The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-02-22
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.
EDITORIAL OPINIONS OF TsB LEADING JOURNALS
UPON CURRENT ToP1cs-cOMP1LED BvKRY
DAY FOB TBR KyREISG VELEsRApH
Danger Of Unwise Retrcncllment.


From TIE ~ J. Times
: 1t seems upgracious TO criticize in auy but
an approving spirit the Jealous forts OF the
House in the direction of retrenchment and
economy. Extravaganza has so long prevailed
IN every department of the Government that
the present disposition to cut down expenses
OF all kinds seems to merit cordial praise. The
desire to save contrasts so strikingly with the
reckless inclination to spend, that few are dis
posed to be censorous as to the manner in
which the saving is effected. If only expen-
ditures are largely reduced, we should be
satisfied.
And yet even In good works Judgment is
necessary. The best of deeds may be marred
by little indiscreton. Economy, to be real,
must be lasting; it must be reality, not a
Sgn confined to the appropriation bills, signi
Tying nothing. For the purpose ofmomentary
effect, deduction of thirty or fifty per cent.
from the estimates furnished by the depart
ments may be well enough; but as measure
of retrenchment it becomes farce if, at the
end of the year, the difference reappear in
the form of deficiency bill. Cutting down
estimates amounts to nothing unless the sums
voted be sufficient for the service they are
intended to cover. The manner in which
these things are done constitutes the differ
ence between wise and unwise retrenchment.
The danger now to be apprehended is that
OF unwise work. In the hurry to make a
good appearance, estimates are cut down
summarily, without reference to probable re-
quirements as estimated by the heads of de-
psrtments. So many millions are asked for
thirty or hity per cent less is appropriated
and the difference is claimed as money saved
Butt the wants of the department be not
diminished in the same proportion, there will
be no real saving; simply embarrassment of
The Executive and an exemplifcation of folly,
next year, when deficiency bill comes before
Congress.
The proper method to be pursued is mani
fest. 1t is the duty of the Appropriation
Committee to confer with the departmental
heads, with the view of reducing the estimates
as much as possible. Any economy thus
effected is genuine economy; the amount of
the reduction is an amount gained. But this
is not the course at present followed. Esti-
mates are discarded; the departmental idea OF
what is wanted is repudiated; and Jealous
members, in the name of economy, urge
appropriation bills which in many items are
inadequate to the efficient performance of the
duties required. The credit thus won will not
stand; it will be followed, in due time, by dis
appointment and disgust.
The system is rendered more Objectionable
by its effect upon the operations and repute
of the incoming administration. General
Grant enters office voluntarily pledged to
policy of retrenchment and economy. No
body doubts his determination to keep his
promise. But even General Grant cannot per-
form impossibilities; he cannot make ten mil
lions fill the place Of fifteen. Vigorous
honesty will accomplish much, no doubt, and
on this quality the country relies. But the
Government must be carried on-its essential
wants must be satisfied; and if the moneys
voted by Congress be insufficient for the pur-
pose, deficiencies will inevitably occur, which
must next year be made good.
We are not suggesting any unusual latl-
tude in expenditures for the new administra-
ton. But it is entitled to demand fair play.
And the measure Of fair play, so far as pay
ments go, is an intelligent estimate of what
the public service needs, not the arbitrary
decree of members intent upon earning
popularity by pretense of retrenchment'