The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-08
US. EXPENSES
RUNNING WILD,
SAYS F0RDNEY
Ways and Means Member
Warns House of Rising
Wave of Protests.
COMPLIES HUGE TOTAL
Outstanding Bills Dec. 81
Were 900. O.OOO.O 900 and
Still Climbing.
ASKS EXTRAVAGANCE CUT
Declares Big Outlay Asked for
Navy Is Not Justified at
This Time.
ASKS EXTRAVAGANCE CUT

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.-Representa-
tive Fordney (Mich.), ranking Repub-
lican on the Ways and Means Com
mittee, offered the House to-day n
startling compilation OF the actual and
proposed financial obligations OF tho
months.
In presenting his figures Mr.. Ford
ney called attention to the rising wave
Of protest throughout the country
against the proposed continuation. for
socialistic and paternalistic economic
ventures, OF the vast war time eX-
penditures and resultant tax burdens.
IL caution you" he said. that we
are going wild in governmental eX-
penditures. We have been very ex-
travagant in the war but we will for
get that because to effect it we have
won the war. But where are we going
to land in the expenditures OF this Gov
ernment IL We are not somewhat con-
servative?
"On December 81. 1918. the outstand-
ing obligations OF the Government In
bonds. certificates of Indebtedness war
savings stamps, &c, amounted to $3l.-
900. 100000. The interest on this Is esti-
mated at $1,000 100000 The naval ap-
preparation we are now considering calls
for an expenditure OF S74S, 900, 900. For
hospital construction s30,ooo,o00
s6SO.OoO,o 900 for ships.
'Ths merchant marine will cost Us
conservatively about s65o.ooo,o0o. The
extra cost. for war in discharging men
from the service will be at least $780,.
900, 900 and possibly double that The
aircraft appropriation OF from s25.oeo..
600 to $4,000. 900 does not include the
proposed aerial mail and that undoubt-
edly will call for sj0, 1000. 900 more The
Government operation of the railroads
already has furnished a loas OF $3.50
600. 900 during the first year OF Govern
ment control, and this probably will bs
increased to $500, 100000 before the
roads are restored to their owners.
Government contracts have been au.
thorized up to $4,000 100000, The guar
antee to the farmers on wheat, conserva.
lively estimated, will be $1,000, 900. 900
The war risk insurance will require
$3.50, 900 900. The European food bill
recently passed carries 100000. 600
Extra clerk hire TO members Of thc
House will exceed 100000 In the mex
twelve months.
The Federal Employment Bureau /:
asking for sl4.000,o00 for the next year
The bonus for soldiers provided in tn,
revenue blll-S60 a man-will amour
TO s255. 100000
Huge Bill for Country.
This Is the amount the Congress /,
going 10 be called on to collect from tho
public in the next twelve months
amounting 10 ss.iso,U0u.vUv. This zoe;
not include the ordinary expenses OF tn,
Government, but 1t is true the tax bill
will collect, II the estimates made ar,
correct, in round numbers 81, 900. 900, 600
But in the very near future we arr
going to be called on to pass anothe'
revenue bill in addition to the one whlcl
will come up tomorrow.
I'm my opinion the authorize tioI
asked In this naval bill is not warranted
TO that extent at this particular time
although am in favor Of having a grea
navy If we need it"