The Express.
London, England, 1863-07-24 00:00:00

THE INDIAN BUDGET.

The boom then went into committee on the East India
revenue amount&

Sir C. WOOD rose to move the following resolutions :
" 1. That the total net revenues of the territories and de-
partments under the immediate control of the government
of India for the year ended the 30th day of April, 1862,
amounted to 3,098,1961. sterling, and the charges thereof
for the some period, other then military charges, amounted
to 2.857,876/. sterling. 2. That the total net revenues of
the Bengal Presidency for the yesr ended the 30th day of
April, 186 Z amounted to 11,086,5131. sterling, and the
charges thereof for the same period, other than military
charges, amounted to 2,140,5551. sterling. 3. That the
total net revenues of the North Western Provinces for the
year ended the 10th day of April, 1862, amounted to
0.026,0e01. sterling, and the charges thereof for the name
period, other than military charges, amounted to 1,845,4871.
sterling. 4. That the total net revenues far the Pun-
iatth for the year ended the 30th day of April,
1862, amounted to 2,673,785 sterlinz, and the charges
thereof, for the same period, other than military charges,
amounted to 1,257,8051. sterling. 5. That the net revenues
of the territories and departments under the immediate
control of the government of India of the Bengal Presi-
dency, of the North Western Provinces, and of the An l),
together, for the year ended the 30th day of April, 1862,
amounted to 22,864,5741. sterling, and the charges there-
upon, including the military charges, amounted to
15,469,629/. sterling, leaving a surplus available for the
general charges of India of 7,394,9451. sterling. 6. That
the total net revenues of the Madras Presidency (Fort
Saint George) for the year ended the 30th day of April,
1862, amounted to 5,925,1404 steeling, and the net charges
thereof, for the same period, amounted to 5,905,8091.
sterling, leaving a surplus available in the above presi.
dome, for the general charges of India, of 19,3311-
sterling. 7. That the total net revenues of the Bom-
bay Presidency, for the you ended the 30th day of April,
1862, amounted to 6,931,348/. sterling, and the net charges
thereof, for the same period, amounted to 4,627,0114
sterling, leaving • surplus available io the above presidency,
for the general charges of India, of 2,304,337/. sterling.
8. That the total net revenues of the several pres;dencies
for the year ended the 30th day of April, 1892, amounted to
35.721,0621. sterling, and the charges thereof amounted to
26002,4491. sterling, leaving a surplus revenue of 9,718,613/.
sterling. 9. That the lutenist en the registered debt of
India, paid in the year ended the 30th day of April, 1862,
amounted to 3,134,897/. sterling, and the charges defrayed ia
England on account of the Indian territory in the same
period including guarsateed interest on the capital of rail-
way and other companies, after deducting pet traffic receipts
of railways, amounted to 6.634,3444 sterling, leaving a defi-
ciency of Indian income for the year elided as aforesaid, to
defray the above interest and charges, of 50.626!. sterling."
The right bee. gentleman said be was happy to state that on
the present occasion be had a very eau, and be trusted a very
assidactery, task to discharge, tamely. to state the pro-
gress of Indian revenue and expenditure for the last
two years. The accounts be bed to deal with were
those of 1861.2, and the estimates for 1862.3.
With regard to the year 1851-2 be was happy to say the'
11100011 Bill showed • steady increase of revenue, and that in-
stead of there being a deficiency of 600,000/. the actual deg-
clammy was °sly 56,0001. The amount of actual revenue was
43,829,0004. and the estimated revenue 42,911,0004,5h0 whit
au increase of 918,0001. ; the estimated expenditure was
43,880 OWL ; the actual expenditure was 43,5416,0004,
showing an increase of 174,0001. There had been a cousil'ir,
able increase in the land us, but • decrease bad taken '
place in the salt revenue, because English silt bad been sub-
stituted
for salt manufactured by the natives, The accounts
showed an increase in the army expenditure owing to the
discharge of some arrears, and • decrease in the duty on
opium. He thought he might fairly congratulate the house
that at so early a period 'liter the termination of the
mutiny Indian finances were in such a favourable
cooditwa. He had been sometimes accused of taking
too sanguine a view of Indian finances, and at other
times of taking too desponding a view. His object bad
always been to take • fair view, and it was satisfactory to
find that his anticipations had been carried out. (Hear.)
He now came to the regular estimate for 18623, for the
probable income and expenditure. The budget estimate of
1862 showed a probable surplus of 179,0(411, and • probable
deficit of 800,0501. In 1861.2 the estimates of revenue and
expenditure were beneath the mark, and it appeared that
the revenue was inareseing more rapid lythan it was expected
to do in April last, and although the expenditure was increa-
sing it had sot increased to the sense extent. So long ago at
December last • despatch was repaired from India showing
the revenuawae 920 0004 higher than it wee estimated by the
mused of India in the April'
_preceding, and that the expendi-
ture might be about 6001/001., reducing the anticipated defi-
ciency by 320.0001. But when he came to the regular
estimate he was glad to say that while the increase
of revenue was greater, the increase of expenditure wee less.
The regular estimate for 1862-3 gave a probable income of
45,105,0011., and the budget estimate of April, 1862, gave
• probable income of 42,971,0001. The increase of revenue,
as returned in March, 1863, had tented out to be, compared
with the estimate of April, 1862, DO lea than 2,110004
(Hear, bear.) Of that no lees thee 1.550,0001, was due to
the increased revalue from opium, the whole amount re-
ceived from that source, in the year, being 7,850.000/. There
was an increase in the revenue from malt to the amount
of 280,0004, which was most satisfactory, because
it showed the Increasing prosperity of India.
Those items, with another of 300,0004, comprised
the mains sources of the increase. The expenditure in India
was higher by about 440,0004 than was anticipated in the
budget estimate, but, on the other hand, the expenditure in

