is but fugitive f nee toit. The truth and the fact in it ti ould bring shame to every honest man and t ayer who might hear it. After the disclosures made in the taxpayers’ audit Commissioners Scott and Morgan are no longer desired public serv in cha of the peoples’ business. The taxpay Id rise and demand that they relin- quish their offices | the evidence that is laid before the people. Their failure to comply is the signal for attion by the county legal department in criminal suits against these two con sioners and all other persons who have contributed in any degree or in any manner, whatever, to the rape upon the public treas- ury. Every other official, employe, former official or for- mer employe, contractor or whatnot who has obtained money or other valuable consideration through chi- canery, fraud or! other i! | or wrongful manner must be included-in actions br t by the county at torney There should at once be secured to aid the y Morning : Tribune sco offices y {t call 15 or 16 ter complaints legal department such competent help as ha desires and every dollar taken illegally from the taxpayers of this county. recovered and restored to the treasury. It matters not who the person, nor what his position or standing, a crisis exists, and the honor and good name of the county have been dragged in the mire. The moral reputation of the county and its people are inthe balance. The guilty will resort to every conceiv- « able means to save themselves by attempting to throw dust in the public eye. Whatever pretense may be presented, the damning record of commissioners’ acts and the proof is in the hands of the taxpayers. If the betrayal of the pewple is to be avenged and the moral atmosphere cleared it must be done now with firmness and without fear; for no self-respecting person will care to live long in Casper without public wrongdoers are brought to the bar of justice to an- swer for their shortcomings and a complete regenera- tion is established among public servants, SCOTT AND MORGAN ' SEEK COVER The best evidence that Scott and Morgan are suf- fering from cold feet and growing desperate i. by the resolution spread upon the commis record yesterday, in which leading citizens and tax- payers, who are favoring a clean and honest conduct of the public business, which same sort of government is foreign to the gentlemen named, were misrepre- sented and held up to scorn. They may set up a smoke screen behind which they may hope to hide, by referring to honest citizens. seeking to remove rogues from office, as being it league to help corporations and others to evade taxes, but the list of names in this column will giye the lie to any such lame and foolish attempt to cover their own guilt of wrong-doing and divert the public mind there- from. Not only the Taxpayers’ Association but all good citizens have joined to purify public office in Natrona county, and Scott and Morgan may howl all they please. They have been shown by their own records by competent auditors to have wronged the taxpayers out of public money in a hundred different ways, some of which money adhered to their own dirty hands. They have their nerve to stand up and pass resolutions concerning anybody or anything. By way of introducing the men and firms traduced by persons like Scott and Morgan, as “tools” of corpo- rations we give the list of officers and members of the Natrona County Taxpayers’ Association, the men who have undertaken in the -name of decency and honesty to clean up public corruption’ and make ex: amples of such persons as Scott and Morgan and put an end to their riot in wasting public money. Here is the taxpayers’ organization: > Executive Committee—P. J. O’Connor, president; C. A. Cullen, vice-president; M. O. Danford, secretary- treasurer; P. C. Nicolaysen, T, C. Tonkin, Earl C. Boyle, E. P. Bacon. Legal Committee—J. P. Kem, W. O. Wilson, R. R. Rose, H. B. Durham. Advisory Board—R. M. Andrus, Thomas Cooper, W. H. Crawford, John Daly, Q. K. Deaver, H. B. Dur- ham, R. S. Ellison, M. J. Foley, L. M. Gay, Robert Grieve, J. C. Grisinger, G. R. Hagens, A. J. Hazlett, Earle D. Holmes, C. H. Horstman, J. W. Johnson, J. P. Kem, J. E. Keith, C. A. Knight, Julian Lever, H. D. McCormack, Chas. Neithammer, G. B. Nelson,.W. L. Ronaldson, R. R. Rose, B. L. Scherck, Walter Schultz, J. T. Scott, Carl F. Shumaker, Otis Thompson, Leigh Townsend, O. L. Walker, W. F. Wilkerson, W. O. Wil- son and Minal E. Young. Membership Roll—Shaffer-Gay Co., Earl C. Boyle, Sadie Gallimore, Carson & Schulze, R. R. Rose, P. C. Nicolaysen, M. O. Danford, Hoffhine Printing and Stationery Co., Casper Supply Co., Baker-Grude Co., B. B. Brooks Co., Richards & Cunningham Co., Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Barnes, Cheyenne Fruit Co., C. B. Staf- ford, A. C. Riker, Florence E. Bragg, Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Brocks, C. B. Richardson, Consolidated