Evening journal., 1898-08-09
INrIEREsrING RUGINGs.

We desire to call the attention OF our
readers to several more important rul-
ings made with respect to the opera
lions OF the war tax law. Washington
dispatches inform us that some theatri-
cal troupes who are planning for their
FAN and Winter tours have been MAX
ing application through Senator FL
kins for some relief from recent rul-
ings Of the Internal Revenue Bureau
in regard to the tax imposed upon
them, and have asked that some ar
rangement be made by which an am
nual tax OF $40 or sl5 be imposed upon
proprletors OF theatre buildings, and
thus lift the burden from the travelling
companies, who are now liable 30 a
tax OF $40 per annum for each state
in which they give performances.
The commissioner Of Internal Revenue
say in reply that nomodlticationi pos
si.ble; that the theatrical companies
giving exhibitions in small towns must
pay tax OF $40 per annuam for each
state in which they exhibit, but may
give as many exhibitions as they de-
sire in the state in which they pay tax,
and Il they go TO another state to give
performances they must pay additional
tax.
The secretary Of the Treasury has
announced that hereafter yachts docu-
mented or commissioned cannot be a.
lowed to transport merchandise or sup
plies for the destitute OF foreign coun-
tries. They must surrender their doeu-
ments and become merchant vessels
before they will be allowed to carry
merchandise or supplies. This will az
feet some newspaper yachts and Others
that have been used to carry supplies
TO Cubans.
A letter from Commissioner Scott in
regard to banks. relative to the prep
aration OF their returns FOR payment
OF the special tax, giving directions as
to how to proceed in conformity with
the law reads:
In preparing your return you will
be guarded by the following rules:
The law specifically provides that the
tax shall be computed upon the capi-
tai, and that in estimating capital sur
plus shall be included. In estimating
surplus, this office holds that undi
vided profits must be included. The
law also specifically provides that the
amount of such annual tax shall in all
cases be computed on the basis OF capi-
tai and surplus OF the preceding fiscal
year, and this Office holds that, II the
capital and surplus varied from time to
time during the preceding fiscal year,
the same may be averaged, as was spe-
cihcally provided by law in the case Of
capital under the revenue act OF June
so, 1864. II was found to be necessary
in the case OF deposits under the ac' Of
1864 to ascertain the average by add
ing together the amounts at the close
of business OF each business day, and
div ding the amount by the number Of
buciness days. This method should be
adopted under the nav law. The need
OF averaging is obviously greatest as to
undivided profits. 1t is held to be iln-
proper to reduce the amount OF undi-
vlded profits by unaccrued interest or
by profits to be divided. Borrowed
capital must be taken into account in
estimating the amount taxable.
Attention is called to the fact that
telegraphic money orders, being orders
for the payment OF money, require q
two-cent stamp, this Is to be in addition
to the tax required on an kilograms.
An Alisntown Pa.) dispatch says
that on account Of the diversity o
opinion as to the stamping OF mar
riage licenses Clerk OF the Orphans
Court Klingler last week wrote to In
ternal Revenue Collector McClain To-
a decision. and he received the follow
ing:
Dear Sir: Replying to your letter o
the Atm instant, your are advised tha
marriage certificates are required &
bear 10-cent stamp as call other Ger
tifcates not otherwise provided for il
this act"
Your license will not be required 1
be stamped, but the original certiicat
should be stamped and the duplicat
should indicate that the original ma
been stamped Respectfully yours,
p. A. MCI4AlN, Collector.
The decision OF Collector McCrai
means that the only marriage docr
ment required to be stamped is the Gel
tncate that the minister issues to III
coupe. Heretofore Clerk Khngler n
quired stamps to be put on the hcens
certificate and duplicate, but hereaft,
only cne stamp will be required
AN OF these rulings have direct or Il
direct bearing upon the affairs OF OF
own city and state.
step crying ever the fret days re