The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-01-08
Is the Pork Barrel Spirit to
Prevail Over Common Sense?
Rv BILL PRICE.

Il begins 10 look as the old pork barrel spirit in
Congress prevail and efficient public
in the matter Of the construction OF mucnneeoeo
Government buildings in Washington and elsewhere
Here in the District of Columbia the Government is paying
out each year something like $4,000 for rented buildings
the majority which could be used to relieve local housing
conditions rents and yet the sensible proposition
Of Senator SOOT heartily backed by President COOLIDGE
begin construction of buildings here blocked in
Congress by demands for wide open public buildings Dill
that will give every Congressman whack at the purse OF
Uncle the political glory he will get IN his district
Not only the United States Government tenant in Its
Capital it is compelling thousands Of It's employees to
work in ramshacky buildings improperly heated and
ventilated subjectng colds grippe pneumonia and
other Ills These buildings unsighty to be dis
grace the nation Capital City and violate every principle
laid by the Fine Arts Commission created by Congress
maintain watchu the continued Identification
of Washington along well-ordered lines
dsputng the undesirable conditions the Lack
of common sense shown continuing this great Government
its city, but elements In Congress call
halt to absolutely necessary public building construction
There is included bill appropriations for public
buildings declared to be needed in other Cities
also included appropriations for sites and build
ngs in and cities which DO NOT need large i'm
posing public buildings this time and wait indefinitely
the real demand being that congressman from certain districts
may be able to show their constituents that they get
0ongressman MADDEN chairman Of the House COMMITTEES
Appropriations wisely refuses TO permit exploitation Of
the Treasury under pork barrel conditions time when
the Republican Administration is sensb pledged down
Federal taxes or at least prevent them increasing
Congressman MAGEE of New York. favOrS of the
Elliott bill requiring that building proposals be submitted to
the Bureau Of the Budget which would investigate the bust
needs Of community before recommending appropr
lions by Congress.
The New York Congressman proposes yearly appropria
ton Of for necessary public buildings through the
country He believes that in ten years this would
the nations business and establish the sound business policy
Of no more renting by your Uncle SAM
Mr. Magee points out that in his home city of Syracuse the
Government in 1915 paid high price for perhaps the choicest
block there and RACED every building upon it with the
pecaion of erecting suitable public structure Because
construction costs have advanced Congress has made
appropriation for the building and continues just like
Tom Brown Jim Smith
private business concern ran its business this the
Congressman declares it would into bankruptcy Yet
Mr. Magee who member Of the House Appropriations Com
mee says that arguments for public buildings in Washing
ton only excluding other parts Of the country indens
BILE from any viewpoint "
There many places in the country where the
Government has acquired sites for buildings that really
essential the efficient transaction Of public business In
the District the Government already lands for all the
building do The idea that construction should
because Of high building costs foolish in view Of the fact
that the Government must rentals that give the
reasonable returns upon presenday valuations Of their build
ings the original cost Owners Of buildings here else
where making the Government presents Of money
They getting from the Government what they could get
from individuals business establishments.
Mr. Magee makes the logical argument that it is unsound
business the Government to rent buildings and yet he
viii agree the Government meeting its needs and
places where the Government now owns sites.