New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-09-10
PARKER'S WILD PLUNGE.
In attacking Republican Profit
gacy" He Distorts Facts.
TFRoN rHE rRIBUNE RUREAU.I

lFROM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU
Washington. Sept. 9.-AIr. Parker's "admoni-
tion' to the Democratic editors that they unite
in attacking Republican ''profigacy'' the
chief issue of the campaign is not likely to be
adopted with alacrity by those Democratic edi-
tors who know more about national finances and
other federal matters than he does himself. Re-
pubheans will promptly accept the Challenge.
however, and make all intelligent Democrats
wish it had never been issued.
The Democratic candidate triumphantly an
nounced that there was now a deficit of $4,000
900 instead Of surplus Of SSO,OOOOOO which Mr.
Roosevelt found on becoming President. Both
statements are reckless. careful exanina-
ton OF the records OF the Treasury Department.
will show. In regard to the deficit" the re-
ceipts and expenditures for the fiscal year end
ing June 80 1901, show apparent deficit OF
S4OOOOOOO in round numbers. but IL must be
remembered that during that time the United
States paid S5OOOOOO0 for Panama canal and
advanced 81. 100000 to the louisiana Purchase
Exposition, which latter amount Is to be re-
turned to the government. In order to expend
this enormous amount the administration did
not find it necessary TO issue bonds or to charge
ii up to posterity, but paid it out OF available
funds in the Treasury. II Mr.. Parker would
deduct his apparent deficit OF S42,OO0Oo0 from
the S54 100000 paid for the purchase Of the
Panama Canal and the eneoUrag cement OF an
exposition Of worldwide scope and Importance
he would find only a balance Of $12,0O0.O6o and
upward on the other side Of the ledger.
PURPOSE OF BOND ISSUE.
The bonds issued by the Republican admin
istration were for the prosecution Of the war
with Spain. The bonds issued under the Cleve-
land administration were incidentally to supply
the needs of the government but largely to ben
eft the able financier who is now collecting
funds for the prosecution Of the Parker cam
paign
The candidate. with a retcence strangely IA
miliar to the students Of the David B. Hiil
school Of politics refrains from comparing the
expenditures of the second Cleveland admin
istratton, averaging $363.OOOOO0 year, with
those of the succeeding Republican admintstra-
tions nor did he attempt TO show reasons for
the comparatively small increase Of the latter
over the former.
The candidate likewise declined to show that
on March 1. 1897. the net balance in the Treas
ury. exclusive Of the $1O0OOOOOO gold reservs.
was SIP, 600. .293. On June 80. 1904. the net
balance was $16S, ,991 662. and in that time $780,
100000 was added to the gold reserve and $5O.-
100000 expended for the Panama Canal Pos
sibly Mr.. Parker feared that by referring to
such record Of government housekeeping ne
might appeal too strongly to the intelligence OF
the country, with the result of an appreci3ole
decrease in the Democratic vote next November.
Since 1855. under Republican administration.
the chief Of engineers Of the United States
army has expended on the rivers and harboTs
of the South alone in permanent and continuous
improvements over $50.OO0OO0. This is sxclu-
sive of the great expenditures for similar pur-
poses made throughout other sections OF the
country.
STATES THAT HAVE BENEFITED.
rrbasa S5OO 600 600 worth of improvements ara
scattered through Virginia. North Carolina,
South Carolina Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mis-
sissippi louisiana Texas. Arkansas. Tennessee,
Kentucky and Missouri the solid South. ths
section on which the Democratic candidate re-
lies for 151 votes in the electoral college II the
candidate doubts these figures. he can easily
satisfy himself as to their accuracy by consult
ing the records.
1t would be interesting TO know If Mr.. Parker.
If elected would recommend the discontinuancs
or curtailment of river and haroor improve
ments in the interests of Treasury surplus.
and If so, what section Of the country would
suffer?
ministration. in 1897. the sum Of $o0OOOOOo In
round numbers has been invested IN puolo
buildings and sites outside of this city, and
rnder Republican rule in the last eight years
1854 100000 has been invested IN new and
greater navy At the time OF the inauguratio.
Of Mckinley the total value OF the new naVA
establishment including vessels complete ves-
sells building and the inventory value or tns
navy yards amounted to only $162OeOOOO
Under the persistent and tnslstent coachlns
of David e HILL Mr.. Parker has evidently been
deluded into the belief that a mtssratenent OF
facts or Juggling Of figures can deceive me
intelligent voters Of the country. but Hliis
roethods are too we'll known to afford encour-
apenenr to office seekers who are disposed to
follow their devious paths II Is douotAu-
1o1rR TO GETTYSBURG AND WASHINGTON.
panns,ilyania Railroad Personally Conducted tal