The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-26
HEAD TAX ON EMIGRANTS.

Some Light on the Proposition to In
crease the Burden-An Unnecessary
and Injurious schemc-SsOO,0OO To BE
Taken Out OF the Pockets of Aliens
Cost of Supporting Castle Garden and
Wards Island.
The members OF the Assembly who voted for
raising the head tax emigrants from 81 SO to
81 so must certainly have been deceived as to the
financial affairs OF the Commissioners There
IL no doabt whatever as to the singular mistake
made as 70 the Governor recommending this in
crease in his annual message. No such recommends
ton is contained in that document, nor could His
EXceency, with a knowledge OF the facts, con-
sistently urge 1t upon the Legislature The present
communication tax Is sufficient, and more than sum-
Gent, to carry out the benevolent objects Of the
law for the protection Of emgrants II used with
any degree OF economy. To place, therefore, any
further burthen on the shipping interests of New
York Is both unwise and an nducement to prac-
tise extravaganza in the management OF Castle
Garden and wards Island.
EXPENSES OF THE COMMISSION.
The report OF the Commissioners OF Emigration
for 1872 just published shows that there cash
balance To their credit on the first day Of the pres
ent year, and II follows, OF course, that the state
ment that they are in debt 100000 or 100000
must be incorrect. II they owe that amount. tnen
there must be a grievous error in the exhibit
sworn to by all the commissioners on the 18th Of
February, 1873. The number of emigrants who ar
rived at this port In 1872 was ,5sl, and The en-
expense OF supporting the hospital and re-
iuge on Wards Island, exclusive OF sal
really @ az the a outside s 's one snG Sa
OF the total just and necessary OUTLAWS during the
year. There are nearly two hundred employees in
the service OF the commissioners number evi-
IDENTITY too numerous. Many OF these, particularly
on Wards Island, receive large salaries and emou-
ments entirely disproportionate to their services,
and In which respect considerable reduction
should be made. In the matter OF purchasing sup
plies there seems to be no system or economy.
nf nj m
slo0.o0O annually, are purchased and not adver-
Used Tor as the interests OF emigrants require.
Reform IN these two matters, not to speak Of
others would produce large yearly saving.
SCORES OF AGENTS IN THE INTERIOR.
board for appointing agents In each county In the
state az salary OF $500 per year viii only cause an
outlay OF Sl5.00O-a sum that Is now PAID to half q
dozen favored individuals at so many different
points IN the interior. In fact, these new agents.
II they faithfully perform their duties, will prob
ably lessen the expenses OF the commission mas
much as they can inquire into the correctness OF
accounts presented by county authorities for the
transient support Of INDECENT emigrants and which
are now paid out OF the commut alton fund without
the examination as to correctness which Is neces-
sary.
PROPOSED COLLECTION OF EIGHT HUNDRED THOU
SAND DOLLARS FROM EMIGRANTs.
The number OF arrivals as stated above, in 1872,
tax, &c, was $685. 0o0 total expenses, exclusive OF
buildings, $461 02s, or $4,000 less than income. 1t
Will thus be seen that the legitimate receipts ex-
coed the disbursements, making all allowance for
sinecures, high salaries and injudicious manner OF
purchasing supplies There is every indication
that $50 900 aliens viii land at Castle Garden during
the present year. III the Senate approves OF the
81 so tax there will be collected from emigrants
100000 between the LIST ofJanuary and 3lst Of
December, a sum double what Is needed To carry
out the law for their protection. The Commits
sloners at their last meeting published state.
ment that their entire Indebtedness on the lat or
May, proximo, would be $4S, 900, but This is owing
70 the small number OF passengers landing in tue
early tempestuous months OF the year; but IN the
summer and FAN the immense tide OF immigration
., receipts Is certain to place the finances In
saIIsactory CONDITION. The present rate OF 81 30,
poses.
HOW THE FINANCES STAND.
ohouiu lhe Dlli pass the senate and the Governor
appioFc WHICH, - not probable, there will be q sur
Plus OF at least $500 600 In the hands OF the Com.
hsslohers at The end OF the year after meeting
a. eAP xAses, Inc present ComIalsslouers- MessIs