The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-01-30
WOULD CUT DOWN EXPENSES,
CABINET SEEKS TO BRING THEM
WITHIN INCOME.
Final Action not Reached ut Cabinet
Meeting. but 1t is Probable War
Tax Will be Extended.

Washington, Jan. 27.-The admins
tratlon has taken up in earnest the
question OF how the governments cx.
penses shall be brought within it's in
come during the next fiscal year. A
cabinet conference today debated the
situation ut length and tomorrow
President Wilson will go over the sit
uation with Secretary McAdoo, Post
master General Burleson, Representa-
tive Underwood, Democratic leader in
the house, and Representative Fitz-
gerald, chairman of the appropria-
tions committee. Estimates of en-
penditures for the year far exceed
the most eXtravagant hopes for rev.
enues. and administration leaders
agree that something must be done
to prevent deficit.
While no final conclusions were
reached by the cabinet, it is under
stood that most Of it's members could
see no way of avoiding the necessity
OF extending the time limit on the
war tax law unless congress would:
Reduce all appropriation bills as
much as possible without impairing
the efficiency of the government.
Abandon the S34,00O.OOO rivers
and harbors appropriation bills.
Adopt Postmaster General Burle-
sons plan for reducing the cost of
rural free delivery service by putting
carriers on contract basis.
The cabinet officers realize that
congress will not easily be persua ded
to eliminate the rivers and harbors bill
entirely Mr.. Burleson's proposal to
congress that it reduce free delivery
expenses rom s52,00O.0O0 to $685.
100000 was rejected by the house.
These two items taken out Of con-
gress' plans for appropriation would
make 1t a large saving it was pointed
out, and possibly relieve all nbar-
rassment for the present. 1t a.jo was
said congress probably might be asked
to cut the current army and navy
bills, though it is conceded that not
much can be done In this direction.
Estimates for expenditures for the
fiscal year ending in 1916 sent by Sec
retary McAdoO to congress at the be-
ginning of the present session amount
ed to approximately $1,000, OOO, 900,
which included the estimate of ap-
proximately 100000, 900 to meet the
sinking fund obligations. Additional
estimates. however, have aggregated
$25.O00,000. The estimates for reve-
nues totafed approximately $1,055,-
900. 900. - d.
The postoffice bill, in which it is pos
sible large cut will be made, is now
in the senate. The house is expected
to pass the agriculture bill tomorrow.
The sundry civil bill is expected to
be taken up next This measure totals
approximately $132.OOO,OO0. The leg
islative bill has been cut below de-
partmental estimates and no further
substantial reductions in it are ex-
pccted.
1t was understood tonight that Sec
retary Garrison will not object if an
appropriation Of $4,000, 900 for a new
transport now carried in the q nv dill
is eliminated Some $5.O0O,OOO more
than the amount estimated by Secre-
tary Daniels is carried in the naval
bill, as completed by the committee
and Postmaster General Burleson's es-
Inmates have been increased by ap-
proximately $2i 1000, 900 in the post
office bill.
Representative Mann. minority
leader of the house, who has repeat
edly accused the present congress of
being the most eXtravagant i'm the his
tory Of the country. spoke of the need
OF economy in the house again today.
At today's cabinet conference plans
FOR coordination estimates in the fu-
ture were discussed and it is under
stood each cabinet member will seek
ways of cconOmizing i'm his dcpart
ment, particularly so long as the war
continues to cut down imports and re-
duce the government income from
that source.
Today's conference was informed
that postottice revenues as well as CHS
toms receipts were falling off as a
result of the war.