American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1916-12-28
HeRE TAXES TO FURNISH APORK..
Depleted National Treasury Does Not
Deter E~xtravagant Members Of Con-
gress-McAdoo and Fitzgerald Wor-
Fied.

That the Republican cry OF extra
vagance, hurled at the Democrats dur
ing the late campaign, was more than
an expedient. and was founded on solid
fact, is now attested by the two Demo-
Gratis most competent TO speak on the
subject OF government finances, the
secretary OF the treasury, Mr.. McAdoo,
and the chairman OF the house COM
mittee on appropriations, Mr.. Fitzger-
aid OF New York. The former In his
annual report, warned OF a deficit at
the close OF the fiscal year that may
exceed $4,000, 900, and the latter, In
a recent speech In the house, pointed
out the probability of a deficit OF $780,
600 900 at the close of the next fiscal
year, IL some means Is not taken by
congress to provide additional rev.
enue
Up TO the present time, however,
Mr.. McAdoo and Mr.. Fitzgerald are
the only two Democrats who appear
IN the least concerned over the de-
pleted state of the federal treasury.
The committees of congress are forg-
ing ahead with appropriation bills, and
making no more effort at economy
that was manifest at the recent rec
ord-breaking session. Advocates OF
pork" Legislation are more active
this session than last. and no one In
congress, other than Mr.. Fitzgerald,
seems to realize the necessity for cur
failing federal appropriations. But
even Mr.. Fitzgerald is fearful that
economy alone will! not avert that
deficit.
In so many words Mr.. Fitzgerald
has warned the house that II will
soon be face to face with the necessity
OF raising even more revenue than is
provided by the regular tax laws, the
income and corporation tax, the So
called war tax and the later Kitchin
revenue law.
That the imposition OF still fur
ther taxes Is 10 become necessary, un-
less the administrator prefers a bond
issue, Is proof In itself OF the extra
vagance OF the Democratic admins
tration and the Democratic congress.
for h income and corporation tax.
the war tax. and the kitchin tax. all
enacted since Mr.. Wilson entered the
White House, raise something like
$3.50, 000, 900 or $500. 900 900 a e a
more than did the revenue laws in
force under the last Republican adj
ministration. and yet with all this adj
ditlonal revenue, the government, In
Democratic hands. liz running behind.
So far as Is now evident, there is
no purpose to pass n revenue bill this
session. nor is there any indication
hat congress will authorize a bond
issue to meet the deficit that threat
TO develop before tho new con-
gress is called together. But what is
equally startling is the fact that there
seems to be no clear purpose to hold
down the appropriations at the pres
ant session. On the other hand. the
house, at least, seems disposed to deal
literally from the federal treasury.
to force upon the senate. in add
ton TO the regular appropriation bills,
n good sized river and harbor bill. for
projects both good and bad. and the
public building bill. which is
least 40 per cent pork"
IL there is to be economy in appro-
at the present session, Il
come from the senate. for the
house apparently is deaf to all APP
peals and determined To disregard the
OF the appropriations chair
and the secretary of the treasury.
III the senate, also, shall fail to heed
these warnings. II is more than likely
the president, on advice OF the secre-
OF the treasury. will be compelled
10 exercise the veto power and return
OF the appropriation bills for
and reduction.
Once economy is forced upon con
gress, good projects and good works
are going to suffer along with the bad,
Tor the advocates OF pork" are
and are as selfish as they are
powerful. The president has not the
power to veto specific items In any
appropriation bill; he can not sift
the good from the bad, he must veto
a bill In toto or let 1t become a law.
This state of affairs In congress,
and the prospect of a big deficit that
must be met at the next session, II
this. is causing many Republicans
To question the adyisability OF making
a fight for the control OF the next
house. Those taking that view point
that the new congress-if the
congress does not act-must
do something TO provide more reye-