, 1923-02-08
BUDGET SYSTEM IS
BIG STEP FORWARD
|. W. Diusmore Writes From WASH
ngton, D. c. on important
National Affairs.

Most of the large appropriation DIS
have been disposed of, and those re-
naming will undoubtedly be passed
during this month.
Never before has the Congress
shown greater speed in the consider
alton of appropriations. This has
probably been due to the double
check on proposed expenditures, first
by the bureau of the Budget which
carefully considers all estimates by
various conferences with heads OF
Departments, and second by the APP
preparation Committees after care
full elaboration. The estimates OF
the Budget were in most cases care
fully adhered to. and Senator War
rem, as Chairman of the Appropria-
ton Committee co-operated in every
way with the Budget Bureau in cur
failing expenditures not absolutely
essential to the operation of Depart
ments. This has a tendency In large
measure to lessen debate on the floor
and make possible an early vote.
The Budget Bureau has been a real
business-like step in the conduct of
the Government. For the first time
in many years the Government now
knows approximately what it's in
come will be and will regulate its
expenditures t. balance accordingly.
The Budget has already been the
means Of reducing the expenditures
of the Government several hundred
dollars, and the whole action of the
present administration is one of the
stlictest economy and efficiency.
The United States Government,
considered in terms Of business, is the
largest corporation in the world, and
surely the time is ripe to place this
corporation on a sound business
like basis. 1t is the purpose OF the
present Administration to promote
better cooperation between Depart
ments, to consolidate certain bureaus
and branches. and eliminate much OF
needless extravaganza. This will all
be a step in the direction OF more eff
ficiency. economy and a better work
ing Government machine. Every dol
lar saved will mean a dollar taken
from the tax schedules of the peO-
Pile.
The ship subsidy bill has for some
time been s~ide-tracked while the
Senate is devoting itself to rural ere
dts legislation. However. most OF
the rural credits measures are be
ing disposed OF and the Party leaders
II lopCiu tudl 4 VA Nho
ship subsidy bill may be resumed as
some time this month. with the pur-
pose in view Of bringing the meas
ure to a vote. Strong opposition is
known to exist, and from this sec
ton will come a determined effort
to prevent the passage of the eas
ure. The opposition believe that IL
IL can be held over until the next
session of Congress their ranks will
be materially increased by new men,
bers elected last November. II this
measure is not considered at the
present session of Congress, there
is a possibility that the President
may call an extra session. as he Is
strongly committed TO the purpose
of this Merchant Marine Act. III
the Republicans can skillfully shut
off a filibuster by its opponents and
bring the bill around to a vote, 1t Is
believed that enough senators favor
the measure to carry II to the Pres
ident for signature. 1t would seem
from all angles that II the American
flag Is TO be carried on the high seas
BY commercial boats. aid from the
Government Is essential. A merch-
n marine Is but the continuation
Of II great transportation system.
and America with her huge export
trade cannot afford to close the linea
OF ocean commerce against American
ship owners. II. through certain &C.
favorably compete with foreign coun.
tries with q fleet Of merchant ships,
then II would seem that our Govern.
mont shotld lend such aid as will
tend to equalise this difference. II
IL . sound commercial policy to carry
American products In American bot
toms. and the future will surely prove
tat this step is successful both fin,
ancially and economically.
The Lenroot-Anderson bill passed
h Senate yesterday by unRnimou.
vote. No one can deny that IN,
Senate is doing everything possibl.
for the assistance and relief OF tn,
farmers and stock raisers. The Len
root bill provides for the use OF tn,
maohininery of the Federal lans
banks and authorizes the Unite<
States Treasury TO advance five mil
lion dollars to each OF the tweiv,
land banks for rural credits. Thi
amount under certain conditions ma,
be Increased to ten millions.
Another measure designed 10 pro
vide relief In agricultural and stool
raising districts Is the Cappcr bill
which has already been passed. I
IN a conservative measure in man,
ways. II extends tho life OF the wa
Finance Corporation for ano,he
year and somewhat extends the pow
ers OF that Corporation in tho In
tercst OF credits to raisers OF Iiv,
stock. II will retain existing financ
ial machinery and in some cases vii
so altar and improve Il as TO permit
n more proper functioning In district
that need additional help. Financia
assistance IN needed In an indus,r,
mat markets It's products only ono,
n year and which takes three year
TO finish It's product.
Washington carry th,