The Forrest City times., 1900-05-11
NOTES FROM WASHINGTON
romment and Criticism of Admin istration Methods by Capital
 Correspondent.
WILD EYTRAVAGANCE OF REPUBLICANS.
rhe Revenues of Cuba Largely Ab- .orbed by War Department Fa- xorites-Mcre Military Elegance Provided For-Philippine News h Being Withheld.
Special Correspondence.1

Especial Correspondence.1
 Already there are indications of the ,xtrayagance and disregard of law which are sure to follow in the wake
 of applied imperialism. The republic m majority in congress is being forced to consider some of the extravagant expenditures in Cuba, though they are very reluctant to do so, fearing the ef- feet which the inevitable disclosures will have upon the presidential cam paign.
 MT. Mckinley, with his usual lack of tact, brought this discussion upon him. wlf by sending verbose message to congress asking permission to have military officers hold over in Porto Rico and occupy the civil offices at double salary until appointments were made from Washington. This precip- itated disucssion which brought up the Cuban matter. There have been stories afioat in Washington for some time about the lavish expenditure which characterizd the war depart ment pets who are supposed to be giv- Ing Cuba an idea of what self govern ment means.
 In the case of Cuba, especially, the administration always has fervently disclaimed any desire to exploit inn perialist notions, and has often as- sured both the Cubans and the people of the United States that it's policy in that island was purely benevolent.
 Of course that may all be. but the American officers seem to be having a pretty good time there. There is general desire among the democrats in congress to find out just what the administration and war department have been doing with the revenues of Cuba. Secretary Root promises that detailed account shall soon be submit tedt the senate, and it is expected that 1t will make very interesting read ing.
 Luxury in Cuba.
 It is known that the disbursements Of the Cuban funds up to the close of 1899 reached the tidy sum of $14 ,00O. 900, and great portion of that amount has been spent in paying the salaries and incidentals relative to American occupation of the island. It is said that Gov. Wood manages to draw about S7'Oo0 a year from various sources, and other officials in proportion. The governor generals beautiful palace at Havana has been reftted for American use in style which would make Gen. Weyler turn green with envy.
 The meat of the whole proposition Hes in the fact that these army officers are violating section 1869 of the Re vised Statutes, which says: "No allow ance shall be made to officers in addi- ton to their pay" It is said that the war department will try to shift re- sponsibility on the matter by saying that it permitted the extra allowance rom Cuban revenues after the attor- ney general had so advised. and that because the amounts were taken from the Cuban revenues no law of the united States was violated.
 The matter of the Cuban extrava- gance is not in itself so important, it IS merely a practical illustration of what is bound to be done all along the me if the imperialism is to be the policy of this country.
 In this matter the administration ana its department officers set them selves above congress and outside statute law. and used the revenues winch should have been held in trust to pay the debts of Cuba and rebuild us shattered industries.
 The same thing will be done in Porto Rico under the new tariff and govern Hent law. The war of subiugation is oeing carried on in the Philippines at an Immense cost, for the express pur- pose of exterminating the natives who nave energy and spirit enough to de- sire independence. That kind of na- llves do not lend themselves we'll to trust and corporate exploitation.
 When the Cuban matter came up in tne senate, Senator Platt was inju- uicious enough to put the administra- uon policy in nutshell. He declared mat the president could do as he pleased in Cuba without being respon- siole to congress for his action"
 The democrats have contended all aiong that imperialism meant the as- sumption of this irresponsible power oy the president, and that it would be used to plunder and oppress the inhab- i'ants of the insular possessions.
 Military Elegance.
 The army and navy appropriation oilis show the same wild desire to spend money in building up bulwarks for an autocratic administration. The naval ohi especially provides for the most luxurious quarters for lot of pam pered cadets at Annapolis. Millions of uoliars are asked to build barracks for siew young men who will thus become