Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-12-18

supplying the or hcicncy IN the reve-
nue. arising from that cause, and of
giving to that measure all the efficacy
of which it is susceptible.
The probable defalcation In the re-
venue cannot for obvious reasons, be
at this time estimated with any de-
gree fprecision. The experience of
the ensuing year can alone afford suf-
ficent data for permanent and detail
ed plan adapted to that state of things.
and calculated to ensure perseverance,
in the system as long as may be
tho't proper. But In the mean while.
it appears essential to lay the founda-
ton of such plan and to guard in time
against any great deficit in the receipts
of the year 1912. 1t is believed that
under existing circumstances it would
be sufficient to render those receipts
equal or nearly equal to the current
expenditure, including therein the in
terest on the public debt, and estima-
ted at about eight millions of dollars /:
Aud with view of that object, con-
siderable and immediate increase of
the present duties ON importaticns
is respectfully suggested.
1t is not less important that the act
should be free OF legal difficulties and
of well founded objections, and that il
should be enforced by every practical
BILE means. On that subject the fol-
lowing observations are submitted.
4. The law of 1st MAY 1910. has
neitAer expressly defined the edic,s.
the revocation Of which is expected.
nor made notification by the Presi.
dent the evidence and the sole eyi.
dence of the fact. 1t follows that in
case of an unsatisfactory modification
OF her edicts by Great Britain, the de-
cision Of the question itself, whether
the non-importation be actually in
force or not will be left to the courts.
whence delays and embarrassment
will arise which will considerably inn.
pede the operation of the law.
| I. 2. The non importation Is TO tale
place on the I'd day of February next,
1T revocation shall not have taken
place before that day. But this NAV
have taken place and not be known on
that day io the United States. II the
collectors abstain from seizinp mer-
chandise imported after that dav. un-
til the fact shall have been ascertained
and the edicts shall not have been re.
voked, the merchandise will escape
forfeiture and the law during that pr-
rod will be imperative.- Ii they seize.
and the edicts shall have been reyok.
ed, the seizures wN'have been illegal.
and me collectors will be liable TO ner.
sonal suits. This Inconvenience NAV
be remedied by a provision, dire citing.
that during. that period it shall be the
duty Ct the collectors to make Sci
lures, but that rhe goods shall be res
tored to the PARTIES on their giving bond
with sureties for the value.
| 3. No exception has been made bv
the act IN favor of vessels which have
sailed for the British East Indies pri-
Tor to the Presidents proclamation /:
and the short period of three months
from the date of that proclamation to
\ he day when the law is to take effect
will occasion iorfeitures or heavy loss.
es IN cases of bona fde American pro-
perry In England paid for or ordered
prior to the proclaim ton. 1t seems
IA every point of view eligible that
cases clearly foreseen should be pro.
yided for by law, instead of being left
10 executive discretion.
a. 1t is believed that an abandonment
by the United States of their share of
the penalties and forfeitures which NAV
be incurred, and the distribution Of
these, according to the circumstances
OF the case, amongst the collectors, the
other cus,em-house officers, the in
sPectors who heretofore have had no
share, and the iniormers, would ensure
a greater degree of zeal and vigilance.
In detecting and preventing iufractions
of the law.
8. Some additional provisions viii
be necessary to enforce tie law ON the
northern frontier OF the Uni ed S .a,es.
amongst which may be reckoned the
erection of some new collection dis.
tricts, particularly on the river ST.
Lawrence and in the eastern part of
the state of Vermont an increase of
SALARY N the rclIe~,c~.