The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-15
Chairman of House ApprO- priatiOns Discusses Fi- nancial Situation of the Federal Government
TARIFF LAW NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
 THE SITUATION
GiIIett Charges Democratic Extravaganza to Blame for Conditions - Speedy Adjustment Imperative

Washington, March 4.-statements is- sued today by Chairman Fitzgerald of the House appropriations committee and Representative Gillett, ranking republican member, agree that appropriations of the last session of Congress amounts to H,- 115,121, ,409; that contracts involved addi- tional appropriations of $37. 900 were au- thorized and that a treasury deficit is probable.
 Chairman F'itzgerald's statement did mol give the total of appropriations for the entire sixty-third Congress. Mir. Gillett placed it at s2,2s1 Ooo.ooo, which, he said was $l13, 100000 greater than that of the Sixty-second Congress and SIT. .0o0000 more than the last republican Congress appro- priated.
 Mir. Fitzgerald estimated that should the condition of the treasury continue as at present until June 30 the total deficit income tax collections estimated at ss0,0OO,- eco
 MT. Ciilett asserted that the treasury has not been so empty since the Cleve- land adnrnistration."
 Chairman Fitzgerald declared the tariff in no way was responsible and that until the outbreak of war the new law had proved an effective revenue producer. MT. Cillett did not agree with that.
 Mir Fitzgerald said the effect of the war was worldwide, and that as It goes on reduction of customs imports and their revenue will continue. At some length he discussed the need of economy.
 The finances of the7 federz -s5vera- mel,t must be readjusted," said he. No more important problem will confront Congress when it reassembles.
 House Chief Hope
 Under our system of government, the chief hope of the people in the proven tion of extravagant and unjustifable ex- penditures is in the House of Represen- tatives. The executive department of the government may cooperate. but as the success of an administration is frequent 1y believed to be measured by the expendi- ture to carry out predetermined policies, the volume of expenditure must neces- sarily be of second importance. The temptation is ever present to mollify some class or to attach another. or to at- tract those indifferent or In opposition by some policy not within the true func- tions cf the government, and which policy is not within the true functions of the government. and which involves expendi- lures that add greatly to the burdens of the people. The direct representatives of the people, clothed, under the constitu- ion, vii ,f la t. properly organized. can and must curtail federal expenditures.
 '''ro make the work of the House of Representatives really effective there must be a radical change ,a it's meth ods of handling appropriations. Many times the present system has been con dcinne1 HIS Illogical and unscientific. Real reform is impossible with eight commit- tees of the House framing appropriation bills, while seven of the committee have legislative jurisdiction over the matters . for which they recommend appropria- tions. Further consideration dee pens my convictions that one committee should that ne legislation should be contained in the appropriation bills"
 Assails Democrats
 Mir CilIett assaied democratic leaders for what he characterized as extrava- gance.
 ''The appropriations of this session have shamefully disregarded the principals of sound business and true economy With revenues falling and precarious. with business and commercial conditions fever ish and uncertain, with steady month ly deficit and no assured prospect or us relief, and with a cash fund reduced to a point that has generally been deemed unsafe, the administration has recom- mended, and the Congress has authorized
 tContinued on Page Two)