The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-08-11
HUGHES WOULD
like 70 PROBE
ADMINISTRATION
Reyealer of Insurance Scan.
dal Thinks He Could
Uncover Waste.

tBy AsSOEluteu tTesS.l
FARGO, N. D., Aug. l1.-Charles E.
Hughes speaking here last night, as
sailed the present administration for
lnefficiency, waste and extravaganza,
particularly with reference to the riy-
er and harbor bill, recently passed by
congress.
~ think | may say without rash
ness" Mr.. Hughes told his audience
that the government Of the United
States is recklessly wasteful, shame
fully incompetent and extravagant. q
reproach to the injustice OF the people
because OF its inefficiency.
II would like TO have the authority
to investigate this administration for
aobut six months" I @ nominee con-
tinucd.
",The rivers and harbors bill known
to the people as the pork barrel bill" !"
Mr.. Aughess aid, "is largely money
wasted, as there is no expert examin-
alton to determine what expenditures
are needed.
"0n the contrary 1t very largely de-
pends on who are the influential men
representing particular districts ana
what appropriations are obtained in
this district and that district for that
man and this man.
THAT Is q matter Of log rolling. 1t
brings tn blush of shsme to the
cheeks Of every American. 1t ought
to be stopped. If am elected Presi-
dent, to the best of my ability, pro.
pose to stop It,"
Mr.. Hughes declared the pork bar.
rel bill In 1914 was talked TO death
by Senrtor Burton, fine Republican"
and that the 1915 bill was reduced
materially because OF he opposition Of
Republicans and some conscientious
Democrats.
This year, just the other day." the
nominee continued, Congress passed
rivers and harbOrs bill OF some $42,.
100000. 'Dnfcss don't know why
such q measure should receive ap.
proyal. We have heard great deal
lately OF the power OF executive lead.
ership. 1t has been powerfully exert.
ed. Why cannot II be exerted 60
save the public purse from being loot.
ed In the interest of t.cse ridiculous
appropriations?
-Four years Ego our opponents ar
raigned tie Republican party for ex-
travagance, and 1t was reckless ex.
penditure. Then they proceeded to be
more lavish In appropriations than
the Re. ablcan party had been. They
arraigned the Republican party for
lack of business like administration
then they proceeded TO be absolutely
profigate in their appropriations.
Now, have no apologies for Re.
publican extravaganza. am Just as
quickly 10 condemn that which is
wrong in my own party as | am any.
where else. ! don't stand for. what
don't believe to be right simply be.
cause 1t is under the banner Of a par.
ticular party"
Reverting to the rivers and harbors
appropriations of 1916, Mr.. Hughes
said:
Take for example the Arkansas
River. That is an illustration, as
understand it, OF case where there
has been an expert report against the
appropriation. That expert repor
was rs | understand II to the effect
that $4,000 should be the appropria.
tion. Two hundred thousand dollars
and over were appropriated right In
the teeth Of the report on the exami.
nation Of the project.
Mr.. Hughes repeated his views, as.
gailiI o tho af-m In fst ration for tbo m
pointment of inexperienced men TO the
diplomatic service.
"The paying of political debts with
public office is honey combining our
administrative life" he said. II am
opposed TO it. II am elected, that
sort Of thing will have no place in my
appointments"