The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-12-14

General CRECC'S S REPORT
Important Recommendations Con-
tanned in the Review.
STATE FINANCES HEALTHY
The Large Balance, However, as the AT
traction for Misappropriation May
Not Prove an Unmixed Blessing,
Many Amendments Are Needed.
By the United Press.

By the United Press.
Harrisburg, Pa, Dec. 13.-Auditor
General Gregg makes some important
recommendations in his report to the
governor. He says the finances of the
commonwealth are in a healthy condi-
tion. Referring to the large balance in
the state treasury, he observes:
Whilst we may point with pride to the
existence of this large balance, it must
not be too readily assumed that it will
prove an unmixed blessing. Its very eX-
istence will invite applications of its
appropriation to purposes neither nee
essary nor deserving. If considerable
portion of the present accumulated bal
ance could be applied to some needed pub
lie use, whose benefits would be enjoyed
by the entire people, without placing upon
commonwealth an annual charge there
for, which could not be made from its
probable revenues, 1t would seem well
that the existing surplus. should be so
used.
He speaks of some difficulties in col
lecting the revenues and says:
1t Is greatly to be regretted that the tax
alton of the capital stock of corporations,
Citations cannot be made under a tax law
that can be enforced, upon reports ma1e
to this department and under general
rule of application.
There are upward of 1900 corporations
and limited partnerships and joint stock
associations making capital stock re-
ports to this department. OF these prob
ably one-half do not report sales Of shares
of stock to have occurred during the year.
In view of these facts 1t is respectfully
urged that the Legislature will, at its ap-
preaching session, so amend the present
law of taxing capital stock that it shall!
be possible for the auditor general to de-
termine the tax in each case. save In c:i-
ceptional ones, from reports made to his
department.
Where Amendment Was Needed.
General Gregg says there Is great
need of amendment to the existing laws
on the subject of theatrical and circus
license. He suggests that the owner or
lessee of a place for theatrical repre-
sentations should be required to pay
an annual license, which should be
graduated according to the population
of the city or borough in which the
building is situated.
1t is recommended that section of the
act of June Z, 1S79 shall be so amended
as to limit the application of the word
broker" in the act to those brokers
who receive deposits of money.
Reference is made to the fact that the
number of mine inspectors was in
creased from 16 to is in 1893 and no ap-
preparation made for the increased sal
aries. There will, therefore, be a deficit
to be provided for by the legislature.
The receipts this year were: $12S73,-
1862; the chief items being the tax on
corporation stock and limited partner
ship, $3,635 66S.73; tax on gross receipts
$3.50, ,3OS.61; banks, 535, 5,142,23; foreign in
surance companies, $495, 1880; loans
$l,3S1 $3.50; tax ON personal property
$2,3S6, ,750.99; tax on writs, wills, deeds
etc, $162, ,42S.52; tax on collateral inherit
ences, 1869, 1883; licenses, 81, 1866, O41. .26
bonus on charters, $2l5,2 SO; United
States government, $S99O71.55; fees OF
public officers, $157,632.4O; conscience
money, $644.