The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-03

OF the United States, and also from the
necessity for such an amendment. that
there will be submitted to the State Lepis-
latures for ratification such Improvement
in our Constitution, suggest two Others
for your consideration: First--To author
ne the Executive to approve of so much
OF any measure passing the two Houses OF
Congress as his Judgment NAV dictate
without approving the whole, the disap.
proved portion or portions to be subjected
to the same rules as now-to wit. to be
referred back to the House in which the
measure or measures originated, and if
| passed by two-lhirds vote of the two
| Houses, then become law without the
| approval of the President. Iwould add TO
this provision that there should be no
legislation by Congress during the last
twenty-four hours Of its sitting except
upon vetoes, in order to give the Execu-
1--WE an opportunity to examine and
approve or disapprove bills understand
ingly. r. esEl5 .ss see rsT.rT 80
.Second-To provide by amendment that
when an extra session of Congress is con-
vened by Executive proclamation, legisla-
ton during the continuance of such extra
session shall be confined to such subjects
as the Executive may bring before it from
time to time in writing. 45 q =. ~ !,
Inc advantages to be gained by these
two amendments are obvious. One ses-
SION IN each year is provided for by the
Constitution, in which there are no re-
strictlons as to the subjects of legislation by
congress IT more are required, it is
always IN the power of Congress during
their term OF Office to provide for sessions
at any time. The first of these amend
ments would protect the public against the
many abuses and waste Of public moneys
which creep into appropriation bills and
o.her important measures passing during
the expiring hours of Congress, to which
otnerwlse due consideration cannot be
given.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
The receipts of the Government from
all sources for the last fiscal year were
1888, 1913 ,2O4, and expenditures on all ac-
counts $3.50, 345, PAS thus showing an
excess OF receipts over expenditures of
s43, 492, $50. But it is not probable that
this favorable exhibit will be shown for the
present fiscal year. Indeed, it is very
doubtful whether, except with great econ
omy on the part of Congress in making ap-
preparations, and the same economy in ad-
mlnlsterlng the various departments of |
Government, the revenues will not fall |
short OF meeting actual expenses, including
interest on the public debt. I commend |
to Congress such economy, and point out |
two sources where it seems to me it might |
commence-to wit, in the appropriations
for public buildings in the many cities
where work has not yet been commenced
in the appropriations for river and har-
Dor improvements in those localities
where the improvements are of but little
benefit to general commerce., and for forth
ficatlons. There is still more fruitful
source OF expenditure, which will point
out later III this message. refer to the
easy method of manufacturing claims for
losses incurred in suppressing the late re-
bellion. | would not be understood here
as opposing the erection of good, substan-
tai, and even ornamental buildings by the
Government whenever such buildings are
needed. In TACT, l approve of the Govern
ment owning its own buildings in all sec
tons OF the country, and hope the day is
not far distant when it will not only possess
them, but will erect in the Capital suitable
residences for all persons who now receive
for quarters, or rent at Gov
eminent expense, and for the Cabinet. {
nus setting an example to the States which I
nay induce them TO erect buildings for !
heir senator's. But would have this
york conducted at time when the reye- !
Ies OF the country would abundantly jus.
ify it. IL -, 49,, - 80 = X