The Atlanta constitution., 1900-01-01
Centering in New York.

The announcement that Secretary
Gage, after the expiration OF his term
in the cabinet, will become president
of the new National Government bank,
which he has favored by giving IL
monopoly OF the internal revenue re-
ceipts, is not surprising.
There was time when the federal
cabinet was reached through long
term of faithful public service, and
membership therein was sought as the
elimination of laudable ambition,
which thereafter would retire to enjoy
the plaudits of well-served constltu-
ency. Such men spoke from their re-
tirement as sages, whose words were
RECEIVED with attention and occasion
ally, in emergency, they were called
back to the field of action. OF late
years, however, all this has changed,
and term in the cabinet comes as
the result of some brief personal SER
vice In party campaign, and 1t is
used as the stepping stone to corpora
tion presidencies or similar purpose.
To mention names would be invidious,
and a mere reference to the general
fact is enough.
1t seems to be probable that Mr.
Gage has overstepped the limit OF en-
durance in the present case. Even
so faithful a republican organ as me
Philadelphia Press objects vigorously
to the sep thrown over TIE treasury
wall TO the National City bank of New
York. While approving the deposit
ing in banks of the revenue surplus
|
the treasury, The Press is of the opin-
ion that there are other banks than
the National City and other cities than
New York Asking the question: rs
IL wise to make anv one bank the
central point of distribution for the
whole country?" The Press goes on to
say:
All the larger cities should be treated
alike Internal revenue receipts gather
ed near each city should be deposited
IN some bank I'm each. and If this bank
were nominated by the clearing house
committee of each city, subject TO hhal
selection of the secretary of the treas
ury, the head of the treasury depart
ment would be saved from serious and
onerous responsibility. sure some day to
lead TO real or apparent scandal. But
however selected. these daily receipts of
internal revenue should not be given as
n monopoly to New York city banking,
but deposited over the country. In these
days of the long distance telephone and
the telegraph it is as easy each day to
know the total of these deposited receipts
in a number OF cities as In one. once
known, the equitable distribution of these
deposits is as easy from several centers
as from one city.
Secretary Gage has undoubtedly follow
ed corporation precedent and practice In
gathering all these deposits of Internal
revenue receipts In New York for dis
tribution, but the United States govern
ment is more than corporation. 1t has
common responsibilities TO all our cities
and is bound to give them ali equitable
treatment. Moreover, Ii the privilege of
receiving these deposits is wanted, it Is
because IT, IS valuable: If 1t is valuable,
the privilege should be paid for. whether
1t IS held by one bank in one city or by
several banks in several cities.
Let the political procession move on!
II is well for the people to become
acquainted with all the facts. SO that
at the proper time they may pass upon
them.