National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-08

the penal provisions, in most important particu-
lars, were no more stringent than those existing
since the early history Of the country.
The earlier acts, relating to duties on imports,
perhaps, imposed the severest penalties known
without material modification In this respect un-
til the last session Of Congress, but their admins
tration was modified, by the power Of remission
conferred on the Secretary SO far as TO rarely In
YOlve forfeiture ofvessels or the imposition Of tho
EXTREMIST penalties. 1t was the conspicuous
character Of the penalties recently imposed that
excited public attention and induced the mOdlh-
cations embodied in the act Of the last session.
The sum placed at the disposal OF the Secre-
tary by the act Of the last sessi on OF Congress
is inadequate for furnishing compensation for the
detection of frauds upon the revenue. The last
section Of that act makes It the duty Of the Sec
rotary to make compensation to persons who
would, under former laws, have been entitled to
share in the distribution of fOrfeitures and, un-
der this provision large proportion Of the sum
act became unavailable for use In cases Of future
violations Of the law.
The decline OF receipts from customs is sug-
Restive Of the Importance Of reducing the aggre-
gate expenses Of collection, and the attention Of
the Department has recently been given to this
favorable results, and still further reduction will
be accomplished. 1t is, however, impracticable
to make such reduction exactly, or even approx
imRtely, prOpOrtionate to the falling OIL in re-
ceipts, since the cost of maintaining the minimum
organization at any given port is the principal
part OF the expense, ana tnls cannot De aVolded,
or diminished, without mourning danger of loss
Of the revenue at such port
The Recommendation of the Commissioner Of
of internal Revenue for the abolition of stamp
duties and the increase of the tax on spirits ten
cents per gallon in compensation for such loss to
the revenue are Endorsed. The report gives a
succinct view Of the operations of the coast sur
Vcy marine hospital service, the lifc-saving sta
tiOns, light houses, sc, and cOmmends these
branches to the fostering care Of Congress.
REDEMPTION AGENCY FOR NATIONAL BAEKs.
If Congress shall deem it expedient to continue
the present system of redemption of national
bank notes, it is recommended that the number
and compensation of the employees in the di-
be fixed by law, and their appointment vested In
the head OF the Department, in accordance with
the constitutional provision.
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING.
Careful consideration Of the manner Of prepar-
ing the bonds, notes, and stamps issued by the
United States has led to the conclusion that the
work can be more satisfactorily and safely done
in the Treasury Department than elsewhere.
1t is, therefore, recommended that provision be
made by law for preparing all securities, stamps,
checks drafts, &c. issued by the United States,
in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing now at
tached to this Department, and that the cost
thereof be regulated by law from time to time.
COTTON CLAIMS.
1t is submitted for the consideration of Con
gress that the Treasury Department is not a suit
able tribunal for the ultimate decision of such
questions. They belong more properly to the
courts, which are armed with power TO ascertain
the truth, and are better organized for this pur-
pose than an Executive Department Of the Gov
eminent.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Careful revision of the acts heretofore passed
authorizing the construction Of public buildings
is recommended, with view TO curtailing the
cost of some and suspending others, which, 1t Is
believed, may be done without detriment TO the
public service. By this means there can be effected
a saving of considerable sums OF money which,
under existing appropriations, will be expended
during the current and ensuing fiscal years.