The Washington herald., 1912-08-13
UNCLE SAM BOYS
ALL STONE BROKE
Failure of Congress to Pass Urgent
Deficiency Bill Causes Soldier
--.- Lads Trouble.
10000 WITH EMPTY POCKETS

For the first time in history the
American army has gone broke. Over
SO, 900 gallant soldier boys are without
a penny in their pockets for, the pur-
chase of tobacco, soda pop. and other
essentials of military post life or for
the entertainment OF their best girl.
They have received no pay from the
government since last May. .. .
This unusual situation, is was ex-
planned yesterday by Gen. George r.
Smith. Paymaster General of the Army.
is due to the failure of Congress to
pass the urgent deficiency bill which
carries several million dollars to cover
a lack of funds in the various depart
ments as a result Of an insufficient ap-
preparation for last years expenses.
One of the principal items in this bill
Is 81. 10000 for the payment of the en-
listed and official personnel of the army.
Last years appropriation was practically
exhausted by the May payments, only
a small amount being Iert over to apply
to June payments. This money was dis
tributed first among the soldiers in for
eign stations. principally in the Philip
pines, and second, among the officers.
The officers We're favored for the reason
that they are not supported by the gov
ernment- The enlisted men are afforded
quarters. rations and clothing. while the
officers are not Certain ARTICLES pf
clothing and stock kept in the canteen.
which are sold to enlisted men, are being
issued. however, and charged up against
their pay. Even these issues are limited
to the necessaries of life, so the soldier
who has not accumulated a saving Is
being deprived of all extras.
No Pay since June.
Practically all of the soldiers on duty
in the United States have received no
payment since the LIST of June. that be-
ing for the month of May. Although
provision was made for their July pay
by the Congressional resolution extend
ing all OF last years appropriations. Pay
master General Smith has without pay
ment for that month pending the pas
sage of the urgent deficiency bill. This
is being done. he explained. to-day. for
the reason that the making of July pay
ments in advance of the June payments
would greatly complicate his accounts
and result in either working his clerical
force considerably overtime or the add
ing of a large number OF new clerks
for temporary use. He stated. however.
that II Congress does not pass the urgent
bill this week he will at once
come TO the relief of the enlisted men
by issuing their July payments.
Aside from this item in the urgent de-
bill there is an item of about
sS00.0O0 for the subsistence department
and about $4,000 for the Military Acam-
emy. The subsistence department is al
ready being embarrassed by the presen-
tation Of claims from contractors who
supplied provisions for the month of
June. Like emharrass ssmcnt is being felt
by the authorities of the Military ACad-
envy, where a large number Of enlisted
men remain unpaid and several items for
important purchases are being held over
the action of Congress.
On July l. the beginning of the fiscal
year. a resolution was passed carrying
of the previous years ap-
This carried the govern
ment along until August l. which date
still found Congress in snarl over
measures. Another resolu-
ton was accordingly passed extending
the revious years appropriations to
August ls. and now another resolution is
10 be put in carrying the Appropriation
tor the previous year to September l.
Projects suffer.
In the meantime many projects and un- !
1ertakings which were not figured in last
years appropriations are suffering from
he lack of funds.
Chairman Fitzgerald. Of the House Ap- |
Committee. conferred with |
President Taft yesterday in regard to |
MS plan toward the legislative appro- !
0riation bill. The announcement of Mr.. |
Taft that he will veto this bill led the |
House leaders to decide imediately upon |
he introduction OF another emergency |
-esolution.
Blame for the delay in passing the
upply bill is being laid at the doors Of |
Democrats. 1t is charged that they have
oaded tire Appropriation bills down with
iders containing special legislation and |
hat these riders have blocked the expe-
ting of the bill through conferences.