New-York tribune., 1921-05-04
W arms
Cabinet to Stay
Within Budget
Tells All Departments to-
Hold Expenses to Regu-
lar Appropriation Limits
as Fixed by Congress
Heeds w Warren'sC Complaint
SO Bills for $2l5.OOO, 600
Already In; Shortage of
400 Millions Threatened
From The Tribans's washinoto,, Buy,o,

From The Ir1bans's Washim1tom Bureau
WASHINGTON, May s.-The Presi-
dent has addressed letter to each
Cabinet member, calling attention to
the deficiency appropriations now be-
fore Congress, as suggested to him in
a letter from Senator Warren, and
sdmonishing each department against
creating deficiencies in the future. The
subject was dealt with extensively IN
the Cabinet meeting to-day. Senator
Warren's letter pointed out that af-
ter only fourteen days Of the present
session Of Congress thirty-six def
cheney bills, estimated at $215,0oo,ooo,
have been introduced. The President
stated he knew of no more dangerous
tendency in the administration Of gov
crnment departments.
The President urged upon each sec
retary the Importance of instituting a
rigid drive against further deficiencies.
Work will be suspended rather than
exceed the appropriation, except in
cases Of great emergency. The sug-
gcstion was made that an emergency
commission be named, consisting of
the director of the budget and the
chairman Of the appropriations COM
mittee Of both houses, to act on all
applications for increased sums. Wher-
ever funds would be lacking, instead
Of permitting each bureau chief or de-
partment head to ask for the money
the proposed committee would take the
matter under advisement. Such COM
mittees function in many states.
Warren Explains Situation
There followed a general discussion
Of the estimated deficiency and it was
indicated that it might, unless steps
are taken to prevent it, reach nearly
$400, 100000. In his letter Senator
Warren said, in part:
"There have been many abuses along
this line in the past, and now, after
only fourteen days Of this session,
deficiency estimates amounting to
$215, ,891 ,28S.62, contained in thirysix
different House documents. have been
submitted to Congress for its con-
sideration, and more are coming.
"There is no question about esti-
mates for otrictly legal deficiencies
submitted in accordance with the anti
deficiency provisions of law; but not
all Of these sums are of this character.
notice that some are for new work
entirely and have no place whatsoever
in deficiency bills. The items appear
ing to be for the fiscal year 1922, which
does not begin until July /, 1921,
amount to s136, ,789 ,39S,34. They should
not come before us as deficiencies for
the year 1921.
1T would seem that heads of de-
partments and government establish
ments and officers OF the government
lcharged with the responsibility Of sub
mission Of estimates should be held
to strict accountability. Now that
the war is over, there seems to be
little excuse for the various depart
ments and establishments not con-
ducting the expenditures more nearly
within their appropriations"
Text of Harding's Letter
| The text Of the Presidents letter to
each member of the Cabinet follows:
"My Dear Mr.. Secretary: am in re-
ceipt Of letter from Chairman War
rem of the Senate Committee on Appro-
priations calling my attention to the
| fact that estimates now before the
| Congress call for approximately $780,
000, 600 Of deficiency appropriations, and
that the estimated deficiencies will run
very much beyond that sum. do not
know Of any more dangerous tendency
! in the administration Of governmental
| dana rtp, erfS and an1 yeyv sure th 4