Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-07
DISTRICT APPROPRIATIONS
A Lively Debate In tho House on the Sal
jcct.

In the House today Mr.. Dockery called up
the District appropriation bill for considera-
ton. By unanimous consent the first formal
reading of the bill was dispensed with.
Mr.. Dockery stated that the total amount
recommended to be appropriated for the gen.
eral expenses of the District of Columbia for
the fiscal year 1894 in the bill is, exclu-
sivc Of the water department, 1892 ,061. 81,
OF which sum the general government is re-
quired to pay 2,s46, O3O SO. that being one-half
Of the whole. The total amount recommended
is 81 $50 $50 less than the estimates submitted.
The amount appropriated for the general ex-
penses of the District Of Columbia for the cur
rent fiscal year is s. lo5, 81, being s2i3647
more than is recommended in the bill for 1894.
and the whole amount recommended in the bill.
including the water department, is S212, GIG. SO
less than was appropriated for the current fiscal
year.
Mr.. Henderson OF Iowa was recognized in
behalf of the minority Of the committee.
WANTS THE DISTRICT TO PAY THREE-FoURrHs.
Mr.. Otis Of Kansas (populist) moved an
amendment requiring the District to pay three
fourths of the amount carried by the bill and
the United States to pay one-fourth.
Mr.. Hemphill promptly met the amendment
with the point OF order that it changed existing
legislation.
Mr.. Otis then entered into an argument in
favor Of his amendment. His chief argument
was simply the statement that he favored the
amendment and wanted it to pass. He read to
the House an anonymous communication to
him Directing to the government paving one
half Of the expenses Of the District as favorit-
ism to real estate owners.
''who is the author Of that statement" asked
Mr.. Hemphill.
IAN impartial CITIZEN" replied Mr.. Otis.
And then the House laughed.
Mr.. McRae OF Arkansas, who was in the
which the partnership between the govern
ment and the District is provided.
Mr.. Dockery gave it as his opinion that the
motion Of Mr.. Otis is in order.
Mr.. DeArmond of Missouri called attention
to ruling of Speaker Crisp in the last session
upholding a similar point Of order
Mr.. Dockery said that while he thought Mr..
Otis amendment was in order he did not agree
with the motion made. 1t is true that the
appropriations carried in the bill will still
leave a surplus in the United States treasury Of
$3.50, 900 to the credit Of the District, but that
surplus will be applied to the indebted ness
of the District to the United States, which a.
the close Of tho fiscal year will reach 1914 $40.
II Mr.. Otis amendment prevails it will
create a deficiency of S31S.000. Mr.. Dockery
would therefore oppose the amendment at this
session.
MIR. JOHNSON on Low ASSESSMENTS,
Mr.. Tom Johnson of Ohio asked Ilr. Dock
cry il he WAS aware that for tho past year the
District government has been engaged in ef-
forts to decrease tho revenues of the District
through q low assessment.
Mr.. Dockery replied that this was not the
point at issue.
Mr.. De Almond made an argument against
the government PAVING any share Of the ex-
penses OF the District Of Columbia ut all, on
the ground that private interests Of the citizens
OF the District Of Columbia are favored by this
plan and that the taxpayers Of the country foot
the bills.
Mr.. HENDERSON DEFENDS THE DISTRICT.
MIR. Henderson of Iowa vigorously opposed
Mr.. Otis amendment for the reason that il
would overthrow the existing form Of govern
ment for the District as provided in 1878. He
said that the advocates Of this amendment have
not studied the situation and are not aware of
all the facts in the case.
He said that the citizens of the District prob
ably would not object to total taxation IL the
government buildings and government inter-
ests were taxed. He refuted tbs imputation
Of Mr.. De Almond that residents OF
of the BILL Millions Of citizens of the United
States annually visit this city; the children of
20, 600 clerks, from every point in the Union at
tend the schools provided by this bill; the pow
erty stricken OF every state md help and refuge
in the charitable institutions; the police and
fire departments are alike for the benefit of the
citizens Of the Union who may be temporarily
resident in this city.
xR. COMPTON ISDonsEs MR.. HENDERsoN,s RE-
MARES
Mr.. Compton Of Maryland desired to rein
force the remarks OF MIR. Henderson. He asked
II Mr. De Almond was aware of the gross in
justice which the amendment would in
dict upon the people? Did the gentleman
intend to imply that the citizens Of this District
are to pay the taxes Of the property Of the
United States government to furnish water,
sewerage, police and fire protection for the
government and the officials Of the government
here located?
Mr.. Compton denounced the proposition Of
Mr.. OTIS IS the most unreasonable. unfair and
unjust he had ever heard proposed upon the
aoor OF this House.
orHER cIrrHs WOULD SE GLAD TO HAVE rHx
Mr.. Kyle Of Mississippi asked upon what
theory Of justice or common sense the citizens
OF this city expect tho people Of the United
States to pay one-half Of the expenses simply
becauce the federal govsrnnsnt's buiidings srs
Any other city In the Union, ths patriotic
town OF 1rupelo. Miss., for instance, would b