Evening star., 1932-09-04
ECONOMY LEAGUE
TO WAR ON WASTE
Archibald Roosevelt Says Co.
operation Will Be Sought
by Organization.
Special Dispatch to The star.

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NEW YORK, September 8 N.A.N.A.)
Archibald B. Roosevelt. son Of former
President Theodore Roosevelt and secre.
an organization whose work has been
attracting countrywide attention, point,
out that the declaration of purposes OF
the league demands the reduction of al
wasteful and unnecessary governmental
expenditures, Federal, State and local
That, he says, is the leagues general
objective, and to this end 1t is CO.
operating with other non-partisan Citi-
zens' organizations which concern them
selves With the reduction Of govern
mental expenses and taxes.
so far" says Roosevelt, I'VE stand
on this same basis as any of these other
organizations. But 1t isn't enough to
make the general and obvious state
ment that we must economic. Any
one who understands simple figures can
see that governmental expenditures have
risen to q point where they threaten
public credit and sap the resources Of
the people. Certainly we must econo-
mize. But how are we going to do it?
Veteran Costs Target.
After studying the matter Mr..
Roosevelt went on, the National
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logical point Of attack, although the
strongest defended politically. was the
expenditures on so-called veterans. And
I want to make 1t clear that this would
in no manner affect justice and liber-
ality for the dependents OF those who
lost their lives in the service of their
country or Of living veterans incapaci-
tated as q result of war service. 1t is
the class legislation which permits pay
ments to those not incapacitated by war
service to which we object.
why did we start our economy drive
at this specific point? Well, here is
how the budget of the United States Is
spent: 2s.9 per cent goes to pay princi-
pal and interest on the public debt;
You can't cut that. A nation, as well
as an individual, must pay its debts.
The upkeep Of the Army and Navy takes
16.5 per cent These branches Of, the
service already have been cut to the
safe and sane minimum. Public works
takes 1877 per cent.
"If you'll show me how or why those,
should be cut in these days Of unem-
ployment and depression" said Roose-
welt. ''I,l give you red poppy or a:
medal. That leaves the 23.7 per cent
spent on veterans relief and the 17.2
per cent spent on administration and
the departments.
Organizations at Work.
Mr.. Roosevelt eaid that certain or
ranizations already are working to re-
duce the expenses Of administration and
the work calls for many separate
studies, the expenditure of . lot OF
money and will require great deal OF
time. On the other hand, he added,
the abuses in veteran expenditure are
known and plain, and here, In one spot,
large economies can be effected, without
larming one deserving veteran.
Veterans themselves can show you
where the abuses lie," said Roosevelt.
"a careful analysis has shown that
$450, ,000, 900 of practically wasted money
could be saved. This money partially Is
being paid by millions OF young workers
who have reached voting age since the
war and who had nothing to do with
the war, and it Is being paid to unde-
serving persons. Those who need and
are entitled to consideration and help
should get 1t in full measure, but the
others are entitled to nothing more than
is due any unfortunate or unemployed
but" concluded Roosevelt, while
we have picked out q specific point OF
attack, for some of the reasons have
mentioned. the whole purpose OF the
league is economy In general. wherever
It can be accomplished. We merely
insist that this country shall be run on
a sound financial basis. and we intend
to do all we can TO see that no privi-
legged class shall usurp what should re-
main a Government for the beneft OF
the whole people"
The Advisory Board Of the National
Economy League is composed OF Calvin
Coolidge. Alfred Z. Emfth, Elihu Root,
Newton D. Baker. Gen. John j. Persn-
ing and Admiral William s. Sims.