Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-28
CABINET CONFERS
ON ECONOMY PLANS
Administration Takes Up in
Earnest How Governments
Expenses Can Be Reduced.
MAY CUT BIG MONEY BILLS
Estimates of Expenditures Far
Exceed Most Extravagant
Hopes for Revenues.

WASHINGTON. January 27.-The ad-
ministration has taken up in earnest
the question of how the governments
expenses shall be brought within its
income during the coming fiscal year
Cabinet conference to-day debated
the situation at length. and tomorrow
President Wilson VIII go over the sit
uation with Secretary McAdoo, Post
master General Burleson and Rcpresen-
tativc Underwood. Democratic leader
In the House. and Representative Fitz-
gerald. chairman of the Appropriations
Committee.
Estimates OF expenditures for the
year far exceed the most extravagant
hopes FOR revenues. and administration
leaders agree that something must be
done 10 prevent "a deficit While no
final conclusions were reached by the
Cabinet, 1t is understood that most of
It's members could see no way Of avoid
Ing the necessity of extending the time
limit on the war tax law. unless Con-
grcss would:
Reduce all appropriation bills as
much as possible without impairing
the efficiency of the government
Abandon the s34OOoo00 river and
harbor appropriation bills
And adopt Postmnster-G Burle-
sons plan for reducing the cost Of
rural free delivery service b. putting
carriers on contract basis.
NOT EASY TO ELIMINATE
RIVER AND HARBOR BILL
The Cabine, officers realize that Con
gress VIII not easily be persuaded to
eliminate the river and harbor bill en-
tir"ly. Mr. Burleson's proposal TO
Congress that II reduce free delivery
expenses from $4,000, 900 to $4,000. 900
was rejected by the House. These two
items taken out OF Congress's plans for
appropriations would make a large saw
ihS 1t was pointed out. and possibly
relieve all embarrassment for the pres
ent. II also was said that Congress
probably might be asked 10 cut the
current army and navy bills. though
II Is conceded that not much can be
done In this direction.
Another plan which might be brought
forward would he TO lower the income
Tax exemption below $4,000. This.
however. probably Will not be serious
~ considered except as last resort.
Estimates for expenditures for the
fiscal year ending In 1916 sent by Sec
retary McAdoo to Congress al the be
ginning OF the present session of Con-
gress. amounted Approximately to ST.
$4,000 900, which included the cs,i-
mated amount OF approximately 500
opo'o"o, 10 meet the sinking fund obli-
cations. Additional estimates how
ever. have aggregated S25 600. 600 The
estimates Tor revenues totaied approxi-
mately sl.055.0o0.O0O.
The post-ofce bill. in which /, +.
possible large cut will he made 10
now in the Senate. The House &c ex
pccted TO pass the agricultural bill TO-
morrow night. The sundrv civil hin
Is expected 10 be taken up next. This
measure totals approximatelv s13o
100000 The Legislative bill has bee,
cut below departmental estimates ,rd
no further substantial reducttops IN :,
are expected
WILL NOT OPPOSE
SOME CUT IN ARMY RIIL
II was understood tonight that
secretary Garrison will not object IL
mn appropriation OF Approximately So
100000 for new transport now car
ried in the army bill is eliminated
''oiiic So,Vpp,oVp more Than the amount
estimated by Secretary Daniels IS car
ricd In the naval bill as completed nv
inc committee, and Postmaster-Gencrat
Burieson's estimates have been in.
creased by approximately S24. 900. 600 in
the post-ofi1ce bill
Representative Mann, minority leader
or the House, who has repeatedly ac-
cused me present Congress OF heiur
inc most eNtravagant In the history Of
the country. spoke of the need OF tho
economy in tho House again to-day
Al to-days Cabinet conference n,,ns
Tor co-ordinating estimates in tho
future Were discussed. and ii Is under.
stood that each Cabinet member will
seek ways of economizlng in his do
partment. particularly so long as Tho
European war continues to cut down
imports and reduce the governments
Income from that source
To-day's conference was informed
that post-office as we'll as customs
receipts are falling off as conse-
quence OF the war.
No IhMEC II nAnH-- ~-