The New York herald., 1921-06-06

New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. C., June ).
the most powerfui factor for Gov
ei inment economy yet discovered in
Congress is beginning to assert itself
the power of public protest The lead
ers are at their wits end to know
where to begin economies that will
materially reduce the total annual ex-
penditures. and meanwhile these pro-
tests. evidence of which is accumu-
lating daily here, are assuming the
proportions of a political cloud that
may bestir those responsible to achieve
results rather than to make promises.
Letters are coming in flom all Sec
tons inquiring as 10 WREN tax re-
vision win begin and where taxes are
to be reduced. They have been stirred
uI largely of course by debates in the
Senate and the House on TIE navy and
army appropriation bills, particularly
the protsets made by economy and
disarmament advocates in the Senate
against the $4,000 900 increases of the
Senate to the naval bill.
This performance is going to be re-
peated when the Senate begins its de-
bate on the army bill and the increase
recommended by the Senate TO 10000
personnel. which was fixed by the House
at 10000 The same group in the Sem
ate that fought the naval bill increases
will continue its fight on the larger
army with much the same kind of areu-
ments
Meantime the Republicans are finding
that reforms are expensive TO Initiate
II is becoming very difficult to curtail
the number of Government employees
both in Washington and in the field.
One Senator stated to-day there are In
the War Department 500 more employees
In one bureau alone, that of the auditor.
than are needed. and that they are
slated for removal on the first of July.
Republicans point to the expected dis
missal with pride. but the Democrats are
saying. "If they are not needed, why
keep them on at alp"
The budget system, when it gets into
operation. Is going 10 prove costly. Il is
being discovered. Not only does It add
thousands Of dollars 10 the permanent
Government payrolls in the salaries ~
the Director of the Budget and his as
sistant. the Comptroller-General and his
assistant and various other less i'm
portant offices created. but II calls Cor
the installation of uniform system Of
accounting. following the abolition of the
six auditors now managing the govern
mental accounts
This means, not reduction In the
accounting force but temporarily, at
least. an increase. Even in advance of
the selection OF the budget heads Off
cials in Congress are being besieged with
appeals from employees who want to be
retained.
The reorganization OF the United
States Shipping Board. when II comes.
probably will require additional forces
for time. although every effort will be
made to keep down the number.
The proposed creation OF a department
Of public welfare. heralded as a reform
by its advocates, headed by DR.. Sawyer.
the Presidents personal physician. calls
for large outlay OF public funds. mostly
IN salaries.
The legislative calendars in both
branches OF Congress are jammed with
Eo-called reform measures OF various
kinds. which on the face Of things look
good but when analyzed point straight
TO additional expenditures.
The public. TO be sure, has not fully
awakened, but the signs OF extreme dis
satisfaction are beginning to appear and
are expected TO Increase when Congress
reaches actual comparison Of receipts
and expenditures In considering the pro-
posed revision Of taxes.
Many Senators followed closely the
series published in THE NEW YORK HER
AID explaining why the promised reduc-
tons of expenditures and Of taxes has
thus far failed 20 materiallze. Senator
Smooth (Utah) has carefully saved them
and commended them highly to-day.
stating that he believed they ought to
be read ,arefully by every officials OF
the Government