The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-01-22
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.


More than ordinary interest attaches
to the statement by Chairman Spark
man of the river and harbor commit
tee to the effect that for the next three
or four years the annual river ard har-
Dor bills will be about the same size
as the present-which carries SAL .0O0.-
OOO-after which they should gradual
ly fall off until only comparatively
small sums will be necessary to main
tain completed works and slightly in
crease the navigation facilities from
time to time.
Though there has been much said
about pork barrels" in connection with
river and harbor bills, few measures
60 through congress which receive such
general support and so little actual OPP
position. The improvement Of naviga-
don seems to be a fixed policy and
very satisfactory to the people. On
this account 1t may be doubted whether
the prediction of future reductions In
appropriations will be carried out. be
cause there are many important sug-
gestions for river Improvements and in
land waterways which will receive at
tention in the future.
Too Much Secreey.
There Is always too much secrecy
about public business. If public busi-
ness cannot be known why call 1t pub
licY Congressman Reilly of Connect
cut told the house the other day of the
difficulties he had in trying to learn
something about postoffice affairs. Ev-
cry man questioned would say, 'You
must see the postmaster" If outside
Of Washington and in this city, "You
must see the head of the department"
Reilly asserted that as a general rule
men were placed in charge of postal
work and important positions who did
not have experience with actual con-
ditions and that under the gag rules
employees having knowledge were not
permitted to give Information. The
growth of secrecy in all departments
has been one Of the surprising evolu-
tons in our government
Mail by AeropIane.
Congressman Sharp of Ohio tried to
lave money appropriated for the car
rying of mail in Alaska by aeroplanes.
but Chairman Moon cut him down
with the deadly point of order. 1--WE
are having q great deal of difficulty
said Moon. 'in handling this mail on
land and water, and cannot consent
to going into the air with it"
Weather Excepted.
Colonel Pete Hepburn, who for years
represented an Iowa district In the
;housmvas discussing the many propo-
6lt1ons to amend the national c0nsHtu-
hon which are proposed as cure-alls
for troubles which beset the body pol
itic. 1.-The weather." said Colonel
Hepburn, '.is the only thing seeming
II which constitutional amendment
viii not help"
Nominated Moon.
Congressman Austin. Republican,
nominated John A. Moon Of Tennessee
for postmaster general on the floor of
the house, saying that Governor Wiz
son should select a man for that place
who knew something about the, needs
Of the postal service. Austin, by in
direction, reflected upon the system
which has prevailed so long of putting
men at the head Of the big business de-
partment of the government who know
little or nothing about the needs and
who depend entirely upon subordi-
mates. Moons long experience on the
postof1ce committee might well be
considered, but it is not believed that
he is progressive enough to suit the
new president. judging from his recent
remarks on the subject.
Not Moved by Partisan Motives.
Discussing some phase Of patron
age matter In the house. Congressman
Norris of Nebraska remarked: mo one
would suggest that l am moved by
partisan motives. because 1t has been
a long time since l have had the OPP
portunity to recommend any body what
ever for Office with the hope that the
appointment would be made. In fact.
my recommendation was sufficient for
the loss of all hope" There are sew
eral insurgent Republicans who can
say the same. They are not sorry to
see a change of administration.
"Keep OFF the Grass"
It reminds me of an incident that
happened in the house when Chair.
man Fitzgerald of the appropriations
committee undertook to tell the post
Office committee something about its
bill. II know" replied Chairman Moon
''that the gentleman is the guardian OF
the treasury. know that he thinks
there is no one who knows anything
about appropriations but himself anu
that he thinks no one but the clerks OF
his committee have sense enough to
make mathematical calculations"
And more to the same effect. which
shows that these chairmen Of commit
tees want the rest of the people t.,
keep of the grass"