Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-03-05

me AaVisnd Representative Explains HE
Position Regarding Apprepriss,ons.
10 the fitor of The Evening star:
ask as matter Of justice. in view Of your
editorial and the report Of Mr.. weller's speech
in youf issue Of yesterday, that you will pub
iish the following: In the first place let me say
that the only thing the sensible and respon-
sibls people Of this District are concerned
aoopt IN this controversy is this, viz: What 10
the right and Justice OF the matter? Ali
personalities irrelevant Now, for what pur-
poses, let me ask, should appropriations be
made other than those I enumerated, namely,
10 provide for Improvements, the heaIth..o of the
people and the education of the children OF the
DISTRICT Az to how much should be 50 ap-
propriated s question about which all
Intelligent men and friends of the Dis
trict may honestly differ. l deny that I
maze any threat as to the govern
ments contribution to the capitals expenses.
The national treasury is the goose that lays the
GOLDEN egg for this District / simply warned
the people or their agents that they might by
imprudent suggestions or demands reduce the
SIZE and value Of that egg. l believed then, I
most certainly kindly meant. Shall it be forgot
tenln dealing with appropriations by the general
government at this juncture that we are in
the presence Of q deficit In the treasury,
evidenced by the very best possible proof in
the fact that the money is not on hand to pay
outstanding obligations and keep up the sink
Ing fund? Will it be denied that the burden of
taxation does fall moot heavily here. as every
where: upon the small property holder? And,
~ TO the matter OF the surplus raised by taxa
tion here resting and rusting in the govern
ment treasury vaults il concerned, ii does seem
to ME the merest fiction that excited
FANCY ever created. How can this
be while the District is the debtor of the gov
eminent, and the government without sur
ncient money On hand to meet its obligations.
Inc best use ever made of a surplus dollar in
the pocket of an individual or u corporation
was and is the payment Of debt there with. II
the revenue raised by taxation in this District
Is over and above the requirements Of an hon.
estiy and economically administered govern
ment let the rate of taxation be reduced.
and you will have fewer of your
people seeking homes outside of the District.
Every democrat at least will subscribe to the
doctrine thatevery dollar raised over and above
the iegitimate use of public money is robbery
OF the tax payer So far as Mr.. Weller is con-
cerned, let him settle with the republican Sec
rotary OF the Treasury, who recommended to
Congress reduction Of over 81, OO0. 900 Of the
eninates submitted by the Commissioners, and
tnen he will be in position to complain con-
sistentiy OF me for thinking their estimates ex.
travagant.
In conclusion have only this to say: have
demonstrated in the past my regard for the
substantial welfare Of the District. One evil
dence OF this abides and will abide when we are
forgotten, l introduced and pressed to its
passage the bill appropriating 4lOO, 900 toward
erecting the splendid bridge which spans
the eastern branch Of the Potomac at the
foot Of Pennsylvania avenue. l could
point to many other improvements have in
an humble way helped to pass through Con-
Rress since have been honored with seat in
the House. My regard for the District shall
mill ho dato
any vote or pursuing any course my Judgment
may approve by harsh or unjust criticism from
any quarter. am very respectfully yours,
BARNES COMPTON,.