Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-21
sUNDRY CIVIL BILL.
Mr.. McLaurin Resumes His Speech
Against Presidents Expenses.

During hull in the debate on the Panama
canal bill today Senator Hale called up the
sundry civil appropriation bill. and Senator
McLaurin continued his speech begun last
night In opposition TO the provision appro-
prlating $4,000 to pay the travelling ex-
penses Of the President, his attendants and
invited guests.
He based his objection to the approprla-
tlon on the ground that It makes class
distinction and said that he was opposed
10 that principle He objected not only to
the Presidents "galavanting" about over
the country, but also to his using the pub
lie money tc invite such representatives or
the press as he might desire to have with
him-such as would give out the kind of In
formation as would suit him and conceal
such as he did not want printed. If any
newspaper men were to be invited ali
should be.
1t had been claimed that but for the
Presidents trips about the country the
railroad rate bin would never have re-
ceived the popular approval that had been
given 1t. but Mr.. McLaurin declared that
this could not be the case. The President
is not alone. he said. in advocacy of the
rate bill. Had not Mr.. Bryan, ''one of the
greatest men ever produced by the ooun-
try" been advocating this kind of legIsla-
ton long before the Presidents message of
1904?
II. he said. the President is to be al
lowed to travel over the country at pub
lie expense other officials should be as
courteously treated. The Vice President
should for instance, be permitted to make
his views known to the country, in view
of the possibility of future assassinations.
Senator McCumber objected 10 the pro-
vision on constitutional grounds. claiming
that the proposed appropriation comes
within the Inhibition against emoluments
and increase in salary.
Senator Hale said that the constitutional
question had been raised in committee,
where IL was agreed that the question
might be raised by the controller. Senators
must. he said decide the point for them
selves
These remarks had been made by way of
interruption OF Mr.. McLaurin, who, when
he was able to resume. said he had not in
tended to raise the constitutional question.
He stood on the broad ground that the
simplicity Of our .orm of government Is be-
ing invaded, In that the provision looks to
discrimination The disposition Is to allow
the President to think for Congress. Mr..
McLaurin did not Ike that plan. and would
have the President communicate with Con-
gress by message
Mr. McIaurin disavowed any special ref
erence to the present chief executive, saying
that his remarks applied to the office. Yet.
he said. the present occupant Of the White
House had been the cause of much expense
10 Tie government. IN THIS connection ne
referred to the appropriation OF s400, 900 for
improvements TO the executive mansion,
and said that yacht and horses and car
rages are provided by the government.
Senator Hale took issue with the state
mont concerning horses and carriages, say
ing that the government horses and car
riages are not used for private purposes
He had no doubt. he said. that the Presi-
dent had bought and paid for all the equip
ages used by his family and for private
purposes.