The public ledger., 1922-03-04
WASHINGTON LETTER.
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Washington, Especial Correspond
once) Secretary of War Weeks has
asked Congress for II lump appropri-
alton for the upkeep of the army for
the ensuing fiscal year He promises
that record economics will be inaug-
urated if his request is granted. Lump
lsum appropriations were frequent
during the war period, and while the
Democratic Congress was in control.
Their evils were due to the eXtrava-
gance Of their adminis,rat'c rather
than to tho appropriation, themselves.
In the hands OF an efficient executive
department lump sum allotment can
be used Tar more econ Jmically than
can specific appropriations. In the
course Of fiscal year it often hap
pens that the limitations of appropri-
alton bills hamper the efficient func-
tioning Of the department, while pre-
venting the application Of unused sur
pluses in one branch from being util-
lied in another The record made by
President Harding and his Cabinet
officers in cutting dow nthe expenses
of Federal administration should con-
cince Congress that there can be no
danger. and may be great savings, in
turning over TO Secretary Weeks the
sums that he asks.
The House of Representatives has
passed a resolution extending until |
June. 1923. the provisions of the pres
ent immigration law that limits imEi- |
grafton from any one country TO three |
per cent. OF its nationals resident in
the United States in the census Cf
1910. Had the resolution not beeen
passed the law would have expired cn
June Goth OF this year. as il wa ad- !
mitedly NUT Il temporary measure. In
Ill probability the resolution will re-
,eiYe the approval of the Senate IL
Is much as the law itself originated
II that body. In presenting the matte.
o his colleagues. Congressman John
ION, of Washington, chairman O! the
Committee. declared
hat the American people would never
eturn again to the free immigration
# past years. During the eight
months the law has been on the stat
tie books 10000 immigrants have
ONE to the United States. The indica- 6
ions are that the limit of 355 900 per ,
litted by the act will not be reached I
;hen the year is ended. The immigra-
lon committee intends to proceed tc /
he preparation of a permanent in- e
ligration law al an early date, but T
here is not time for its enactment be-
ore the expiration Of the present stat
te, hence the continuing resolution S
ecame necessary. !
Practically the entire merchant ma
inc fleet owned by the Government q
being offered for sale by the Ship a
ing Board Steel cargo and passen- b
er vessels and tankers from $500
,ns to 10000 are on the market and ;,
ids are invited. On March "A the h
ids will be opened and negotiations t
ay he continued thereafter. The
oard reserves the right to reject any ;.
all bids, which means that the ships |
i'll not DE disposed of for substan- fc
ally ess than their worth. L
The policy of the Board is in line ~
fth Republican policies generally, 81
at of divorcing the Government D
ON engaging in business that should N
conducted by private interests. 1t .
the wish of President Harding,
lairman Lasker, and the Republican
,ngrsss that the Government divorce
;elf from the business of operating
ips at the earliest date consistent l.
tn the profitable disposal of the |
ge properties now under its con- 4
H.