resulted in a situation in which the Government is forced to hold out inducements of leniency in order to secure pleas of guilty. It is needless to add that the enforcement of the law suffers seriously by reason of this condition. The evidence taken by the subcommittee discloses that at least the entire time of one judge is taken up in hearing pleas and arraignments and in hearing the trial of cases where the defendants are in jail in order that accused persons may not be held in jail an unreasonable length of time awaiting trial. Outside judges have been called in very frequently, but this mode of assistance is only temporary and has not relieved the courts of the congestion. The number of cases undisposed of is greater now than a year ago. During the last fiscal year there was collected in fines and forfeitures in this district the sum of $344,567.21. The supplying of additional judges would greatly increase this kind of income. Of course the Federal courts are not conducted for the purpose of earning an income, but this circumstance may be properly considered as bearing upon the probable result of creating the two additional judgeships. It seems likely that an enlarged court will so expedite the business of the Government that the expense will be paid by the increase in penalties and fines imposed. о 71ST CONGRESS 2d Session SENATE { REPORT No. 851 PURCHASE OF LAND ADJOINING FORT BLISS, TEX. MAY 29 (calendar day, JUNE 6), 1930.-Ordered to be printed Mr. SHEPPARD, from the Committee on Military Affairs, submitted the following REPORT [To accompany S. 4593) The Committee on Military Affairs, to which was referred the bill (S. 4593) to authorize an appropriation for the purchase of land adjoining Fort Bliss, Tex., having considered the same, report favorably thereon with the recommendation that it do pass. The purpose of this bill is to authorize an appropriation for acquisition of land essential for the development of Fort Bliss, Tex. The proposal meets the approval of the War Department, and a letter from the Acting Secretary of War to the chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs regarding the matter is made a part of this report and reads as follows: WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, June 4, 1980. Hon. DAVID A. REED, Chairman Committee on Military Affairs, United States Senate. DEAR SENATOR REED: Careful consideration has been given to the bill (S. 4593) to authorize an appropriation for the purchase of land adjoining Fort Bliss, Tex., transmitted under date of June 2, 1930, with request for report thereon and such views relative thereto as the department might desire to communicate. There are no provisions of existing law authorizing the purchase of this land. As you know, the act of Congress approved February 24, 1925 (Public 448, 68th Cong.), entitled "An act for the purchase of land adjoining Fort Bliss, Tex.,' authorized an appropriation of not to exceed $366,000 for the purchase of land in the vicinity of and for use in connection with the Fort Bliss military reservation. This sum of money was appropriated in the second deficiency act, fiscal year 1925 (Public 631, 68th Cong.). Believing that the price asked for the land in question was too high, the War Department purchased other lands at a price of $91,000, including incidental expenses. One tract, lying about 11⁄21⁄2 miles northeast of the post, is used by the Air Corps, while the other tract, lying 31⁄2 miles north of the post, is used for small arms and artillery target practice and is available at other times for field training. The unexpended balance of the $366,000, amounting to $275,000, reverted to the Treasury as savings. The land which it is now contemplated to purchase is substantially that which was originally in contemplation for purchase. The acquisition of the tracts in question is essential to the future development of this important post, as the land already possessed is not sufficient and in certain cases not suitable for the training of a Cavalry command of the size and importance of that at Fort Bliss. The lands desired are the most desirable in the vicinity for close-order training, reviews, and other ceremonies, and their close proximity to the post is of advantage in close-order training. They also contain an area most suitable for training in Cavalry field exercises and problems, which is, in fact, the only available land in the vicinity of Fort Bliss for this purpose. The price of these lands is not likely to be reduced, but, on the other hand, may increase with the growth of the city of El Paso. It should also be noted that if this land is acquired at the figure mentioned in the proposed legislation, the total cost of the land proposed to be purchased and that which was purchased in 1925 would amount to but $6,305.70 more than the sum of $366,000 originally appropriated in 1925. In view of the foregoing, the War Department is in favor of the passage of the proposed legislation. Sincerely yours, 71ST CONGRESS 2d Session } SENATE { REPORT No. 854 BRIDGE ACROSS THE MONONGAHELA RIVER AT STAR CITY, W. VA. MAY 29 (calendar day, JUNE 6), 1930.-Ordered to be printed Mr. DALE, from the Committee on Commerce, submitted the following REPORT [To accompany S. 4453] The Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (S. 4453) authorizing the Monongahela Bridge Co. to construct, maintain, and operate a bridge across the Monongahela River at or near the town of Star City, W. Va., having considered the same, report favorably thereon, and recommend that the bill do pass without amendment. The bill has the approval of the War Department, as will appear by the annexed communication. WAR DEPARTMENT, May 17, 1930. Respectfully returned to the chairman Committee on Commerce, United States Senate. So far as the interests committed to this department are concerned, I know of no objection to the favorable consideration of the accompanying bill (S. 4453, 71st Cong., 2d sess.) authorizing the Monongahela Bridge Co. to construct a bridge across the Monongahela River at or near. the town of Star City, W. Va. F. TRUBEE DAVISON, Acting Secretary of War. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Hon. HIRAM W. JOHNSON, Chairman Committee on Commerce, United States Senate. DEAR SENATOR: Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of May 14, transmitting a copy of a bill (S. 4453) with request that the committee be furnished with such suggestions touching its merits and the propriety of its passage as the department might deem appropriate. This bill would authorize the Monongahela Bridge Co., its successors and assigns, to construct, maintain, and operate a toll bridge and approaches thereto across the Monongahela River at or near the town of Star City, W. Va. The location indicated for the proposed bridge is not directly on the West Virginia system of Federal-aid highways, but would constitute a lateral connection therewith. The State of West Virginia has established a State bridge commission for the purpose of acquiring existing toll bridges, or constructing new toll bridges, and operating them so as to free them to public use as early as possible. Since the State has made a definite move toward the acquisition of existing private toll bridges, it is the judgment of this department that any further permits issued to private corporations to erect toll bridges in West Virginia should have the concurrence of the State through its State bridge commission, and in the absence of such concurrence the department recommends against favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, O R. W. DUNLAP, Acting Secretary. |