The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-26

| diuOuuVSu 70 Uu6 6nOTIDOub average
SSH 900 900 per year, This large expenditure
was due to a considerable extent to the
cost OF the Spanish War, which
occurred during that period; but the ter
mtnation Of that war brought no relief to
penses Of the Government during the three
subsequent years ending June. 80, 1904
were about $50 900 900, which is the largest
sum hitherto reached, during like period,
since the close of the OWL war.
This draft upon the revenues OF the
country has had the effect which might have
been anticipated, and now we have pre-
sented the reverse of the situation, which
led to the famous observation, 1t is a con-
dition, and not a theory, which confronts
US; for, although the present incumbent
found at the close of the first fiscal year
during which he assumed control OF the
administration surplus OF receipts over
was an excess Of expenditures over receipts
at the close OF the last fiscal year OF al ,000,-
900, and the official monthly reports made
by the Treasury Department show that
the expenditures are continuously and rap
| idly. increasing, while the receipts are
| diminishing.
In this connection it is interesting to
note the recent administrative orders for
bidding Government officers from making
public any statement Of estimates on which
future appropriations are to be based.
II man of ordinary intelligence and
prudence should find in the operating ex-
penses OF his business such 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 widespread impression
exists that a thorough investigation may
discover other cases Of malfeasance? When
the Chief Executive reported to Congress
that Through frauds, forgeries and per-
Jurles, and by shameless briberies the laws
relating to the proper conduct Of the public
service in general and to the due admins
been VIGOROUSLY violated there
was general popular demand for rigid,
sweeping investigation by Congress, in
addition to that undertaken by the Execu-
tive himself. Such an investigation the
Republican majority in Congress would not
permit, although the minority insisted that
the interests of good government demanded
1t. And the minority was right. The lib
erality. patriotism and national pride Of
the people should not be made an excuse
for waste of the public funds. Official
extravaganza Is official crime.
There is not sentence In the Republican
platform recommending reduction in the |
expenditures Of the Government; not line |
suggesting that the increase in the cost Of |
the War Department from S34, OOO, 900 in |
CURED into; and not paragraph calling |
for thorough investigation of those depart |
ments of the Government In which dishsn-
esty has been recently disclosed.
The people, however. can by their votes,
II they desire it, order such an investigation
and inaugurate policy Of economy and
retrenchment. 1t is safe to say that this will
not be accomplished by indorsing at the
polls the Republican majority of the House
Of Representatives which refused the inves-
tigation and made the appropriations, nor
by continuing in power the administration
which made the Disbursements
Reform in expenditures must be had In
the civil, military and naval establishments
In order that the national expenditures
may be brought to a basis Of peace and the
Government maintained without recourse
to the taxes OF war.
CONCLUSION
] have put aside a congenisl work, to
which I had expected to devote my life.
In order to assume, as best I can, the re-
sponsibilities your convention put upon me.
generous assistance Of every man who
believes that a change Of measures and OF
men at this time would be wise, and urge
harmony of endeavor as well a vigorous
action on the part of all so minded.
The issues are joined and the people
must render the verdict,
=. Shall economy Of administration be de-
manded or shall extravaganza be enoour-
aged?
Shall the wrongdoer be brought to bay
by the people, or must Justice wait upon
political oligarchy?
Shall our Government stand for equal
opportunity or for special privileged
Shall it remain a Government OF law or
become one Of individual caprice?
Shall we cling to the rule Of the people
or shall we embrace benefcent despotism2
With calmness and confidence. we await
the peoples verdict
II called to the Office Of President shall
consider myself the Chief Magistrate Of all
the people and not Of any faction, and shall
ever be mindful OF the fact that on many
questions OF national policy there are honest
differences OF opinion. believe in the pa
triotisn, good sense and absolute sincerity
of all the people. ! shall strive to remember
that he may serve his party best who serves
his country best.
II it be the wish of the people that I'M
dertake the duties of the Presidency,
pledge myself, with Gods help, to devote
all my powers and energy to the duties OF
this exalted office. Very truly yours
AJT0N n pApuYp