The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1939-11-30
CAPITOL
-NeZyC
Roosevelt Wants Deficit Cut
By CONGRESSMAN Knutsor

/ - - FA~SS SSAASA CAAOO last WCCh
President Roosevelt expressed the
hope that it would be possible, in
view of the pickup in business, to
cut the deficit for 1941 by one bill
lion dollars, despite a sharply in
creased budget for national defense
For my part I shall do everything
within my power to help the Presi-
dent achieve his ambition. These
mounting deficits in government
operation bode no good for our
country. On the same day Senator
Glass, veteran Virginia Democrat,
warned that, There will come a
payday when the budget will be bal
anced, and I don't think it is far
off. Then we must either repudiate
our Indebtedness, inflate-which is
a form of repudiation-or, worst of
all, have uncomfortable taxes. I
mean uncomfortable, literally" To
reduce Federal expenditures by one
billion dollars and at the same time
spend two billion for national de-
Tense is going to take considerable
| figuring. I cannot see how it will
be accomplished except through
drastic reductions in civil expendi-
lures. With the increase in en-
ployment it may be possible to do
it. If it is accomplished it will re-
suit in substantial upswing in bus
mess, and in commodity prices.
Budget Control BY Congress
In the reorganization of govern
mental spending, that took place in
the Harding Administration, the
Bureau of the Budget was set up
to pass on departmental requests
for appropriations. That plan has
now been in operation about II
years. Under it the president
names the director and Congress
has no information other than that
which accompanies the budget esti-
mates.
It is now proposed to set up a
Congressional budget committee
that will be responsible only to Con-
gress. This proposal comes from
both parties. The new organization
would consist of staff of experts
whose duty it would be to scruti-
nize detailed items and separate
the projects that can wait a few
years from those that justify i'm
mediate expenditure.
IF this bureau were efficiently
operated it would result in drastic
reductions in governmental spend
ing because Congress would be kept
thoroughly informed as to the act
ual need of the various depart
ments. It would also do away with
carte blanche appropriations which
are spent by the Administration
without the necessity for an ac-
counting. To me the plan looks
like plain business sense.
Administration Backs Up
When the American people learn
ed of the proposal of the United
States Lines "a government SUBJ
sidized company to transfer eight
of it's ships to Panamanian regis
terry they raised such howl of pro-
test that the Administration was
compelled to reverse itself. Presi-
dent Roosevelt earlier had stated
that he saw no objection to the
transfer. The Maritime Commits
sion had also given it's blessing to
the proposal, but the American
people would not stand for it and
it is said that the Presidents cab
met was unanimously of the opin-
ion that it would be a breech of
faith.
1t may interest my readers to
know that already 40 vessels owned
by American lines are now flying
Panama's flag. Twenty-Five of
these, with tonnage of $4,000
tons, were transferred to Panama
registery between October 1888 and
October 1889. This means that these
40 vessels are now manned by Pan
amanian citizens who have displac-
ed the Americans formerly employ
ed. The purpose of these transfers
was to get around the neutrality
law which profits American ships
from entering war zones designated
by the President. There are more
ways than one to skin a cat"
A Timely Suggestion
The report of the American Youth
Commission is worthy of the deep.
est study, especially as it is concur
red in by such outstanding indus.
trialists and businessmen as Owen
D. Young, chairman of the board
of General Electric; Robert E
Wood, chairman of Sears Roebuck
Company; and Ralph Budd, presi
dent of the Chicago. Burlington and
Quincy Railway. 1t is a notable
document that will challenge every
thinking American. The report
goes on to say that the government
must find jobs for the young mer
and women who are unable to find
work in private industry.
It is estimated that there are
between 3k to 4 million, between
the ages of Is and "a who have new.
er had a steady job. They are the
biggest national asset that we have
and their future welfare should be
safeguarded by every possible
means.
I agree with the Commission that
money spent on these young mer
and women is the best money tina,
we can possibly spend and no time
should be lost in putting into opera
ton the recommendations made by
that body.
Personally, I am a great believer
in trade schools, such as the Dun.
woody Institute in Minneapolis
where young men are trained In
practical trades. The government
should set up similar schools fol-
both boys and girls, in all parts OF
the country where they could be
y,rouidoI FOR H,,r;,,o m tha x>or;0I <ho