Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-01-14
Spnce-Aoe Budget

President Eisenhower has submitted
to Congress a 1859 budget that, in his
own words, reflects the swiftly moving
characterize our time. With total ex-
penditures estimated at $73.9 billion and
revenues at $74.4 billion. 1t is a budget
balanced by the slim margin Of half
billion dollars.
Even this estimated surplus Is de-
pendent upon set of "hard" conditions.
Overriding among these Is the assump-
ton that the world situation will not
worsen in way to require even greater
expenditures for security purposes. But
comparably essential, II the balance
is to be attained, will be congressional
restraint in appropriating for the whole
range Of domestic programs, plus will
ingnesS to extend present corporation
income and excise tax rates and TO boost
postal rates enough to raise $700 million
In additional income. Together, these
involve an estimated $2.8 billion in rev.
enue. In addition, the overall revenue
estimates are based in important meas
that there will be an upturn in general
business activity about the middle Of
1858. actually the beginning Of the 1859
fiscal year.
II 1t Is considered that we are living
in time Of peace. this is record peace
time budget But the mark Of our time
shows up most clearly-and even more
so than in recent years--in both the
size and the nature of the proposed
protection" expenditures. For major
national security, the budget estimates
expenditures at $45.8 billion with an
additional SIS billion for International
affairs and flnance-a total OF SAIL
billion. or very close to "a per cent Of
the entire budget. But within the secu-
rity expenditures there is significantly
increased emphasis on missile procure
ment and development and on all types
Of research There Is also an unusual
request for presidential authority to
transfer up TO 50 billion between military
appropriations 'in order to take prompt
advantage of new developments"
In the prevailing mood Of both Gov
eminent and public. 1t seems fair to
assume that Congress will act in accord
with most Of the security appropriation
requests-with the possible exception Of
those affecting foreign economic aid.
However, the proposed curtailment on
certain items-Some within the military
category itself and others in the domestic
civilian areas almost certain to meet
congressional resistance in an election
year. Efforts to raise postal rates ira
ditionally have encountered trouble and
the new recommendation has an adj
ditional complication. Pending before
the Senate is a House enacted bill pro-
viding higher rates. but the President
has proposed amending this to require
even higher first-class postage. Also
within the controversial area-although
perhaps given helpful leverage by sheer
budget neceSSities-is the Presidents
ANNOUNCED intention Of asking another
temporary increase in the statutory
debt limit.
In discussing this budget, admins
tration spokesman have emphasized the
twin requirements Of assuring military
strength and maintaining sound econ
omy. As submitted, this Is a pay as
you 60" budget which appears to meet
both requirements. But time, the course
Of events both at home and abroad and
congressional decisions viii determine
whether this Is really so.