The Savannah morning news., 1904-09-26


Cleveland's administration.
An Enormous Expenditure.
The expenses of the first four years
succeeding the last Democratic admin
istration amounted to the enormous
average Of $511, 100000 per year. This
large expenditure was due to a con-
siderable extent to the cost of the
Spanish American War, which occur
red during that period; but the termi-
nation of that war brought no relief
to the treasury, for the average an
nual expenses of the government, dur
ing the three subsequent years ending
June 3d. 1904, were about $51s,000,000.
which is the largest sum hitherto
reached, during like period, since the
close of the Civil War.
This draft upon the revenues of the
country has had the effect which
might have been anticipated, and now
we have presented the reverse of the
situation, which led to the famous OBJ
servation, 1T is condition, and not
theory, which confronts u.s." for, al
though the present incumbent found
at the close of the first fiscal year,
during which he assumed control of
the administration, a surplus of re-
ceipts over expenditures of more than
$4,000, 900, there was an excess of ex-
penditures over receipts at the close
of the last fiscal year of Sal. 900 900, and
the official monthly reports made by
the Treasury Department show that
the Expenditures are continuously and
rapidly increasing. while the receipts
are diminishing.
In this connection it is interesting
to note the recent administrative Or
ders forbidding government officers
from making public any statement OF
estimates on which future appropria.
tions are to be based.
An investigation i'm Order.
If a man of ordinary intelligence
and prudence should find In the oper-
ating expenses of his business such a
tremendous percentage of increase,
would he not promptly set on foot an
inquiry for the cause Of the waste, and
take immediate measures to stop 1t,
especially when trusted employees have
been found dishonest and convicted,
and a widespread impression exists
that thorough investigation may dis
cover other cases of malfeasance?
When the chief executive reported to
Congress that, through frauds, for
geries and perjuries. and by shameless
briberies the laws relating to the
proper conduct of the public service
in general, and to the due administra-
ton of the Postoffice Department have
been VIGOROUSLY violated >"
there was "a general popular demand
for rigid, sweeping investigation by
Congress- in addition to that UNDER
taken by the executive himself. Such
an investigation the Republican ma
jority in Congress would not permit,
although the minority insisted that
the interests of good government de-
manded il. And the minority was
right. The liberality, patriotism and
national pride of the people should not
be made an excuse for waste of the
public funds. Official extravaganza
is official crime.
No IntfmatIon of Reduction.
There is not a sentence in the Repub-
lcan platform recommending a reduce
ton in the expenditures of the gov
eminent; not a line suggesting that
the increase In the cost OF the War
Department from S34, 100000 in 1885 to
$1l5.OOOOOO in 1904. should be inquired
into; and that not a paragraph calling
for a thorough investigation Of those
departments OF the government in
which dishonesty has been recently dis
closed.
The people, however, can by their
votes, II they desire 1t, order such an
Investigation and inaugurate a policy
OF economy and retrenchment. II is
safe to say that this will not be ac-
EQiilUilHHNu ny AilAPAollAB At Nlt UDllH
the Republican majority OF the House
OF Representatives which refused the
investigation and made the approprla-
tione, nor by continuing in power the
administration which made the dis
bursements.
Reform In expenditures must be had
IN the civil, military and navy estab-
lishments In order that the national ex-
penditures may be brought 70 a basis
OF peace and the government main
tanned without recourse TO the taxes
Of war.
Few Questions.
have put aside a congenial work,
20 which ! had expected 20 devote my
life. IN order 20 assume. as best / car.
the responsibilities your convention
put uDOn me.
1 solicit the cordial cooperation ana
generous assistance 81 every man who
believes that a change u measures
and ~ men ~ this time would BE-
wise, snd urge harmony % eudeayOr
- well a. Vigorous action on the part
Of 40 20 minded,
The issues are nins1 and the PEG.
Die must render the verdict
she'll economy N administration D.
demanded ~ rhsii eEifayaaarcs b. sn.
foufafodf
fhaI me wronafosr BE- brought 20
Eng 81 fnN people ~ must justice
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