, 1921-11-03
PEOPLE MUST PAY &SsO, 0OO A
YEAR TO WATCH NEW PACKER
LAWS WORK

Estimates recently submitted to
congress indicate hat the enactment
Of the Packers and Stock Yards
Act OF 1921" the new packer bill
which became a law recently with
the signature Of President Harding,
will cost the people of the United
States $32O,6OO a year, says the cur
e n issue OF the Armour Magazine.
The preliminary estimates ask con-
gress for an appropriation Of $780,
900 alone as necessary for that por-
ton of the fiscal year yet remaining.
Yes, that Is a considerable amount
Of money, but it is, President Hard
ing says, a careful estimate made of
the actual money that will be needed
to enable the secretary of agriculture
to carry into effect the provisions
of the new bill. In his letter to
congress. asking for the appropria-
tion. the president said:
This appropriation becomes ne
cessary on account Of a law enacted
since the passage of the regular ap-
preparation bills. The estimate has
had careful consideration with the
fact in view that it involves the crea-
ton and building Of a new and indie
pendent organization within the de-
partment Of agriculture. The amount
requested seems to me, may reason
ably be required for the proper en-
forcement of the act"
What does the public gain in re-
turn for this expenditure and the
thousands Of dollars which may have
to be expended in addition? That's
the question that will be asked soon.
1t cannot be answered now. for time
| will only tell. However, one thing
Is certain. A great many new jobs
will be created. From ID public
standpoint this is not interesting
but remember the public is paying
the bill. An idea of the numerous
| jobs created to enforce the provi-
sions Of the act and the attractive
salaries to be paid is gained when you
read the following which is contained
in the estimated cost submitted to
congress.
In Washington, one administrator
in charge at an annual salary of
$500; four assistants at salaries of
$500 each; general auditor $4,000:
assistant auditors (6), at $4,000
each: examiners 80. at $4,000
each: stenographic reporters (2)
one at s2.4OO and one at $1,000;
head clerk %. at $4,000: clerks
(13), at salaries ranging from $500
to $500: attorneys 80, salaries
| from $4,000 to $4,000.
In field divisions and district
supervisors 1867, $4,000 to $4,000;
assistant supervisors 10), $4,000
each; clerks (36), $1,000 each. Thus
personal services salaries total SEAL
500. To this is added $1,000 for
stationery and printing; $4,000 for
travelling expenses. including attend
ance of witnesses: $4,000 for equip
ment and material: $4,000 for tele-
phone and Geographic service: 500
800 for miscellaneous items, includ-
ing rent in field. and $4,000 for a
contingent fund which is to cover any
expenses which because OF the work
cannot be definitely estimated in ad-
II such as the employment OF
special auditors and extra stem
ographic assistance. to investigate
complaints. etc. which the regular
force may not be able to handle.
Thus the total expense for twelve
months m to $320.60O. From
this the estimate deducted $8O,15O
as not likely to be expended on &C
count OF the appropriation not being
available for the entire fiscal year
and on account Of delays likely to be
encountered in securing suitable per-
sons and establishing the necessary
organization.
Truly. the public has a right to
,sk: what benefits. if any,, accrue
from this vast expenditure?'-
Denver Record-Stockman.