1296 CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. 
Mr. Hemenuitu. That matter was in a general way discussed, but 
the conference committee, I would suppose, had no authority to pro- 
vide for levying any additional tax; such levy must be made by separate 
action. 
Mr. J. G. Cannon. It seems to me that when a conference committee 
submits a report which necessitates an expenditure of $1,200,000 and a 
large expenditure in perpetuity, the committee could at least have 
submitted a proposition to raise the necessary funds—first, by borrow- 
ing (which has been provided for); and, secondly, by levying a tax to 
pay for this property which you think it wise to buy. 
Mr. Hempuity. Well, Mr. Speaker, the increase that has taken 
place in the value of property in this District on account of the street 
railroads and various other improvements will certainly bring about 
the collection of a very large additional revenue, though the rate of 
assessment may remain the same. But, of course, I can not figure on 
that until the returns come in. 
Mr. Cannon. I have been hearing statements of that kind for a 
great many years; but somehow the expenditures for one thing and 
another seem to increase a little faster than the revenues, notwithstand- 
ing the growth and improvement of the city. 
Mr. Hempuiti. Well, I will join the gentleman in trying to regu- 
late that matter by any bill which may come up here. 
Mr. Cannon. I would be very gladif this report could be sent back 
to the conference committee, so that between now and next December 
they may ascertain, first (and they can tell by that time), what the 
revenues ought to be for this fiscal year; secondly, if those revenues 
should not be sufficient to purchase this park or the District’s share of 
it, then to ascertain to what extent taxatign should be increased for 
the purpose of meeting this expenditure. It seems to me that in the 
closing days of this session of Congress, with the revenues of the Dis- 
trict for the fiscal year unascertained, it would be wise either to let this 
conference report go over without final action or to vote the report 
down and send the matter back to the conference committee, that 
fuller inquiry may be made and the result embodied in a report at 
the beginning of the next session. 
Mr. Hempuity. Well, Mr. Speaker 
Mr. W. J. Sronn, of Kentucky. In addition to what has been said 
by the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Cannon], I would like to suggest’ 
that this conference committee be directed to report some plan by 
which the Government of the United States can be assured of the 
repayment of this money. 
Mr. Hemenity. Why, under this bill there is no doubt in the world 
in regard to that; it is just as clear as-the nose on a man’s face. 
Mr. Sronr, of Kentucky. What sort of security has the Govern- 
ment in that respect ? 
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