The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1918-11-08
Washington Letter.

Washington, October 29.-(Special
CORRESPONDENCE The $6,OOO,OOO,O00
army deficiency appropriation bill-1ust
passed by the House, contains an item
of over hundred million dollars for
the construction and repair of hospi-
tails. Before the adoption of the para
graph Congressman Martin B. Mad
den of Illinois was successful in get
ting it amended in b way that will ap-
peal to the parents of every boy in
our armies. Mr.. Madden believes
that when our soldiers return to the
United States they should be sent to
the vicinity of their homes where they
can be visited by their relatives and
friends. Especially is that true of
the men who will require treatment in
hospitals, to whom the stimulating in
fiuence of familiar association is nee
essary to quick recovery. Mr.. Mad
denis amendment provides that "hos-
pital facilities shall be so situated as
to provide for the care of patients as
near the place from which they en-
tered the Army or Navy as practical
L
the Chairman of the Appropriations
Committee, and adopted by the House
by vote of more than two to one.
1t is becoming increasingly imper-
alive in the vicinity of many camps
and other Government activities to re-
pair the roads that have been seri-
ously damaged by the heavy army
traffice passing over them. Several
Republicans have introduced bills pro-
posing Federal cooperation with the
States in keeping such highways in
shape, but thus far no action has
been taken on the measures. In the
neighborhood of the Watertown Ar
senal in Massachusetts conditions are
especially aggravating, and Congress
man Frederick w. Dalinger, whose
district includes the Arsenal, lent his
earnest support to a proposed amend
ment to the army deficiency bill CIV
ing the Chief of Ordnance power to
enter into agreements with local au-
thorities by which the United States
would contribute not more than so
per cent toward the maintenance Of
highways largely used for military
purposes. Democratic opposition de-
veloped to the amendment on the
theory that it has not been the policy
in the past to authorize the expendi-
ture of money for the improvement of
roads not owned by the Government.
There are few private enterprises in
the country having connection with
war work that have not been aided,
financially or otherwise, by the Gov
eminent, and it is rather far fetched
to raise the cry of no precedent" in
the matter of road repair. But
point of order was raised against the
amendment favored by Mr.. Dallinger,
and it was kept out of the bill.
A few days ago the Shipping Board
sent special train of four sleepers
and two diners from Washington to
New York city to carry 26 people to
the latter city to observe the launch
ing of a couple of ships. Invitations
were sent but to the favored few who
took the trip, and they were assured
that the journey would be entirely
without cost to them, meals free on
the train, free entertainment in New
York, etc. 1t is such things that con-
tribute to the general feeling of sus-
picion and unrest chat is becoming
manifest throughout the country. The
people are beginning to realize that it
is too much of case of "easy come
easy go" with those In charge Of the
public funds at Washington.