Royalty Oil Co., Inland Oil Index, Wyoming Grocery Co., Robt, E. Crichton, John Kiel, Nicolaysen Lumber Co., W. T. Evans, J. Donohue P. & H. Co., John Tripeny Co., G. K. Osterwald, B. M. Pappas, General Supply Co., Meyer Hotel, W. J. Campbell, F. I. Learner, C. J. Cacharelis, Paxton & Gallagher, Harry N. Free & Co., Aero Oil Products Co., Midwest Commissary Co., Marine Oil Co., Western Pipeline Co., Carter Oil Co., E. G. Erickson, George B. Nelson, G. W. Ferguson,, H. B. Durham, The Blackmore Co., C. M. Coltrane, C. W. Tobin, A. A. Slade, Harold E. Williams, G. B. Stebbins, The Norris Co., Alex Marshall, Poling Bros., Wilbur Foshay, Holmes Hardware Co., Thos. Cooper, Cottman Co., Casper Tribune, Casper Herald, Webb & Griffith, Commercial Printing Co., Coliseum Motor Co., Burigalow Grocery Co., Hagens & Murane Co., M. C. Price, Nichols & Stirrett, Cobb & Cobb, I. N. Clay, Otis L. Thompson, Finance Corporation of Wyoming, Industrial Finance Corporation, Zenith In- vestment Co., §. K Gibson, John W. Whelan, W. D. Weathers, White, Campbell Hardware Co., Casper Stationery Co., Taylor S. & B. Works, J. T. Scott, Chas Anda, Schank P. & H. Co., Campbell-Johnson Co., John R. Healy, Natrona Meat Market, Larsen & Jorgensen, Parker Bros. Cigar and Tobacco Co., P. J. Lee, G. W. Brion, E. R. Ayres, J. A. Likely, H. P. Bubb, Hotel Townsend, Casper Wholesale Paper Co., Indian Ice and Cold Storage Co., Pat Royce, McCord-Brady Co., S. K. Loy, John A. Murray, W. R. Finney, E. P. Bacon, James B. Grieve, Geo. T. Specht, C. & N. W. Ry. Co., S. F. Pelton, L. L. Gantz, W. O. Wilson, The Ohio Oil Co., C. W. Andrew, A. Baker, Roy C. Smith R. E. Wood, John M. Whisenhunt Co,, Jas. Robertson, Dr. Francis Hoff, H. C. Chappell, R. A. Bragg, P. H. Carr, W. B. Barnard, W. E. Hazard, J. C. Austin, H. R. Lathrop, Twenty-One Sheep Co., Rasmus Lee, Dry Creel: Sheep Co., Amelia Hammer, Mrs..W. B. Mc- Adams, Emil Hirschfield, Jack Corbridge, Casper Mo- tor Bus Line, John Jourgensen, Casper Packing Co., Chamberlin Furniture Co., M. J. Gothberg, W. V. Johnson, Oddmund Josendal, John Bryne, Sharrack & Pursel, Troy Laundry, Oi! Well Supply Co., John Bouzis, Guarantee Registry Co., Natrona Lumber Co., P. S. Vannatta, A. E. Chandler, Casper Pharmacy, L. A. Reed, Lee Doud Motor Co., See Ben Transfer Co., Casper Steam Bakery, Callaway’s Furniture Co., W. G. Perkins & Co., Frank Julian, C. E. Fisher, C. E. Swisher, John Grieve, Alfred Brile, Cole Creek Sheep Co., Frick-Reid Supply Co., Mountain States Tel. & Tel. Co., J, F. Cowan, S. H. Diggs, J. L. Dessert, Keith Lumber Co., Western Lumber Co., S. G. Jacobs, Morris Bliewas, Wyoming Automotive Co., Frank A. Probst, Casper Clearing House Association, Henry Boyer, Dia- Mond Ring, W. L. Talbert, O. L. Walker Lumber Co. And here is the Scott and organ resolution placed upon the county records. The lamest alibi their attorney could conceive, for every line and para- graph will rise up later to damn them for their incom- { | | "NATRONA OAIRYMEN T0 petency, their neglect of duty, their failure to observe the law and their deliberate violations of law. We give it'for what it is worth: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, There has been and is being organ- ized in the State of Wyoming, especially in Natrona county, what is known as a taxpayers’ association, a majority of whose officers are attorneys, agents and employees of the large corporations conducting and carrying on busines in this state, and of politicians and influential men in high official positions in both of the leading political parties; and, > WHEREAS, The object and purpose of said organ- ization is to spread propaganda through its members and by their subsidized newspapers among citizens, taxpayers, voters, officers and legislators in order to bring ‘about favorable legislation, or to evade some of the laws pertaining to taxation now on the statute books- and, : WHEREAS, Said organization is also organized for the purpose of subsidizing or intimidating officers by threats of prosecution for minor irregularities on account of inadequate laws, and to prevent the offi- cers of this state from enforcing laws now on the stat- ute books; and, . WHEREAS, It has come to the knowledge of this Board of County Commissioners that there has been fraudulent tax returns made by these large corpora- tions,|and that a great deal of their property has been entirely omitted from the tax lists, and that only a very*small portion of their property has been re- turned upon which taxes have been paid; and, WHEREAS, this Board has seen fit to attempt to compel these corporations to carry their just burden of the government in this state, and on account of this Board’s conduct in compelling these large corpora- tions to obey the laws as any other citizen, these great croporations have looked upon this Board’s official acts and conduct with a great deal of disfavor. