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Show THE "COUNTRY PRESS" IN ACTION. "The Utah Pre: association, whose n.cnibers are engaged in the business rf molding public opinion a3 well as reflecting i', are clearly expressing popular sentiment when they demand lerLslation which shall guarantee a closer check on public funds and shaL1 prescribe severer penalties for misappropriation misap-propriation of them. Small wonder, in view of recent sensational events, that the people of the state should be roused to a pitch of righteous indignation indig-nation over the inexcusable laxity in methods, gross dishonesty in officials and generally inadequate punishments The editors of the papers constituting the state press association merely make the popular anger articulate; and when they announce their intention inten-tion of using their columns in securing secur-ing the legislative changes requested, it is a dumb, stubborn and defiant set of lawmakers that will dare to deny their demand. "Nobody is big enough to be able to afford . to ignore what is called the 'country press,' though some 'smart' people are so ignorant as to try to treat it contemptuously. The country newspaper with the courage of its convictions and tho ability to give them utterance, wields a power that ia more often felt than seen. In a very definite sense it is the keeper of the conscience of its constituents. If it lives up to the enjoyment of its prerogatives it is the recognized champion of that which is wholesome and sound and beneficial; it is the outspoken and vigilant foe of stagnation stag-nation and evil. Many a rural community com-munity ' has been made widely and favorably known by the quality of its local newspaper. Many a leader of extended fame and high repute has graduated to his greater honors from the columns of the 'country press.' " The above editorial comment, taken tak-en from the Deseret News, is ceii;ain-ly ceii;ain-ly timely, and unquestionably will be! met with approval by all conservative taxpayers in Utah, especially as it pertains to the safeguarding of the monies expended by officials. Not until un-til some dishonesty conies out, as did that of a state deputy, who had in his power to care for the state funds, are the citizens aroused and reminded remind-ed of the fact that there are "some" who will always "fall" or else take advantage when trusted. Utah taxpayers tax-payers are entitled to know just exactly ex-actly where and what for, every cent of the state's money goes for. It is paid by the taxpayers for state purposes pur-poses and the official handling of this money, should give, in detail, just what the monies are spent for. On the face of the fact that Utah has it written in its laws that certain cer-tain reports must be published in full and especially does this apply to reports re-ports of school boards. Representative Representa-tive Burton of Nephi has already in--ifodnced a bill in the house of representatives, rep-resentatives, known as house bill No. 7, asking for the repeal of item 3, Seciton 4G14 of the laws of Utah, 1927. The law as it now appears on the statue, makes it mandatory to en- umerate school monies paid out, and to whom and for what paid. The pres-' end law, if carried out to the letter and school financial reports published publish-ed annurlly, would keep he tar payers pay-ers advised as to the disposition of . every cent. It's a right for the taxpayers' to ' know, and to repeal the present sta- j tue would be an injustice to the citi- j zens who would safeguard the state's : finances. In the face of the recent disclosures and prosecution of a state deputy, who embezzled more than $104,000, it: would seem to us that the august j body, sitting as lawmakers for the! commonwealth of Utah, would work to the end of affording every protec-; tion, give those who are paying the money a chance to know where and how it is spent, and thus play the : "open game." j |