The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-08-05
FACTS FOR TAXPAYERS.

a detailed statement has been
prepared and published of all the ap-
preparations made for the personal
benefit of the various Presidents for
the past twenty-five years. The
general recapitulation is as follows:
Annual average under T~aylor-Fmmore
Annual average under Pierce tDemocratl 1895
craft 1855
ANIMAL average under Lincoln (Republi-
Annual average first term Grant tRepubll-.
publicanj 119, 2s6
These figures disclose some re-
markable facts and contrasts. The
era of prodigality began with Grant
ism. Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, Buch-
anan, and Lincoln were content to
follow in the footsteps of their pre-
~decessors, to live simply, and to eff
feet no ostentation whatever. They
were all faithful to their duties, and
set an example of fidelity, exactness,
and honesty which was felt through
out the public service.
Mr.. Lincoln went through the war
and met all the extraordinary de-
mands of that time, without adding
to the expenses of the Executive of
flee. He permitted no false preten-
ses by which money might be taken
from the Treasury and diverted to
personal uses. He tolerated no
rings, and did not consort with plum
derers.
Under recent Presidents it was
the practice to appropriate $4,000
to refurnish the White House at q
change of administration. Often
the sum voted for this object was
not so large as that. When Grant
came in the Republicans voted $25,
900, and every year since then $40,
900 or $500 has been regularly in
serted in the bills. Those who are
familiar with the White House
know that this money has not been
expended for furniture.
Formerly there was no contin-
gent fund allowed the President.
But $3.50 was appropriated to Mr.
Buchanan, which was raised to ST.,
900 for Mr.. Lincoln, and $4,000 in
his last year. Grant has been given
$4,000, which is virtually SO much
money added to his double salary.
The cost of fuel for the White
House was of late years $1,000 per
annum. During the raj the appro-
priation was raised to $2,400, on &C
count of the augmented cost of coal
and wood. Now, when they have
fallen, $4,000 a year is the appropri-
alton for Grant.
South of the Presidents house, and
within the enclosure, is a small and
unsightly patch of ground, which is
covered with wild grass, and has re-
ceived little attention of any kind.
But Babcock gets $4,000 a year to
improve it, and knows where the
money goes.
The greenhouse is made to ans
wer for nearly $4,000 a year on the
books of the Treasury, but not one
tenth of it is applied to the purpose
intended by law.
These are only a few items in the
roll of perquisites which Grant n
joys, and which were heretofore
wholly unknown. The responsible
ty lies between Grant and Babcock
forapplication of this money, and
nothing but a stern inquiry by the
House Of Representatives behind the
vouchers will bring this scandal to
light. Tens of thousands have Ger
tainly been stolen, since there is
nothing to show for these large ap-
preparations, either in the furniture
at the White House, the improve
ments of the southern part of the
grounds, the contingent expenses or
the fuel consumed.
In addition to all the advantages,
the White House and grounds are
lighted at the public cost, and
Grants only actual outlay is for the
maintenance of the household and a
few economical estate dinners" in
the winter. No wonder he wants a
third term.