The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-03-18
Deficiency Bills.
Ever since the Republicans gained con

Ever since the Republicans gained con-
troll of the governments. it has been the
custom for heads of departments to make
exorbitant estimates Of the amounts neces-
sary to sustain their bureaus While the
Republicans had both branches OF con-
gress, the subject was not so closely critic
Used, for whatever sum was asked was APP
propriated without question, and the same
was approved by an executive in sympathy
with congress-. La some cases, the most
extravaganza estimates were made. and yet
when congress met to appropriate for the
next year, the sum was reported as made
quate and deficiency bill' passed to
cover the shortage. The Democrats. al
though minority. vigorously protested
against the useless expenditure OF money
chasing it as unnecessary, and an outrage
on the people, but they we're powerless TO
prevent il, being in the minority and thus
extravaganza ruled supreme and the peo-
pie were plundered to the tune of millions
every year. But there came change, and
in 1875 the House of Representatives
was Democratic - the people had
spoken, and by their voice had set the seal
of condemnation on the robberies of the
Republics congress The Democrats.
once in possession of the house. began to
''cut down" the expenses of the govern
ment, and in one year reduced the same oyer
$4,000. 900; and now began the trouble.
The Republicans. used to run the govern
ment as they inclined, swept down upon
the house with multitude of deficiency
bills" and arrogantly demanded their
passage. The Democratic congress re-
NAMED firm, however, and in many cases
refused absolutely to devote dollar for
the payment of expenses not authorized,
and in others cut the estimates in two.
Then began the howl from the Republican
leaders. Accustomed to use the money
of the people recklessly, they did not
relish being Strengthened up, and thus
originated the cry of Starving the govern
ment." 1t seems to be settled opinion
among the Republicans that the u. S.
treasury is sinking fund for the use Of
the party favorites, but now that the
Democrats have both houses of congress
they positively refuse to appropriate money
not absolutely Necessary for maintaining
the government But the Republican
heads Of departments continue TO run
their bureaus irrespective of the law.
squandering the money contrary to the
express purposes for which it is apsro-
priated, and then comes the inevitable |
deficiency BILL ;" 1t is about time that
Congress asserted its dignity and author
ity and gave these reckless officials to
understand that money appropriated by |
Congress for specific purpose and for a
given time, is to be used for the purpose
only for wbich it vas appropriated and in |
no other manner. The right to appropri- |
ate money carries with it the right to de-
clare how that money shall be used. This
right is the sole prerogative of Congress
and should be rigidiy enforced. The star
route" mail deficiency bill" was created
through fragrant disregard of the law. 1t
was an act Of defiance on the part of the
Republican officials of the postofice de-
partment, and should never have been
created, and, but for the utter disregard
OF the acts of congress, would never have
been created, The truth is, that the Re-
publican party has maintained its ascen
dancy largely through the influence of the
immense army of Office holders and their
pets, who have been fed at the public
crib, The Republican party has been run
Oh scale of extrayagant splendor not in
keeping with the modesty of American
The reckless disregard of
law and the acts of Congress, whereby the
chosen pets of the administration have
grown rich on government plumber, and
he continued presentation OF deficiency
bills from all departments, shows thei
Iecessiry tor calling bait at once So
oDg as Republican heads OF departments
ian run their bureaus SO snis their Own
7bims, so long will they continue to do So
Iet Congress assert its preFogatiVe nOic,
nd put stop at once aud for ever to
hese extravagances under the guise OF I
deficiency bills" Compel the Republican Z
leads of departments to conform their &
stimates to the actual requiIeme nts c
their respective bureaus. Let the !,
precipitation committee examine these .
stimates, eliminate such items as are IN
ecessary, make the required appropria-
on for the remainder, and give the afore- 4
aid heads of bureaus TO understand dis
nctly and conolusively that they mast
We within the amount. It is all senseless
gaddle to talk about 'stsrving the gov
only ones who would suffer
ould be the political vultures who have
'own rich off the peoples money and A
ho train in the Republican camp. Let p
lis unending extravaganza under the be
lad of deficiency bills" cease at once.
be people have had enough Of it
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