Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1912-04-09
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:, SECOND ANNUAL NORTH 0A. :
:. kOTA INDUSTRIAL EXPOSE. :
:. TON, BISMARCK, OCTOBER I :
:. TO 10, 1912.
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THE PRESIDENTS ECONOMY

THE PRESIDENTS ECONOMY
There is a marked difference be-
tween the methods of economy which
the President points out to congress
in his special message and that which
is pursued by the appropriations COM
mittees, especially that of the house,
in dealing with departmental expend-
lures. The one is based upon most
careful and scientific Investigation OF
the conditions in the executive branch
of the government and looks to the
establishment of more consistent
and busiesslike plan of operation.
The other is a haphazard, cheesepar-
ing process which saves little
money but hampers the public service
by a lack Of consistency and failure
to adhere to a definite principle.
The Presidents recommendations
are specific and are clearly in the
interest," of not only more economical
but more efficient service. They are
the result of many months of pains.
taking study, and it is inconceivable
that they should be ignored or neglec.
ted by congress. The estimate Of
$10,OO0,O00 of annual saving is not
too high. The saving can be accomp-
lshed without in the least degree
lessening the scope or character OF
the governments work. On the con-
trary, it will mean an improvement
in the service, a more perfect CO
ordination of parts, more business
like transaction in every respect.
Economy by the pruning of esti-
mates is poor way to save money.
The estimates are framed by those
who are ultimately acquainted WITH
the needs of the service and repre-
sent the actual requirements and
the opportunities for improvements.
1t is supposed that the executive off,
GERS who prepare and submit them
are as keenly interested in the well
fare of the government as those who
frame the bills themselves. OF
course, under the American system
these estimates, coming from various
sources, may be in the aggregate in
excess of the total amount which con.
gress is disposed to spend in the up
keep of the administrative depart.
ments, and in such cases some cur
tailments are necessary. In theory
the executive officials are consulted
in these reductions in the course OF
the hearings given by the appropria-
tons committee, but in fact this is a
defensive process on the part of the
executive officials rather than a true
consultation. The committees prac-
tically say to the heads of the execu.
tive departments and their subordin-
ates: 1--WE are going to cut these
items; have you anything to say about
it,"
1t is, of course, quite possible that
even with the recommendations Of
the President adopted there would
still be disposition to prune and
pare the estimates on the part Of the
committees and the Aouses. But that
does not lesson the importance of
proceeding without further delay to
reorgahize along the lines Of the
Presidents suggestions. The govern.
ments departments and bureaus have
developed without the guidance of
any central principal during many
years. There is no established type,
and the Assignments Of duties have
been governed by immediate circum-
stances rather than any definite policy.
The consequence is a scattering of
duties, . multiplication of offices and
a resultant waste Of time and labor
and money. A real economy could
and should be Immediately effected
BY following out the proposals which
have now been laid before congress
The Hf1fSville Aliens are senetertnR