Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1869-12-16

54,239, 621 gallons, equal to nearly $1,000
600 for the whole year. This, however,
the CommissionerdOes not believe includes
all the spirits actually distilled. N
Hitherto, in surveying distillerles, the
average fermenting period was seventy
nine hours. Under this rule 1854 distillef-
les have been operated, having total
MASKING and fermenting capacity OF loo,-
1856 bushels of grain in twenty-four hours,
and a spirit producing capacity OF 413,666
gallons for the same time Four hundred
and forty four of the distillerles are now
in operation and the others are
temporarily suspended! Having Become
convinced that seventy-nine hours was too
long for fermenting period, and that
frauds were perpetrated, forty eight hours
has been fixed as basis, and, by this re-
survey, the present capacity OF SB4 distll-
leries is 677.942 gallons every twenty four
hours. This change will not only increase
the revenue, but prevent frauds The re-
peal of all deductions on account of leak
age on spirits on bond is regarded as a
wholesome reform. The Commissioner
estimates the annual production of spirits
at $4,000 900 gallons a year, which ought
to p.oduce S52,000,000 of revenue. He
thinks it possible to so execute the law as
to secure $50,000,000 of tax annually. He
advises against any essential change in
the law, until its provisions have had a
further practical test
The number of cigars returned for tax
alton in 1869, at an average tax OF 50 per
1000, was 991 ,535, 1874, against BAL, 443,o94
in 1866, when the tax was $40 per 1000.
The Commissioner advises that no change
be made in the law respecting tax on to-
bacco.
The receipts for stamps since March,
1869 exceed by nearly a million of dollars
the receipts for the same period OF last
year
The Commissioner regrets his inability
to recommend any satisfactory plan to pre-
vent frauds and evasiens in the use of
stamps.
The receipts from income tax for the
year 1869 are $26,000,000, against $780,
900 for the preceding year. The Com
missioner is of the opinion that, as long as
q large revenue is needed, the income tax
ought to be continued, and as it expires
ny lllHildtlOIt HCAt lSdI uC lCtomLlCuuo
that it be renewed by Congress at the ap-
preaching session.
He advises that the appointments of
supervisors OF the revenue be vested in
the President, that an increase of salary
be given and that the office of Revenue
Detective be changed to that of Assistant
Supervisor. He says that where honest
and efficient officers have been placed the
taxes have been promptly assessed and
collected.
The Commissioner is of the opinion
that, as 90 per cent. of the entire receipts
was collected from few objects, all of
which may be classed as luxuries or as the
accumulated and associated wealth of the
country, the Revenue law is not unjust or
burdensome; and he thinks that, fairly
administered, $173000000 may be col
lected annually from spirits, tobacco fer
mented liquors, incomes, salaries, stamps,
banks, legacies, and gas companies.
He is of the opinion that the Tice meters
in distilleries have failed to accomplish the
desired end, but has appointed commits
sion to practically test their sutficiency.
The expense of collecting the revenue
for the year was $6,7S5471, a reduction OF
Of 81 ,991,3 1897 from the expense of the pre-
ceding year. The number of officers EN-.
ployed, reporting to the bureau, is 6,003