Evening star., 1904-04-27
A Satisfactory Appropriation Bill.


Congress has this year written a District
appropriation bill which commends itself
strongly to the approval of the citizens of
the capital. IT Is not only the largest ap-
preparation measure ever passed for this
purpose. but 1t provides for all the works
of the federal municipality in a more lib
eral spirit than has heretofore prevailed.
The total of the budget, involving
large expenditures on permanent improve
ments, which should not be entirely paid
for by the taxpayers of today, is of course.
beyond the amount of the revenues in
view A deficit is inevitable. swelling the
deficiencies already accumulated during
several years of such combined appropria-
tions for current maintenance and great
works largely for the benefit of future tax
payers. In view of the systematic manner
in which Congress has permitted these an
nual deficits to grow, representing expendi-
lures which should not have been made in
full from current taxes. the assumption to-
day is that eventually. when the process
of appropria ton to pay for the great per-
manent works is completed. and the de-
fcencies are definitely ascertained, Con-
gress will adjust this burden the basis
of long-term payments In which posterity
can share.
For the first time in several years the bill
carries generous increases in salaries of
teachers and other municipal workers,
whose services have of late been made
quately remunerated. 1t also carries larger
funds for the current maintenance and the
minor growth of the District, while suf-
fciently supplying the funds to execute
the large works of a permanent character
now under way or in immediate contem-
plation Thus the railroad terminal i'm
provement so far as 1t affects the Districts
own responsibilities, is to be forwarded
without delay. Sewers are to be laid in
sufficient number to care for the capitals
present and future needs. Bridges, station
houses, schools. fire engines. are provided
in greater abundance than usual. The mu-
nicipal equipment Is being brought up to
date at a rate which promises early at
tainment of the IDEAL of the capital makers
In this respect.
The action of the House yesterday in re-
ceding from the last item in dispute insures
the completion of the municipal building
according TO the original plans, without the
Objectionable feature of the Police Court as
a tenant in the south wing. There were
many serious reasons against this expedi-
ent which was adopted by the House on
the plea of economy against the protests
needs. Yesterdays action not only removes
the menace to the municipal buildings
satisfactory evolution, but 1t provides IN
prospect for the early erection of an ads-
quate Police Court to replace the discredit-
able establishment of today.
In respect of the telephone legislation,
while the phone users of the District are
by no means satisfied with the final result
they have reason to be encouraged. They
lose the unenforced law of 1898 and get in
It's stead distinct regulation of the rates
for certain classes of service, which may
yield some relief to residential subscribers
@who do not care to be annoyed by multiple
party or limited service. Congress estab-
fishes its right to enact such regulating
legislation part of an appropriation bill,
and to carry it's authority beyond the die
tation of the rates to be paid for the public
service. 1t requires the submission of an
nual reports. upon which further corrective
legislation may be based, as Representative
Bartlett said yesterday in explaining the
reasons why the House conferees att the
last stage of the adjustment consented to
withdraw from their opposition to the Sem
ate amendment.
Taken all in all. with its provisions FOR
both current maintenance and permanent
works. its spirit of broad and wise liberal
ity, its incidental general legislation and
Its avoidance of errors affecting the organic
act. this bill stands one of the best, If
not the very best, ever passed by Congress
for the support of the national capital.