England was considerably less. He wished be could say that
the reduction of the expenditure was a real reduction, but
he was afraid it was maialy due to the postponement of aer-
ials claims to the Admiralty, partly for the ouustruction of
the India House and the electric telegraph wires so • por-
tion of the Perrian Gulf. So far, however, as the year
went there was • reduction of 3A5,0001.' • thus result was
that while the regular estimate was 43,825,000/., the budget
estimate was 43,779,0004, beiug an increased expenditure,
taking India and England together, of 46,0004 Taking the
expenditure from the revenue there was left a swim' of
1 260,0004 for the year just pest, and he was still more
happy to say that by recent accounts he had not the least
doubt that the revenue would exceed the regular estimate.
The committe would probably like to understand the pro-
gress of India by a comparison of the estimate of 1862 3
with the actual results of 1861-2. The of 1862-3 was
taken at 45,105,0001., and in 1861 2 it was 43,829,0004,
showing that the anticipations of the reinter estimate of
18623 were verified by an increase of revenue comparing
the two years, of 1,276,0001. Of that about 1,509,0001. was
due to the opium revenue ; and the increase of revenue
from salt in 1862.3, as compared with the preceding year,
was 775,0001. The expenditure in India in 1861.2 was
37,215,0001., and in 186113 37,228,0001., the reduction of
the expenditure in India in the latter year being only
16,0004 That was partly owing to the accidental circum-
stance of the army estimate being reduced by about
1,215,0001. The charge of opium had increased 550,0001., and
the larger amount of interest was 275,0001. The result of
the whole was an increase of revenue amounting to
1,276,0001., and an increase of expenditure of about 46,0301.,
taking India and England together. The committee would
see that this was the more satisfactory, because in that year
there was the reduction of the customs duties from ten to
five percent The revenue of 1863-4 was estimated by the
Indian gsvernment, before any reduction of taxation was
made, at 45,306,0001., and the expenditure at 44,490,0001.,
leaving a probable surplus of 816.0001. But the
Indian government thought it advisable to reduce
taxation to a certain extent. They had given a
pledge that the income tax should cease at • certain
period, and they thought that the wisest way of nor-
miming the peopleof ladle of the sincerity of their intentions
was by relieving them of a portico of that tar, which pressed
with severity on all chases, and secordingly they reduced it
one penny in the pound. They also red emd the 10 per cent.
duty on iron, and they made an alteration in the duty on
beer, making together • reduction of 3315,01:01., sod leaving •
probable surplus of 480,0001. In that again, u before, opium
figured at a very large amount, the anticipated revenue
from opium being no less than 8,000,0001. sterling. The
principal increase in the expenditure was that on public
works, from 400,0001. to 500,0001. There was also • consi-
derable increase in those mattes Ludlum to promote the
peace and tranquillity of the country—viz., the police force
and the extension of the small cause in India courts, in
which law and justice were administered. Se far as the re-
duction of expenditure went it was neoesearily due, to •
great eaten; to the exertions of the government in India.
The highest expenditure was in 1850-60, when it amounted to
53,475110001., and between that year and the next there wee a
reduction of 3,555,0004 In the subsequent year the reduction
was 3,014,000/. ; and in the year ending April last the
whole reduction was about 5,400,0001. • but in the present
year, mainly owing Oaths causes be had mentioned, larger
grants for public works, education, police. law, and jus.
tioe, the increase of expenditure wag 665,0u0t., leaving still,
alter • reduction of duties, a guides of 480,00111. Of mune
the main reduction was in the military forms. The
largest amount charged for military forces was in 1858-9
and comparing Out with theyear just closed there iarea
• reduction from 25,500,0001. to 14,500,0001., or 11.0000001.
sterling. Still this charge was higher than before the mu-
tiny, owing mainly to the substitution of • mush larger
European force, and the reduction of the native fume.
They had also last year discontinued the Indian navy,
bat they had not dope so from any disregard of
the merits and claims of that service. Formerly
the Indian navy bad important duties to discharge,
but now a considerable change had taken place
in the state of affairs, and they had arrived at the conclu-
sion that, instead of reducing that navy to a small force, in
which it would not be possible to give such adequate employ-
ment and promotion as was iodispeusably necessary to keep
up the spirit of the service, it would be more advantageous
to put an mid to it altogether. The officers of the Indian
navy had, when called upon, performed their services
admirably, and it was not from any inefficiency on
their part, but entirely on public' grounds that
they thought that a separate and independent
navy for India should no longer continue to exist. The
charges were highest in 1859-60, when they amounted to
50,475,0004, and lowest in 18623, when they were
43,8'2,5,0301., being • reduction of 6,650,000!., which was
mainly due to the exertions of the government in India. On the
other hand, the revenue in 1862.3, was 44.105,0004, and in
1859.60, 39,705,000/., being en increase in four years, in spite
, of reductions, of no lees than 5,400,000!. He thought that
was a most satisfactory proof of the way in which the re-
sources of India were being developed, and of the power of the
people to contribute to the expenses of the country. He be-
lieved that throughout the length and breadth of the country
prosperity prevailed, and teat there was a spirit of con-
tentment and loyalty from one end of the country to the
other. Much of that material prosperity and that spirit of
contentment, be believed, was attributable to mea-
sures which had been passed through that house. By
virtue of those measures natives were now admitted to high
office, and even found a place in the council of the Governor-
General, to the great satisfaction of the population. The
result was moat gratifying to those who felt an in
tenet in the prosperity of India. He certainly
should not do justice to his own feelings if
he did not acknowledge the great astietuce
which he bad on all occasions received from that house in
all his effort. for the improvement of India. He had acted
on the advice of those able men connected with India who
had been given to him as a council. He had been exposed
to some obloquy, and some attacks had been made on him in
that house. He trusted, however, that the house would
accept the expression of his gratitude for the support which
they had given to those measures which be had introduced
for the benefit of India. In conclusion, he moved the reso-
lution standing in his name on the paper, which, in point of
fact, were statements of the revenue and expenditure in
different parts of India, the object being to put tLe house
and the country in ion of the facts. The right boo.
gentleman coed by moving the resolutioa given above.
Colonel SYKES descanted once the high rate of mor-
tality among the Direness troops in India, and advocated
the reduction of the force and the employment of • larger
number of native troops.
Mr. GazoscoN complimented the chief secretary on the
satisfactory statement he had made, but complained of the
szotesive duty levied on salt, which was equal to 1,700 per
cent on the invoice price of the article.
. .

