New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-12-05
1HE TREdSURY.

Tho monthly debt statements have told the
public that the Governments revenues are
ample and that. the Public Debt il gradually
diminishing. Mr.Boutwel's annual report prom
ises continuance Of this happy condition OF
the National finances. lie estimates q reduc-
ton of about 900 in tho Internal Rev
enue receipts. and of &4.000,000 from miscella-
neous sources, ard an increase of $4.000O00
in the customs for the current fiscal
year which ends June 30. 1872. Tho
expenses he estimates will be about
a million dollars greater than they were in
the year which ended on the 30th OF June
last. The Public Debt was lcssened S94 ,000, 600
last year. aud the estimated surplus for the
year ending with next June ID about $S2,0OO,-
600. Mr.. boutwell, thinks the time has come
VIXEN considerable further reduction can be
made in the taxes, ond yet leave tho Govern
ment 5000 1000 q year with which to cancer
it's outstanding bonds. He recommends Con
gress to dispense with all revenue from
Internal sources, except that derived from
stamps, liquors, beer, ale, and tobacco. lie
also recommends reduction of tho Customs
duties on salt one-half, on coal to 90 GENTS o
tun. and q partial removal OF the. duty on
hides. Lilo would enlarge the free list by the
addition of several minor articles, necessary in
the arts and manufactures, which yield now
but inconsiderabte revenue.
lie notes with satisfaction the decrease in
the premium Oh gold and tho Increased value
of our paper money, and thinks that still
further progress could be made by the subst-
tuition of greenbacks and bank notes for tho
coin at present In use - currency in the
Pacific States. Ho advises q change in tho
laws under which the Collector, Surveyor. and
Naval Officer of this Port severally
derive perquisites to the amount Of
about $4,000 a year, az their share of fines,
forfeitures, etc., incurred by violators of the
revenue laws. Brief reference il made in the
report to the public buildings contemplated or
in process of construction in various cities,
and hint is given that appropriations for
buildings not absolutely necessary be delayed
until those now in progress are completed.
The most elaborate portion Of tho report is
devoted to the subject of the negotiation of
the $2OO, 100000 of new per cent bonds, in
Guiding statement of the agreement entered
into with the London and American Syndi-
Gates. Mr.. Boutwell, thinks that the commits
sion allowed to the agents Of tho Govern
ment by the act authorizing the loan
is too small, and concludes his remarks
under this head by recommending that
the coupons on United States bonds held
abroad be made payable in London. The
difficult question, What shall we do to keep
the American flag on the oceani is carefully
discussed, and the conclusion arrived at 10 that
liberal subsidy should he guaranteed to persons
who will employ in tho foreign trade first-class
American built iron stcamships of not Less
than 1000 tuns burden. Such are the more
important points touched upon by the Secre-
tary. Our critical review of the positions
taken by him on dcbatable questions is I'M
ayoidably deferred until tomorrow.