Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-05-12
The War EXPENSES
Secretary Gage TALKS on Treasury
Matters to Senate Committee.
WAR REVENUE MEASURE OUTLOOK.
The Administration said to Be Anxious
Concerning the senate's Action on
the bond Feature OF the blll
SENATE Proceedings

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SENATE Proceedings
WASHINGTON. May THE testimony
Of Secretary Gage as to the condition
of the treasury and its requirements
in order to meet the monetary demands
OF the war, as made before the senate
committee on finance. was given to
the public yesterday. The secretary
stated the available balance in the
treasury on April 30 at Sl79,SS2,47s.
but from this it was, he said, neces.
hary to deduct $50, 900, 900 appropriated
for the national defense. He esti-
mated that when the deficiencies in
the war and navy departments were
met there would be an available bal
ance OF So, 900, 900. The treasurer esti-
mated that he must have $50, 900, 900
for a working balance from day to
day. This would leave only 500, 00O,-
900 Of available net cash In the
treasury, but for the fact that
there were some liabilities that
would not be pressed. He thought
that, all told, the treasury could count
upon available cash to the extent of
S70,OO0,OOO above the 500, 600, 900 gold
reserve. Mr. Gage stated that, at the
time his testimony was given. none Of
the volunteer forces had become tax
upon the government, but the $4,000
men would have to be taken care of
within months time. The best est.
mates placed the extraordinary ex-
penses for the war and navy depart
ments at S52, 900. 900 up to July l., next.
in addition to the $4,000, 900 voted for
national defense. He thought that from
SAC, 100000 to S5O,O0O,00O in addition
to the ordinary revenues would have
to be realized between now and July
to preserve the gold reserve intact.
Without this extra fund he thought
the reserve would be reduced to the
extent Of $4,000, 1000, leaving in the
treasury only $40. 900, 900 all told at the
end Of the fiscal year He said he
knew Of no other method for raising
this extra money except by taxation
or the sale OF bonds He expressed
the opinion that it would be impossi-
Bile to place as much as $lOO, OO0, 900 OF
the loan among individuals and in
small sums
THE WAR REVENUE MEASURE OUTLOOK.
WASHINGTON, May 7.-Besides the
war situation in its general aspect
there was some discussion at the cab
met meeting yesterday of the relative
merits Of persons seeking brigadier
generalships and other commissions in
the army. The president expressed
himself pronouncedly as opposed to
the appointment of such responsible
positions Of those who have had, no
military experience. One feature of
the session was discussion Of the at
titude Of the senate in providing the
''sinews of war" for defraying the ex.
penditures of war. The president has
received positive information that the
senate committee on finance, which is
still struggling with the war revenue
bill, will report that measure with the
bond feature eliminated. This fact is
causing the administration great un-
easiness and embarrassment, and the
statement made that the possibility of
adverse action OF the full body Of the
senate is a source of much anxiety.
The president laid before the cabinet
the information he had as to what
is to be looked for from the
senate, and, while not expressing
absolute confidence in favorable
action by the senate with the bond
feature reincorporated, expressed the
hope that there would be satisfac-
tory majority for the bond provision.
Should it not become part of the
law, many urgent preparations for the
war will have to be held back. The
money to be secured from bond sales,
it is reported, is needed imperatively
for the execution Of the plans mapped
out, and adverse action by the senate
would be likely to interfere unless the
money is otherwise provided and by
as speedy method as the issuance OF
bonds.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
WASHINGTON, May 7.-One war meas
ure was passed by the senate yester.
day. 1t was the bill to increase to Is
the number OF surgeons in the United
States army and to authorize the Sec
rotary OF war TO employ as many con-
tract surgeons as he may deem neces.
sary. Consideration Of bill author
izing the postmaster general to estab-
fish post offices in military posts and
camps was sought but it went over
until Monday. Almost the entire ses-
sion was consumed by discussion of
an amendment to the post office appro-
priation bill offered by Senator Petit
grew, of South Dakota, providing for
a reduction of 30 per cent. in the COM
pensation of railroads for the trans
portation Of mails. The amendment
was still pending when the senate ad-
iourned until Monday.