The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-08
THE DISTRICT BUDGET UN-
DER THE NEW LAW.

Under a law which is in force for
The first time in the history of the
District. the estimates which the Com
lnissioners are to submit to Congress
will come within the revenues of the
local government. In recent years the
Commissioners have been sending to
Congress budget which bore no rels-
ton TO the municipal receipts. 1t sg-
gregated sometimes as high as $4,000
900 or sl6.O0O,O0O. and upon the long
suffering committees which handle Dis
trict appropriations was placed the
burden and responsibility ri bringing
the figures within a reasonable total.
1t seems as if Congress has grown tired
of this unnecessary and irksome labor
and has placed upon the Commissioners
the duty OF selecting the items for
which provision is imperatively requir-
ed. We are inclined to the belief that
Congress was justified in its action At
any rate, we may be sure that the
Commissioners have this year been
compelled to exercise some discretion
and discrimination. They must begin
to appreciate the burden which they
have hitherto foisted upon Congress-.
Above sll, the day has gone when they
can incorporate every idealistic scheme
into the District estimates, no matter
what expense is entailed, and then
point the finger of blame to the Con
gressional committees for not opening
up the United States Treasury to put
the projects into execution.
It is q wise provision, also, which
keeps the estimates within the reve-
nues. The time has come when the
lavish expenditures which have imposed
q debt of several million dollars upon
the District may well cease. The rev
enues of the local government now ag
Rregate over 100000, thus affording
under the half-snd- half arrangement
with the United States an dependable
fund of $4,000, 900. Even when from
this total is deducted the S950,O00 which
is annually paid upon the old Shepherd
debt and the $500. 600 which Congress
appropriates outside of the District bill
there still remains some Sll 100000
There are few, If any, cities of the
size Of Washington which have any
thing like this well-hlled exchequer
Milwaukee manages 70 maintain an en-
.viable position on s9,OOO,OOO, Louis
vile exists on 100000. and San Fran
cisco on sl3,OOOOOO-
There is no reason under the sur
why Washington should not develop
and progress with sll,OOO,O0O available
for it's uses. 1t is equally certain tina
q wise and economical administration
viii provide for all legitimate function
Of city government and leave a surplu
for investment in permanent improve
rnenss. Washington ought to presen
the spectacle of q city entirely fire
from debt. u is a model city in man,
respects. II the burden of debt whic
has been laid upon it can be lifted an
if, in the future, it can be manage
without mourning additional obligation
IL will be the envy of every municipal
ity In the country.
We hope that the Commissioner
will realize the necessity of keepin
good faith with the United States an
take some steps toward returning tn
vast sunns which the General Govern
nent has generously advanced. IL the
will do this Congress will look wit
greater favor upon the District and il
government. More than this, the ez
tinguisbment of the debt will all tn
more speedily bring US 10 a perio
when the sums now required TO NEE
our obligations can be devoted 20 th
great enterprises which yet remain t
be achieved.