The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1902-07-08
Our Billion Dollar Congress.

Our Billion Dollar Congress.
In the closing hours of the eventful
first session of the Fifty-seventh con-
gress the Hon. Maecenas q. Benton
a Missouri representative, made a brici
but noteworthy address on the expen-
ditures and appropriations of this ses-
sion, which have been the most prod
igal perhaps of any yet recorded in
time of peace. Mr.. Benton spoke as a
member of the committee on appro-
priations, making a clear and concise
statement of the expenditures recon-
mended by that committee and author
ized by congress, showing that the out
lay of the peoples money by this Re-
publican congress had exceeded the
billion-dollar mark.
In opening his address, Mr.. Benton
paid tribute to old Joe Cannon of lii
nois, the Republican chairman of the
committee. He spoke of him as "nn
able and honest man, who had Tor
seven months stood in the breach and
fought with lionslike courage the
hungry demands of his party adminis-
tration, but he has been overborne
in the battle. His great fight for econ
omy was laughed to scorn. The gen.
tleman from Illinois is a partisan Re-
publican. And though he sweat drops
of blood" in his efforts to stem the
tide OF the prohigate extravaganza of
his party, he now with acrobatic agil-
ity comes up smiling in defense of
his party, with the declaration, tin
which he does not believe), The ap-
preparations of the session, in my
Judgment, compare favorably with
those made at any previous session of
congress-
Mr.. Benton said that IL was stated
as defense of the Republican party
that practically the last of the taxes
imposed for the prosecution of the war
with Spain have been removed" bat
calls attention to the fact that this
legislation was deferred until over
$200,00C,000 Of idle money WAS
piled up in the treasury, and that the
government is still boupd for 5000, ,000.-
600 of bonds issued to carry on that
war During the last two sessions of
congress some relief has been given
by the repeal of Spanish war taxes,
but Mr.. Benton contended that with
prudent and economical administra-
tion the whole of such taxes could have
been removed and large decrease
made in the Dingley tariff.
Mr.. Benton asserted that not sor
thirty-seven years has this govern
ment burdened the taxpayers of the
country with appropriations equal to
the first session of the Fifty-sevenrh
congltess. Regarding the army ard
navy appropriations he said: I'VE are
an industrial people. Farming. min
ing, manufacturing and merchandis-
ing are our chief pursuits. We are ut
peace with the world. Our flag is given
entry to all tho posts of the word.
We produce from $500, 100000 to $780,
0,0c0 to sell to other people more
than we buy OF foreigners. Every civ
iIixcd people on earth is fully impress
ed with the tremendous strength of
this government as world power.
No power In the world wants other
than friendly relations with us, yet
our army Ia to cost us for the comir &
nscal year 100000, 900. and a naval
bill Of SIS. .67s,943 is passed"
Congress has authorized the equip
ment OF battle ships. the building Of
which alone will cost 1s.306. 900, while
arning and fitting them for sea scr
vice will cost sl2.oCo.0o0 more Mr..
Benton maintains that only one gov
ornment ON earth equals us in naval
eQuipment land that very friendly
power.) yet the taxpayers are burdencd
With e3o.oOo.0o0 for new war vessels
atG and above the SS0,voo.0oO worth
61vessels now in process VI construc-
~. FOR me spilitasy scsdemy s2.6sJ.'
~ ~ appropriated The precursor o.