Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-07-01

necessary activities with the small
est possible expenditure. -
we. the administrators of the
governments great business inter-
ests. should have at this time only
one thought, and policy. to perform
efncteAtiy the functions deveiving
upon Us under the law, and we
should accomplish this with the
smallest possible demand unon the
treasury. We have made real prog
rese In this direction. Our response
bility to the tax payers demands
further progress.
Tomorrow we commence o new
hscal year. We viii have q smaller
revenue by reason of the lessening
OF the burden OF the tax payer under
the new tax law. On the other hand,
we will have an increase in our fixed
charges. The World War Adjusted
Compensation Act alone adds APP
proximately $132. 100000 to our fixed
charges for 1925. A real battle faces
US but we are organized for the fight.
The best estimate today indicates a
surplus OF approximately $25. 0O0, 900
for the next fiscal year. .
You are now preparing your pre-
iminary estimates for the fiscal year
l9z6. Fer that fiscal year it will be
my purpose to transmit to congress
estimates OF appropriations which,
excluding the interest on and reduc-
ton In the public debt. and the
postal service, will not exceed O to-
tai Of $3.50. 000. 900. This tentative
Limitation In In furtherance of my
program for progressive reduction
In the cost of government. -
Let me say here that under the
"a
lawful estimates are those which the
chief executive transmits to the CON
gress. 1t Is these estimates that call
for your loyal support. Uunless
such support be given. you are not
fulfilling your obligations to your
ONCE. I trust that neither the chief
executive nor the appropriations
committees OF congress again will
have occasion to call your attention
to the provisions of the budget and
accounting act. This law must be
observed not only in its letter but In
its spirit. I herewith serve notice
again as chief executive, that / pro-
pose to protect the integrity of my
budget.
I'VE must have no carelessness in
our dealings with public property or
the expenditure of public money.
such q condition is characteristic
either of an undeveloped people or
OF deeadent civilization. America
10 neither. II stands out strong and
vigorous and nature. We must have
an administration which is marked,
not by the inexperience of youth. or
the futility of age, but by the char
acter and ability of maturity We
have had the self-control to put into
erect the budget system, TO live I'M
der it and in accordance with it.
1t Is an accomplishment in the art
of government of the very high
est Importance. 1t means that the
American government Is not a
spendthrift, and that 1t is not lack
ing in the force of disposition to
organize and administer its finances
In a scientific way,
ITO maintain this condition puts
US constantly on trial. IL requires
us to demonstrate whether we are
weakltngs, or whether we have
strength of character. 1t is not too
much to say that it is a measure of
the power and integrity of the civili-
cation which We represent. | have
firm faith in your ability to main
tain this position, and In the will of
the American people to support you
in that determination. In that faith
In you and them. propose to per-
severe. l am for economy. After
that ] am for more economy. At
this time and under present condi-
tlons that is my conception Of serv-
ing all the people"