The Washington herald., 1916-01-23
Important Item Of District Expense.

That Congress at the present session will adopt
for the District OF Columbia the new fiscal sys-
tenn which was recommended by its joint commit
tee of investigation must be regarded at least
probable. Under the plan proposed the people OF
Washington viii pay as much of the expense Of
frayed by their contributions resulting from fair
taxation, and the Federal government will pay the
rest. The District Commissioners pride them
selves upon their qualifications modern and pro-
gressiye business men, it must be presumed
that they are already preparing for the change In
order that Congress may know definitely each year
how much money must be appropriated from the
Federal Treasury it must have information, as ex-
act possible, to District expenses and reve-
nues. 1t is to be expected of the Commissioners
that they will include in their estimates of expen
dtures all items of expense connected with the
operation of the District government toward the
payment of which its general revenues may prop.
erly be applied. Nothing should be left to chance
or dependent any special municipal tax, if Con-
gress is to provide the orderly system OF finance
that is promised for the District. On one side OF
the ledger the Commissioners will have to enter
all items of District expense and on the other all
of the Districts revenues not excepting the dog
tax the Police Court fines the proceeds from
the sale of stolen property, which now contribute
toward the curtailcd pensions which incapacitated
policemen and fremen receive reward for
years of faithful service to the city.
Obviously, then, it will be necessary for the
Commissioners in their annual estimates to add to
G.
ments the amount of the pension roll each year,
since these pensions just debt, recognized
by Congress, and a legitimate and necessary mu-
ncipal expense. 1t is evident, therefore, that the
present farccal system of paying pensions to the
extent permitted by the sequestration of revenues
from uncertain sources must end when the new
financial plan goes into effect at latest The change
demanded by common sense and good business
should not be made dependent, however, upon the
new plan now under consideration by Congress.
1t should be inserted in the present District appro
priation BILL so that the Capitals retired guardi-
ans may be sure of receiving the money the Dis
trict owes them-not charity but just debt.
Farther than that simple justice demands dehci-
ency appropriation of s65,ooo more to pay the
money the District has withheld from its incapaci-
tated servants since 1911. This would more
be charity than provision to pay their pensions
in full this year. They much entitled to
this money as the District officials are to their
monthly salaries. And if majority of the men,
bers OF Congress were aware of the circumstances
their sense of justice would impel them to vote
for payment of the debt The very least that can
be expected of the present session, however, is
the establishment of the pension fund upon a
stable and permanent basis. The citizens of Wash
ington owe it to the men who have braved dangers
to protect them. but who now incapacitated,
to use every influence at their command to aid
them in their appeal for justice.