The morning times., 1896-03-16
MR. REED SAYS RETRENCH
Memorial Bridge Will There
fore Not Materialize.
OTHER MEASURES HELD UP
Period Immediately Preceding a
Presidential Campaign Is
Time for Economy.

There is seemingly wel-founded rumor
itol TO the effect that the proposed Memorial
Bridge across the Potomac from Washing
ton 10 Arlington will be Swamped in the
whirlpool of rctrcnchnent.
Notwithstanding the passage of this bin
by the Senate and its favorable report
from the House Committee OIL Commerce,
the general understanding prevails that this
measure Will die the death with thousands
OF other bills which VIII serve no purpose
save 10 swell the calendar.
Chairman Hepburn has taken an especial
interest III the proposed bridge and per-
sonally Inspected both sides of the river
10 ascertain for himself lis feasibility and
necessity.
But 100000 as a total cost or even
$lOO.OOO TO begin the work of C0nstruc-
ton, would attain enormously exaggerated
proportions wien viewed from the stand
point or strict economy. Hence the ques-
tion OF merit will have little or no saving
weight. Even the declaration of Secre-
tary Lamont that the bridge is needed TO
facilitate the transportation of troops has
no perCeptible effect in this period of war
and rumors of war.
DIES IN GOOD COMPANY.
But the Memorial Bridge, which has
been struggling for recognition before
every Congress since the days when Jack
son was watching the erection OF the
Treasury Department. viii die in good
company. II will not alone suffer from
the chilling hand of Toitioal eXpediency
or mistaken narsimony.
The fact has been apparent since the
assembling OF Congress that the Iolicy
of the House would be one of rigid economy.
The Senate. which does not change its
personnel bicnnially, does not draw the
line on every mere matter or dC,lars and
cents.
In this connection ii is stated that the
Forthcoming river and harbor bill will
not carry dollar more than Is necessary
10 continue contract improvements. with
out making any appropriations for be
ginning new work.
This will be very CALLING to the new
member who is worried TO death about
has denomination. Earlier in the session
there were indications that this newer
element might revolt against the iron
bound rules or Speaker Reed and his per
sonal staff, but these signs have dimin-
iShed instead OF increasing, as was the
natural Suppositiou. J ust where the
indiVii iiual concessions have come in is
rather difficult TO see, but in any event
the spirit OF rebellion has been largely
appca sed.
hl-i-b ifEh y NbS EtONOm
The program Of MIR. Reed has from the
outset been TO keep appropriations down
TO the lowest possible limit. Long ago he
determined that few if any new improve
mentS should 0c begun with money allowed
at this session.
This resolve, Of course, is chiefly due to
the fact that he Is a Presidential candidate
Back OF him ana ably supporting him are
some OF the most astutC Republican leaders
ana gradually these men are compelling the
lesser political lights 10 realize and under
stand The necessity for Curtailing govern
mental expenses on the eve of national
campaign. so that the Republicans Will
not 20 before the country at 4 disadvantage.
by reason Of increased expenditures over
those Of the last Democratic Congress-
In order to more cffeCtualIy carry out
this program Of economy the leaders have
determined 10 in every possible wa Curtail
the duration of the session. Some now
mention as early date as th,, 2lst OF
April for adjournment. Even those re-
garded a. conservatives add but a week TO
this estimate.
The record-brca king date is suggested in
order TO preserve the appearance OF har-
mony in the ranks and afford no oppor-
tunity for any OF the restless spirits to
pull themselves together and break away
from under the guiding and disciplining
hand of Speaker Reed.