New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-09
ECONOMY THE WATCHWORD.
NEED OF KEEPING DOWN APPRoPRIA-
TIONS REALIZED.
A SUGGESTION THAT NOTHING EXCEFc WHAT
CONTRACTS REQUIRE BE VOTED FOR
RIVERS AND HARBoRs FINDS
FAVOR AMONG LEADERS
IN THE HOUSE.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE1
Washington. Dec. S.-The subject Of appro-
priations is causing the leaders OF the majority
as well some of the more thoughtfu and
patriotic leaders Of the minority in the House OF
Representatives grave concern especially in
view of the estimate OF a deficit by the Secre-
tary Of the Treasury for the fiscal year ending
June 80. 1899 amounting to S22,OOOOOO In rouhd
figures. In view OF these figures, the necessity
OF the most rigorous supervision OF and carerul
economy In appropriations is keeny felt and
by none others more keenly than by the chair
man and members OF the committees which have
jurisdiction Of appropriation bills.
The total of the estimates Of current ordinary
expenditures for the fiscal year ending June oO
1899 which were transmitted TO the House or
Representatives on Monday amounted, in rouno
figures TO S463 100000 not including estimates
for deficiencies which will be furnished later In
the session. The total. however, does include
Items under the head Of public works amount
ing to S73OOOOOO. Of which $40 100000 in round
figures is for the Improvement OF rivers ano
harbors. and $13,OOO.OOO for fortihcations and
other works Of defence
The magnitude of the estimate for rivers and
harbors has excited good deal Of attention ana
comment among Representatives generally. AS
the amount required to meet contract opiigations
on account of river and harbor improvements
heretofore authorized and now in progress VIII
be about 500 100000 for the fiscal year endlng
June 80 1899 and about the same amount VIII
be required on the same account for the year
ending June 80, 1900. The sum OF S2O,Uo.Do
year even for 50 important and necessary an oo-
ject as the Improvement of rivers and harpors'
is Justly considered a fairly liberal one, In view
OF the existing condition or the Nauohal
finances and especially when Secretary cage
estimate of deficit OF S22,oOO,Ooo Tor the year
1899 Is taken into consideration.
The suggestion has therefore been mace, anu
II has the approval OF many or the more inHu-
ential leaders in the House OF Representatives
that no appropriations for rivers and harDors
be made at this session except such as are re-
uuired to meet contract obligations on account oi
works now In course OF construction. Ihose
who advocate this suggestion urge that delay
OF few months will not cause any serious III
iurv and that il Is a delay which seems to he
NOT only advisable but necessary. III the re'e-
nuas should increase during the next Weine
months as everybody hopes and most Republi-
cans believe they will Congress will be Ialrly
Justified In passing a River and HarDor Dill at
the next regular session. The suggestion seems
10 be good one and the proposition at least
deserves careful consideration and examination
to determine whether or not 1t would ne prdc
ticabla before Il Is rejected or abandoned
one thing seems TO be as certain as anything
in the future can be. and 1t Is that II the House
NJ Representatives falls to exercise the most
careful and rigid economy as TO appropriations
during this session. In view or the estimated
irrespective OF party. who are responsible IN
vchole or In part for the failure VIII nave 10
rnrkon with the voters at the polls next No
vember.