The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1899-02-21
BRITISH WORK IN SIAM

Mr.. Mitchell-Innes. financial adviser
to the King of Siam, has relinqushed
his office, and is proceeding to Egypt
to take up his post there. Henceforth
the duties of financial adviser will be
undertaken by Mr.. Rivett-Carnac, ac-
countant- general of Burma, who has
been lent by Burma and appointed
comptroller general in order to extend
and complete the work which has been
successfully begun.
During Mr.. Mitchell-Innes' work here,
of twa and half years, a reformation
has beer effected in the financial de-
partment Under the improved super
vision the revenue accounts show an
increase from G1,260,000 to $4,000 900,
while expenditure has increased from
eSS9,0OO to G1S20,000. The latter in
crease is due to the payment of arrears,
the improved administration of the po-
lice, and outlay on public improve
ments. The financial position is excel
lent There is a surplus for the current
year of G210,000, and the reserve in the
treasury amounts to more than Ell 000,-
000 Formerly, all salaries and pay
ments were months in arrear and con-
sequently there was great disorganiza-
ton; now every government servant,
from the highest to the lowest, is pune
tually paid, and receives a fixed salary,
graded according to the advice of the
financial adviser. The reform has been
remarkable. Its effect is admirable,
and prospects are encouraging. A state
ment of accounts will henceforth be
published annually his Majesty desir-
ing that Siam should establish its cred
it abroad preparatory to the desired re-
vision of the old commercial treaties.
Whereas, formerly the civil list was of
varying amount, being 10 per cent. Of
the total revenue, it is now assessed at
fixed annual sum, reasonable
amount approved by the financial adj
wiser. The old defective method of re-
venue collection, with no accounts and
no audit, has ceased The Burma viii
lage system is now being introduced by
Prince Damrong into every province.
The revenues are paid into the provin
cial treasures, and accounts are rend-
cred monthly. Unlike China, where likin
barrier exist everywhere, and are in
creasng, inland duties of Siam are be-
ing lightened and and taxtioan is be-
ing SllnpllIleu. SIAM is HOW lie IlOSI
lightly taxed country in Asia, and there
is almost complete free transit through
out the kingdom.
Under Mr.. Slade, conservator of for
ests, who has been lent by the Burma
government, the teak revenues nave
been trebled. The Burmese system of
forest conservation has been introduce
ed, and regulations have been enforced
by which waste has been checked I'm
der Mr. Jardine, inspector general, who
has been lent by Burma, an efficient
force of 2,515 police--Siamese, sttffened
by few Afghans--has been organized
disciplined, and regularly paid. The re-
suit is excellent. The crimes OF SNUG
Cling and Illicit dealing have decreased;
hence the revenues derived from the
government opium and spirit-farms
have doubled. Under Mr. Mccarthy,
surveyor general and cadastral sur
veyor, progress has already been made.
The leading reform is in the collection
of the land-tax, in which large in
crease is anticipated. The native irri-