Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-10-15
Reckless Extravaganza.
BY MILTON l.. vEASEY.


peace this amount from year to year
may be gradually increased by natural
causes such as the growth of the coun-
try, the addition of new features of
government and the development of
new enterprises In time of war the
normal expenditures may be. and of
vast amounts All this may be expected
in the natural course of events during
either Democratic or Republican admin
istrations. But that all existing records
of the expenditures of the American
government either in time of peace or
in time of war should be shattered and
the amount expended increased by scores
of millions of dollars is not to be antici-
pa:ed from even the most reckless,
most ruthless, and most extravagant Re-
public administration. And yet this is
precisely the condition of the govern
ment finances to-day. and is the record
which MIR. Roosevelt and the Republi-
can party have made during the period
of his incumbency as President, and is
the record upon which he and his porta-
BILE stump touring cabinet are asking for
the suffrages of the already tax-burden
ed and tax-oppressed American public.
A private individual or a business
company whose financial affairs were
i'm condition similar to those which
to day confront the American govern
ment. would view the situation with
the greatest feeling of distress, and
would regard the condition as warrant
ing the most urgent, most stringent
and most speedy action for its ameliora-
ton.
Mr.. Roosevelt, however would stand
pat 'on existing conditions and if elected
would as he states in his Letter of Ac-
ceptance. carry ON the government i'll
the future in the sa e way that he
has carried it on in the past.
Mr.. Davis. the nominee for vice-presi-
dent of the Democratic party, has
pointed out that for the year ending
June 80, 1902, the first fiscal year of
Roosevelt's administration. there was a
surplus of 800. 900, 900, while for the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1904, instead
of surplus there was deficit OF
SIC, ZOO, 900. From July LIST. 1904. to
August 10th. a period of one and
third months just passed. the expen,ii-
lures of the Government exceeded the
receipts by nearly $22. 100000. Thus it
is that the surplus which awaited Mr..
Roosevelt when he took the Presidential
chair has been wiped out and great
deficit has loomed up in its place.
No stronger evidence of the extrava-
gance of the Republican party could be
demanded, and no more potent argu
ment advanced for the necessity of
change from party characterized by
such reckless extravaganza TO party
whose chief purpose has always been
prudence and economy in administering
public affairs.
The Secretary of the Treasury esti-
mates that the cost of the military
establishment of the United States for
1905, including pensions. will approx
mate 1890, 0O0, 900, and this in time of
perfect peace, a vast increase over the
sum expended by any other nation for
its military and naval establishment,
and a sum that would make the found
ers of our country turn over in their
graves, could they realize its tremend
Gus amount.
So long as the imperial policy of the
Republican party is fostered, so long
will these enormous expenditures con-
tinue The Philippine Islands already
have cost the American Government
more that $500. 600. 900 and it is esti-
mated that the annual cost of this
luxury will be $50.000,000 additional.
Thus it is that by the colonial policy of
the Republican party the American
people are already deprived of the in
come of $500. 900. 900 annually. which at
the legal rate of interest amounts to
$50. O00. 900 per year.
During the 53rd Congress. which was
controlled In both branches by the
Democratic party, for the fiscal year
1866, the appropriations average
S494, 200, 900 for each year. The appro-
priations made for the fiscal year 1905
are $7S2. 600 900 a startling increase of
$23S, 00O. 900 over each of the two years
of Democratic control.
The honesty of those making such
vast appropriations may or may not be
questioned, but the wisdom of such a
policy may well be challenged by every
thoughtful citizen, from whom indi-
rectly must come the revenue to pay the
bills.
1t has been said that the wealth of
our country is so enormous that our
national expenditures are insignificant.
But il must be remembered that the
wealth of this country does not contri-
butte thes. millions of dollars which go
to make up the enormous amount of
money that is gathered in from the peo-
pie each year. The head of each family
must pay the bills. The daily living
expenses of every man, woman ard
child are increasing. Our system of in
direct taxation increases the cost of
food, clothing. and nearly all the other
necessaries of life. The money is taken
from the masses of the people regardless
of their ability to pay. aud is poured in
to the Golfers of the armor- plate trust,
tho beef truSt the Supar trust the oil