The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1878-09-04
WASHINGTON, D. c.,
Aug. 26. 1873,
ro DC Editor Of the Morristown aazette:

WASHINGTON, d. c.,
-ti -. Aug. 26. 1873,
To the Editor of the Morristown Gazette:
For the first month Of the present
fiscal year, the receipts from internal
revenue sources showed 8 compare
tive increase of over a million dol
lars. This was due to the large
sales of tobacco stamps, which had
almost ceased for the last six months
in the previous year, owing to the
agitation in Congress of the ques-
tion of an increase in the tobacco
tax. While undecided, manufactur
ers did not warehouse their tobacco,
and, consequently there were no,
stamps sold. AS soon as the tobac-
co bill was defeated an unusual sale
of stamps was made, which resulted
in what may be termed an inflated
condition of the internal revenue re.
ceipts for the first month, and the
unprecedented increase of over ST..
100000. A reaction soon set in.
and the receipts for the first two
months Of the present fiscal year
show an actual increase of over one
half million dollars compared with
the same time last year. This fall
off is alarming, and if continued at
the same rate throughout this year
would result in a decrease of about
twelve millions. The serious dis
cussion of proper ways and means
to increase the receipts from these
sources is agitating official circles,
and that recommendation, on this
subject. will be made to Congress, is
now definitely settled.
Gen Raum thinks that Congress
will be asked to increase the tax on
malt liquors. He says the reason
for this is obvious. The profit on
both the. manufacture and sale of
beer is enormous. The brewer sells
a barrel of beer, containing thirty
one gallons. for So. and this is re-
tailed for $40. The tax paid is 81
on every barrel, and it will be pro-
posed to Congress to make the tax
either 81 so or 81 81. The basis
upon which this new tax will be
founded is the per centage Of alco-
hol, which barrel of beer contains.
Every ba-relis supposed to contain
6 per cent. of alcohol or 1856 gal
Ions The tax on alcohol is 90 |
cents a gallon, and therefore the tax
due from the alcohol found in bar.
rel Of beer would be 81 81. 1t is
claimed that a tax Of 81 81 upon
every barrel of beer would be suffi-
oient to balance the present threat
eued decrease. With this increased |
taxation and the reduction, which is
now becoming popu1ar) of beer from
five to three cents per glass, the
profits of the retail dealer would |
still be about $40 per barrel. The
liquor men are aware Of this propos-
ed inroad upon the profits which
they now enjoy, and will bring to
bear all the influence which their
wealth and mum hers command.
The commissary general, by direc.
ton of Secretary McCrary. on S at
urday, ordered that 5000 rations be
sent to Grenada for the yellow fever
sufferers. He had previously order |
ed 10000 rations to be issued to /
Memphis. The Secretary cannot, !
of course. feed all the people in the
districts. He will. how
ever, extend as much aid as pasai.
BILE. and hopes by a Judioious man
agement in the distribution of sup
plies to1do good deal for the relief
Of the sufferers. Tue Medical De.
partmeRt, DIR. Baxter. has sent some
81 800 worth of medicines, princi-
pally quinine, bromine and iron, to
different points South,
The usual fall advertisement of
the Postoffice Department, inviting
for carrying the malls of
the United States in the States Of
New Hampshire. New York, Penn
sylyania, Maryland. Virginia, West
Florida, Alabama, Missis-
sippi. Ohio. Indiana. Arkansas,
Louisiana, Texas. Colorado and Cal
fornia. and Washington Territory.
will soon be issued, having been
placed in the hands OF the printer.
The proposals do not include all the
'outes In the States named, but only
hose miscellaneous ones which were
contracted for last May.
Commissioner Raum has offered
eward OF $500 for the arrest of the
hree men in the Knoxville district
yho, with company of Illicit dis
ilIers. attacked Collector Cooper's
,osse and killed one Of his cons.
The Collector also offers a reward
# $500. The posse was under the
command Of the Collectors oldest
on, who had taken with him his
brother. who fell victim to ran
lom shot from the opposing party.
The prompt action f.the depart
nent will lead 70 the speedy arrest