The Van Buren press., 1873-12-09
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
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(C0ntinued from the lst page
rules as now-tO DO referred back to tho
House in which the measure or measures
originated, and if passed by two thirds
vote Of the two Houses, to become law
without the approval of tha President.
| would add to thisa provision that there
should be no legislation by Congress
during the last twenty'feur hours of its
sitting. except upon vetoes, in order to
give the Executive an opportunity to ex.
anime and approve or dsappro,e under
standinSly.
Second, to provide BY amendment that
when an extra session of Congress is con
vened by Executive proclamation, leSis
latlon during the continuance of such sx.
ira session shall be confined to such sub
jeets as tho Executive may bring before
1t from time to time, in writing The ad
vaitages to be gained by these two
amendments is obvious. One session in
each year is provided for by the consti-
tuition in which there are no restrictions
as to the subjsets of legislation by Con
gress If 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 amendments would
protect the public against the many
abuses and waste of public monies which
creep into appropriation bills and other
important measures passing during the
expiring hours Of congress to which 9TH
erwse due consideration cannot be given.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
The receipts of the government from
all sources, for the last fiscal year, were
1888, 73S, 204, and expenditures on all &C
counts 1920, $40, 245, thus showing an ex
cess of receipts over expenditures Of
S43 49,. $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
economy on the part Of Congress in max,
ing appropriations, and the same econo-
my in administration. revenues will not
fall short Of Meeting the annual expenses,
including the interest on the public debt.
ECONOMICAL SUGGESTIONS.
! commend to Congress such economy
and Poiat out two sources where it seems
to me it might commence, to wit: In the
appropriations forpublic buildings in the
many cities where work has net been
commenced; in the appropriations for
river and harbor improvements in those
localities where the improvements are of
little benefit to general commerce and
fortiGcstiens, There is still more fruit
ful source of expenditure which | will
point out later in this message, refer
to the easy method Of manufacturing
claims for losses incurred in the late re.
bclion / would not be understood as
opposing the erection Of good, substan-
tial and even ornamental buildings by the
government wherever such buildings are
needed In fact approve Of the gov
ernment owning its own buildings in all
sections Of the country, and hope the
day is not far distant when it will not on
ly possess them, but vii! cree! IN the cap
itai suitable residences for all persons
who now receiye Dmmutation for quar-
tcrs or rent at government expense. and
for the cabinet. Tnus setting an exam
pie to the States which may induce them
to erect buildings for their Senators.
But | would have this work conducted at
times when the revenues Of the country
would abundantly justify it