The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-12-05
Uncle Sam Blocked from
Becoming His Own Landlord
By BILL PRICE,

II was quite easy to foresee that when Senator sMooT at
tempted to put through Congress his BILL backed by Pres
dent COOLIDGE for the erection Of $5000O000 in much
needed public buildings in Washington that Uncle Sam
may become his landlord in his home town instead Of
tenant the pork barrel boys in Congress would try to get
aboard and make omnibus buildings BILL appropriang
moneys for public buildings in crossroads towns all
And the pork barrel brigade appears to be led by
Democrats who failed get anywhere in the confidence Of
e voters OF the country put now wish 70 snare IN any loose
change in the Treasury that be diverted to their respec
tive States and Congressional districts adding glory of
course to their Legislative and political records They may
be Joined by sufficient number Of Republicans sharing their
views to indefinitely block the Smoot BILL but would
that the Republican policy should be that of assuming
full responsibilities for economical expenditures Of public
moneys and the running Of the Government in busnesse
manner.
There are cities and towns in the country where would
be good for Uncle Sam put up his postoffice
court houses customs houses other buildings In many
Of these places the sites have already been bought by the
Government but the minute omnibus public buildings bill
is contemplated in Congress the old pork barrel spirit will
become rampant and the boys from everywhere will
insist getting in the spois The merorious will be
loaded down with the unmeorious and the Presidents
battle cry Of further Government economy will be answered
by the hungry cries of the sposmen who will have their
way swamp the bill
New buildings are an absolute necessity
Government business is to be conducted in busnesske
manner. Uncle Sam is paying about THREE QUARTERS
OF MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY for rented build
ngs in Washington The work Of the Government badly
scattered bureau of department being in part
the city and another bureau in another part This the
loss of much time and labor and the failure of the Govern
ment to satisfactorily perform its duties Citizens of
country who have matters of Importance before Government
departments are sufferers from the delays caused Senator'S
and congressman in their activities in departments like
wise sufferers from these conditions
Wherever possible all the work of department should
be housed in building
There has long imperative need for freproof hall
OF records for Government papers, Defeat Of the Smoo
bill means that valuable papers will continue to be filed
wherever departments find subject to fire. insect
raids mildew, mould and everything else.
The ramshackly war buildings should be replaced They
untitled for modern business They
employees Of the Government who suffer from summer
and cold in the winter There improper ventilation heat
ng ETC. There times when hundreds of employees these
war structures off duty from colds grip and other ILL
nesses due to lack of heat The Government the loser The
employees entitled to humane consideration although that
seldom enters into the minds of national statesmen
The Smoot bill should have the right Of way it's own
merits unencumbered by amendments for public buildings
measure