The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-14
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.
WASHINGTON, March -, 1875.
MUTILATED CURRENCY.

MUTILATED CURRENCY.
The Secretary OF the Treasury has decided TO re-
turn to the old method OF redeeming INITIATED
United States currency, under which deduction
was made proportloned to the portion OF the notes
missing. The change Will take effect on the LIST
proxmo. The old system was changed by Score
tary boutwell,, who established toe system now IN
operation, under which three -1lths or more OF u
note is redeemed, Tor Its iull face value, wnlIe
smaller fragments are not redeemable at all. IN
less proof Is presented that the missing portions
are totally destroyed. Tie operation of this rule
has proved unsatisfactory 20 the officers OF the
department, VINO have accordingly detci mined 10
return to the more stringent regulations formerly
III force.
POSTAGE ON PRINTED MATTER
The amendment enacted on motion of Senator
Hamn as part OF an Appropriation bill in tie
closing hours OF Congress, Increasing the postage
on transient newspapers books, book manuscript,
proofs and ordinary printed matter, IRON one
cent for each two ounces, to one cent Tor eacn
ounce, not recommended or asked by the
Post ONCE Department. Postmaster General
Jewell, his letter OF February IS, TO the chair.
man OF the Senate Pos o. Committee, suggested
that the rate be doubled for merchandise" only,
aud his suggestion did not apply TO the ma!lao.e
1 rinted matter above referred 10.
THE DIsTILLERs OF SPIRITS.
The following circular letter to supervisors and
Collectors, urglng an increase OF vigilance, has
Just been issued
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF INTERNAL REVENUE,
WASHINGTON, ID. e., March IL, 1875.
TO SUPERVISORS AND COLLECTORS OF INTERNAL
REVENUE
The recent advance In the rate OF taxation on
distilled spirits Will be an additional Incentive 10
irauds and must be met by an adequate increase
OF vlgence on the part oil Officers intrusted with
the collection OF the revenue. In response
TO inquiries OF members OF Congress
when the matter was under considera-
tion, the Commissioner stated that IN
his opinion this tax could DE collected. This
opinion was based on the commissioners faith III
throughout the country. He therefore, calls
upon you now most earnestly not to dsappoint
his hopes and the expectations OF the country
that the increase OF the revenues will CORES pond
with the increase OF the tax. To this end the
Commissioner asks your most careful scrutiny into
thtscnaracter and conduct OF the ofilcers placed
directly iu charge OF distleries, without whose
CONVEYANCE or inefficency II would seem that
frauds could not long be continued. Ii at
any time you have reason to believe that the best
interests OF she service demand removals you Will
not hesitate 20 advise them. You Will renew, IN
yourselves als3 that active and constant vigi.
lance over the Whole subject which shall serve not
only as an earnest TO all your subordinates of
what Is expected and demanded OF them, but as a
warning to the evil.dls'pOsed and guarantee to
all good citizens that tiNs oranch OF the pubic
service Is being faithfully administered. The Com
missioner Will expect this support, and WI sus-
tain you In yOur endeavors to tne very utmost OF
hts aDliity AID 0ffclal power.
~ w UOUGI,ASS commissioner