Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-07-11
KEEPISG GRANT.

Enormous Appropriations for His
Personal Beneft-COrruPtiOn I'm the
white House-Where BOes All the
Money Cos
In spite of all the exposures of ex-
travagant appropriations for the Presi-
dents personal benefit, after Congress
had doubled his pay, Republican lead
ers and Journals audaciOusIy assert that
there has been no increase in the emol-
uments. We have taken the pains,
therefore, to 60 over the supply bills
for t c last twenty. five years, and now
present an account Of the sums voted
for each President during that time.
This exhibit, besides showing the
strides Of expenditure, also presents to
view the scandalOus misappEcation of
the peoples money for President who
had been already favored beyond all his
predecessors, but who persistently de-
msndcd more" no matter how great
or how mistaken had been the generos-
ity of Congress:
Annual average under TaylOF-FHlmore
,,,,'sI I,5 i'oe6
AAtAeA AhtlA AAtAlAalA REllN-
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 1855
can. -. .....-...................... 81, l95
publicsnl.......-..-..-..........,.... IO4, 725
Annual average second term OF Grant
thepuDheahl ..-.s-... u9, 80
These figures disclose some remark
able facts and contrasts. The era Of
prOdigality began with Grantism. Tay-
lcr Efllvpnra pfov,o Dr.l.-.-. -
Lincoln were content to follow in the
footsteps of their predecessors, to live
simply, and to affect no Ostentation
whatever. They were all faithful to
their duties, and set an example Of
fidelity, exactness, and honesty which
was felt throughout the public service.
Mr.. Lincoln went through the war
and met all the extraordinary demands
of that time, withOug adding TO the ex-
penses of the Executive office. He
permitted no false pratences by which
money might be taken from the Treas
ury and diverted to personal uses. He
tolerated no rings, and did not c0nsort
with plunderers.
Under recent Presidents it was the
practice to appropriate $4,000 to re-
furnish the White House at a change
of Administration. Often the sum
voted for this object was not so large
as that When Grant came IN, the
Republicans voted S25 900, aud every
year since then ten or fifteen thousand
has been regularly inserted 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 contingent
fund allowed the President. But $3.50
was appropriated to Mr. Buchanan,
which was raised to 81 900 for Lincoln
and $1,000 In his last year. Grant has
been given 81, 1000, which is virtually so
much money added to his double sal
airy.
The cost Of fuel for the White House
was Of late years $500 per annum
During the war the appropriation was
raised to $1,000 on account of the
augmented cost Of coal and wood. Now,
when they have fallen, $1,000 a year
is the appropriation for Grant.
South of the Presidents house, and
within the enclosure, is a small and
unsightly p tch 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 1t, and knows where the money
goes.
The greenhouse Is made TO answer
for nearly $4,000 q year on the books
of the Treasury, but not a tenth of 1t
is applied to the purposes intended by
law, These are only a few items in the
roll of perquisites which Grant enjoys,
and which we're heretofore wholly IN
known. The responsibility lies be-
tween Grant and Babcoek for the ap-
PhcatIon Of this money, and nothing
but stern inquiry by the House of
Representative behind the vouchers
viii bring this scandal 10 light. Tens
of thousands have certainly been
stolen, since there Is nothing to show
for these large appropriations, either
IN the furniture at the White House,
the improvements OF the southern part
Of the grounds, the contingent ex-
penses, or the fuel consumed.
In addition to all these advantages,
the White House and grounds are
lighted at the public cOet, and Grants
only actual outlay is for the main t.
nance Of the household and a few
economical state diners" in the win
ter. No wonder he wants a third
term.