Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1902 — An Economical Government. [ARTICLE]

An Economical Government.

Two or three points in the report of State Auditor Hart deserve special attention. One of these is that Indiana has a cheap but effective state government Under the direction of the auditor of state are two branches which In most states are operated as separate bureaus—insurance and banking. It is safe to say that with such auditors as Mr. Dally and Mr. Hart these two important interests could not have been more intelligently and effectively cared for. In no state has insurance, both in life and fire, been placed upon a sounder basis than it has in this state by the two auditors named. The same can be said of state banking, which how includes building and loan associations. This excellent service has been obtained at a cost not to exceed one-tenth of what separate insurance and banking bureaus would and do cost tn other states inhere the requirements upon such officials are not greater. It is well to dwell upon this fact, because in nearly every legislature movements are made to create an insurance department, with a superintendent at a salary of $3,500, a deputy at half that compensation, and three or four clerks and stenographers. Other states where there is no more business in connection with Insurance pay $25,000 annually to maintain an insurance bureau. The same to true of a railroad commission. It Is not needed since, so far as taxation to concerned, the tax commission can act When it comes to inspection no company will take the risk of defective bridges, while the coroner is the officer to hydra tgto the cameo of