Mr. VANSITrAIiT also observed that the statement was
one for congratulation to the Indian government, who bad,
mainly owing to Mr. Laing's policy, got the country out of
• condition of chronic insolvency to one of oomparsti►e pros-
perity. He hoped they would not again reduce our mili-
tary f. roe to ouch an extent an to endanger the safety
of our countrymen who were scattered over so vast
territory.
Mr. BAILEY trusted that the masaures which were
being adopted to stimulate the growth of cotton in India
world prove sitooessful.
Mr. Kinn►ird, Mr. Buxton, and Mr. Aymon having also
addressed the committee,
Sir C. WOOD briefly replied, and the resolutions were
agreed to.
THE BRITISH OOLUMBIA BOUNDARIES BILL.
Mr. C. FORTESCUL in introducing the British Columbia
Boundaries Bill, the object of which is to include within
the colony of Britiah Columbia • certain gold-yielding
territory, sod to place it under • governor of its own, dis-
tinct from the governor of Vancouver's Maud, looked for-
ward, he said, to the time when British Columbia would be
moat valuable to this country.
Mr. WYLD complained of defects in the administration
of the oolooy ; of the influence exorcised by the Hudson's
Bay Company ; and that the people were not adequately
represented, in consequence of which the population of the
two colonies of Venom's?' Island and British Colombia
had decreased. . . .

Mr.AYTOTTN objected to the bill on the grounds that it
conferred enormous powers upon the crown, and that it
formed part of a great scheme of the Colonial Secretary for
an intercolonial railway, which was a wild project that
wonld affect the interests of the taxueyers of this country.
The house then went into committee upon the bill, the
clauses of which were agreed to, except the fourth, which
was negatived.
The Partnership Law Amendment Bill was read a third
time and passed.
AUGMENTATION OF BENEFICES BILL.
This bill was considered as amended.
DRAINAGE AND IMPROVEMENT OF LAND
(IRELAND) BILL . .

The Lords' sroerraOiZta to the bill wsrs ecusidered sad
Wood to.

PARTNEF.SHIP LAW AMENDMENT BILL.
This bill was read a third time.
SAVINGS BANKS ACTS AMENDMENT BILL.
Tbe Lords' amendments to this bill were coosidered sad
agreed to.
SHEEP AND CATTLE (SCOTLAND) BILL.
•

The Lords' aaseedinsats to this bill were considered and
sawed to.