Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-03-11
APPROPRIATIONS.
Congress Lavishly Votes Away
the Public Money.
Two REVIEWS on The SUBJECT.
Messrs. Cannon and saycrs. Of the House
Committee on Appropriations, Prepare
Reports Of the Appropriations Of
the Congress just Ended.

SA'S S"HhVA, VI AhiAoAns ChulTIuuu VI
the appropriations committee Of the
house, and Mr.. Sayers, of Texas, who
Is at the head Of the minority Of the
committee, have prepared their re-
views Of the appropriations OF the
congress just ended, and they will be
printed in the Congressional Record
this morning. Mr.. Cannon's state
ment is ofmore than usual significance
on account Of recommendations and
suggestions he makes for methods Of
keeping down appropriations in the
future
Mr. Cannon makes the total appro-
priatlon submitted to the president for
his approval at the last session, includ-
ing the general deficiency, which failed
in conference, 85lS, 1903, 4bs, or $25, $685.
276 less than the estimates submitted
to congress by the executive. The ap
preparations for the first session were
S5lb,S45, l94, making "a total for the
congress Of $l,043, 4S7,Ols, which, no
says, is $40, 797,Sls more than the ap-
preparations for the preceding con-
gress. The increase, he points out, in
clude; For Notifications. $l2, 1893, 487;
for river and harbor works, including
contracts therefor. 81, 40, 500; for pub
lie buildings, none of which were au-
thorized by the Fifty-Fourth congress,
$,34SS94 for the postal service, Sill
454,SO5; for the naval establishment,
SS,041, 1928, and on account of perma-
nent appropriations, mainly to meet
interest and sinking fund charges for
the bonds issued by the Cleveland ad-
ministration, S24, osS,744
"rhe appropriations are" says Mr..
Cannon, "in my judgment, in excess Of
the legitimate demands of the public
service. But this fact, while greatly
to be deplored, Is not, in my opinion,
properly chargeable to the action Of
either of the great political parties Of
the country. It's the result OF condi-
tons accruing out Of the rules Of the
house and out Of the rules, practices
and so-called courtesies of the senate.
together with the irresponsible man.
ner whereby the executive submits
to congress estimates to meet ex-
penditures for the conduct of the gov-
eminent. II the appropriations made by
congress have been extravagant and
beyond the revenues of the govern
ment, how much more so have been
the estimates Of the executive" He
criticises the action Of the senate In
always loading up" the general de-
ficiency bill and making 1t a "vehicla'
for all sorts of claims and then goes
on to say; "There are too many ap-
preparation bills, Instead of IA there
ought not to be more than ten. The
agricultural bill ought to be made, as
1t was prior to 1881, part Of the legis-
lative, executive and judicial appropri.
ton bill, which provides for the official
stats and expenses Of the several
executive departments, except the agri-
cultural department. The army, forth
hcation, military academy and naval
appropriation bills ought to be consol-
dated into one. by such consolida-
ton much time now wasted in IT.
relevant general debate and formal
would be saved to the
house"
Mr. Sayres, in his statement, made
the total appropriations of this con-
gress S54, 1917, Sl2 in excess of the Fifty
Third congress; sl6,339, 40 over the
Fifty-Second congress and $7,757. 9Os in
excess of the Fifty-First congress- He
says 1.-THE present congress, organ
lied in both branches by the republic
ans, has made, or sent to the president
Tor approval, including the general de-
ficiency bill as agreed upon, appropri-
atoms In excess Of those made by
The Fifty-Third congress, which was
,ontrolled nv tbe damoor.+. o., n,
cent Of AKA 10 s,o Tha ns 5, w. .n' "a
nents Of tb;s ,nnnoa.a '.p"' CIV
,ccount ~ fortiaoation@ .,. 90 o
larbor works the pos tar ss sru
ce and the naval establishment In
addition to this enormous increase In
lirect appropriations this congress At
is first session authorized contract
liabilities for river and harbor works.
ortifications increase Of the navy and
,ther public works amounting TO s7b.
10, 4sO. At least two.thirds or one.
lalf OF this large sum remains IN be
provided for by future congresses and
o that extent constitute a fixed charge
.gainst the revenues of the country