St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-12-21
PROPER ECONOMY
Must Be Exercised in Public En-
penditures.

Iam of the opinion that with proper
economy in public expenditures. which
it is hoped will result in considerable
reduction from the estimates, an in
crease of S50.000,000 to the revenue for
the fiscal year 1895. by the imposition of
additional taxes under the internal rev.
enue system, will supply sufficient means
for the support of the government, and
that this sum can be raised without
seriously disturbing the business of the
country Or doing injustice to any part of
the people. Many different methods of
providing this additional revenue have
been suggested and discussed, and after
careful examination of the whole sub
ject have reached the conclusion that
it can be most conveniently and justly
raised by increasing the tax on distilled
spirits 10 cents per gallon, and by addi-
tional taxes on cigars and cigarettes,
and the imposition of new taxes OH play
ing cards, cosmetics and perfumeries,
legacies and SUGGESTIONS and incomes
derived from investments in stocks and
bonds of corporations and joint stock
companies. The increased
cigars and cigarettes should be imposed
upon all such articles in existence and
upon which the revenue has not been
collected at the time the act takes eff
feet; but reasonable time should be
allowed in the cases of the new taxes,
in order that the necessary stamps may
be prepared and distributed and the
necessary rules and regulations made
and promulgated.
A tax of per cent upon an income of
50, 900 derived from the investment of
$50, 00G in per cent stock would amount
to S30-a sum so Insignificant that the
investor could not reasonably claim
that the franchises and privileges
granted to his debtor had not added
fully that much to his receipts.
1t is scarcely necessary to suggest to
congress i'll this connection that the
present and prospective condition of the
treasury and the general state of the
country demand policy of the strlctest
economy in public expenditures con-
siStent with an efficient administra-
ton of the laws. Reductions of tax
alton cannot be logically insisted
upon, or be made practically bene-
fetal, without a corresponding reduc-
ton of expenditures; but such reduc-
ton cannot be permanently effected by
merely Withholding appropriations re-
CURED for the proper execution OF ex-
listing laws, which impose duties upon
the heads of executive departments and
other public officials. Deficiencies are
not savings, but as a general rule result
i'll larger expenditures than would have
been made If adequate appropriations
had been granted in the first instance.
Genuine economy and trugality can be
secured only by repeal of statutes au-
thorizing or requiring unnecessary ex-
penditures, and the refusal to enact
new laws creating charges against the
treasury for purposes of doubtful util-
ity; and although such policy will
probably be vigorously opposed by pow
erful Interests more or less dependent
upon the patronage of the government
for support, and by local influences
seeking legislative favors, it is evident
that it must be adopted and adhered to
if any substantial result is to be accom-
pliShed.