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by this Board of County Commissioners that the facts as above set forth be brought to the attention of each and every one of the Boards of County Commissioners in the State of Wyoming before they meet as Board of Equalization the first week in June, in order that all of the Boards of County Commissioners of this state, when they meet as a Board of Equalization, will be familiar with the facts and conditions and will not be influenced or prejudiced by this widespread and organized propa- anda. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk of Natrona County be instructed to mail a certi- fied copy of this resolution by registered mail imme- diately to the chairman of the Board of, County Com- missioners of each and every’ county in this state, and also mail a certified copy to the chairman of the State Board of Equalization,and the Governor of the State of Wyoming, in order that all of the Boards of Equali- zation of the state, including the State Board and the Executive Department, be familiar with the facts. The above and foregoing resolutions were duly and regularly passed at a special mecting duly and regu- larly called by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Natrona County, Wyoming, held in the Commissioners Room at the Court House on the 22nd day of May, A. D. 1925. ; These resolutions are signed by J. E. Scott as chair- man of the Board of County Commissioners, and copies have been sent to the county boards throughout the state. ing. Allowing Boy looked for in cattle judging. After the demonstration, a contest in judg- ing will be held by thp dairymen, it is anounced by G, M. -Penley, county agent, SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1925 Robertson on the proper , feeding and housing of cows and calves. Ths meeting is being held at tha\Lathrop farm because of the favorable fa. cllities there for the demonstration, An address will also be given by | it Is stuted. For A SPRING SONG GOOD-BYE TO WASHDAY BLUES tiful spring songs, but they never meant them to be played on.a wash tub, a wringer washday that makes you feel like spring— or like singing, either. And it’s such a use- less bother, too—with our Rough Dry, Dry Wash or Wet Wash . demonstration in*dairy cattle Iudg- Robertson will point out the vart- ous good qualities and faults to be To Drive Car Leads To Jail ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. 23.—A. E, Guthrie, arrat justice court here on a cha’ $1.00 Cleaning and Pressing Suits Overcoats - Dresses ~.-..------ $1. Phone 802 “es || $1.00 permitting a 18-year-old b drive his car, was sentenced to ‘ five days in jall. An additional Jail Jake, The Nifty sentence of 30 days suspended . In consideration 0: lingness Tailor to pay about $500 damages to « car Basement Wyatt Hotei which had been crowded Into the ditch by. Guthrie's auto while the $1.00 --$1.00 $1.00 $1.00 Services ready to do the hard work so well and so economically. Everything is washed well and clean. Everything in our rough dry and dry wash services is dried and flat work is ironed. Wet wash returned damp. Just call us and you'll sing a little spring song all your own. Phones 1672W and 255W latter was being driver By the boy in violation of tht state law 8 About720. motorists were haled’ | {nto court today by William Ir ing, state, motor vehicle Insp for driving cars with obscur cense plates. i OA MEET ON MONDAY AT THE LATHROP FARM, Th ‘ona Ce Dai c ’ will mee c farm, seven n wr Monday afte at 1 o'clock at which tir wi, KR eon, livestock rpeciali#( at the Uni versity of Wyomin 1 conduct a ROTHROCK’S Your Gift Counselors Henning Bldg. Phone 2526 eer Cabins We have a number of furnished cabins .for rent by the day, week, month or season inp a wonderful cool spot among the ie trees on Casper inountain, have anything from a house to four rooms and bath, completely moder: Prices from $7.00 per week and up. Telephone, ystore and beautiful view. We have a place that will please you. Reservations now being made for summer season, Call 10 Smith Build- i and make appointment to be taken out to see them. Phone 386 C. E. Littlefield, Owner tent ‘wenty. minutes drive on good * road from Casper. Screened In times of extra need—of orches, cool spring water piped tunity—that read in cabins. Keep cool and com- the tricks. fortable this summer. We ; And that’s fact—not talk. Get you dayein our Savings Department. — The Stockmens National Bank First Trust & Savings Bank Combined Capital and Surplus $ £. LIFE SAVER For the Salaried Man : . That’s just exactly what a well-kept Savings Account in this strong Bank often proves itself. ickness, debt, change of position, oppor- y cash in your Savings Account is the thing that turns 'f a finacial life preserver to- 7 5,000.00 APoor Orchestral Musicians have written some very beau- § and a clothes line. There’s nothing about § Troy Laundry ee