National Republican., 1878-12-03

Slncreasc.
Tho amount Of collections exhibited in the
foregoing table includes commissions on sales OF
stamps, paid In kind as well as certain sums col.
lccted but not deposited during their respective
nsGa years; an ~ apparen, 1lsscSPamfIy ~ illus mus
In the table and those shown by tho cOyering.war-
rants OF the Treasury.
by comparing the internal revenue for the fiscal
year terminated In June last with that for the hs-
cal year ended June 30, 1877 II will be seen that
there has been decrease during the past year OF
nearly ar N NssoOOOoo. and that q this amount upward
ing to causes which have been already advertcd 10.
Tho needs Of the public service require that no
reduction Of internal revenue taxes be made. The
commodities from which the internal revenue Il
mostly colocled-namely, spirits, tobacco, fer
mented liquors, and stamps-arc those which prop.
crly bear the burden OF ihe tax, and the present
rates are, In tho main, equitable aud satisfactory
aud TO them the trade In those commodities has
become adjusted Any change In these rates or
agitation oil change dsturbs the course Of business
and IL preJudcial both 70 dealers and the revenue.
Stability In the rates Of taxation Is In view Ol the
present condition of the country, especially dcsir'
able.
The number Of collectors Is at present 1876.
Favorable and extended notice is made to the
reports Of the operations OF the bureau OF Printing
boat Inspection, Revenue, Mari ne Liiesay Ing. and
Marine. Hospital Service, Light. House Establish
ment, Coast Survey, and the Public Buildings.
OFFICIAL SERVICE
In closing his annual report the Secretary deems
risdiction imposed by law upon the Treasury DE.
partment Since Its organization by act approved
September >, l7so, IL has been placed In charge Of
the commerce aud navigation of the country OF Il
revenue marine, consisting OF thrty'sevcn steam
and sailing. vessels engaged In the prevention OF
smuggling and the assistance OF distressed and
wrecked vessels; OF the engraving, printing, ani
redemption OF United States notes. OF the collection
Of commercial and other statistics and of the con-
struction aud custody Of public buildings. II hlrs
also tho exclusive supervision OF tue national
banks OF the Light House Establishment, the Coast
Survey, the Liie'Saving Service, and the MUrin,-
Hospital Service together constituting II diversity
Of duties requiring the highest skill learning. iide
ity and enterprise on the part of iEs officers.
Tho laws relative to these matters have been sup.
plemented by regulations and decisions, and all
combined form an admirable system for the admin
istration of the business OF the Department II
will accordingly be seen lhatthc collection and dis
bursement of public revenues and the settlement
Of the accounts therefor COZ 'iutc small part Of
the work Of the Department. and 1t would seem
proper that the persons performing duties SO varied
md important should have q tenure Of office ter.
minabe only for cause as IL the cnse In the army
and navy aud that provision be made for Increased
pay as reward for long continued and faithful
service.
The general conduct OF the officers OF this De-
pnrtment has been exemplary, and probably no
service presents u better record OF responsible
trusts faithfully and honestly discharged.
The several reports OF the heads Of bureaus and
divisions arc herewith respectfully submitted;
JOHN SHERMAN,
Secretary Of the Treasury.
Hon. SAMUEL J. RASDALL,
Speaker OF the House Of Representative.