Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-12-06
Estimss.s For Nexs Years Expenses.

bEAI ~ inC AACUH0As Va 49, - - 49,
year for the ordinary expenses Of the
government including those for pub
lie buildings, rivers and harbors and
the navy building program, amount TO
S63O,494,01312 This is sJ2,9G4,SS7 .S6
less than the appropriations for the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1911. 1t Is
S1G,Ss3, 1874 less than the total estl-
mates, including supplemental esti-
mates submitted to congress by the
treasury for the year 1911, and is So
574,G59.39 less than the original esti-
mates submitted by the treasury for
1911.
These figures do not include the APP
preparations for the Panama canal, the
policy in respect 10 which ought to be
and is to spend as mich each year as
can be economically and effectively ex-
pended In order TO complete the canal
as promptly as possible, aud there
fore the ordinary motive for cutting
down the. expense of the government
does not apply to appropriations for
this purpose. IL will be noted that the
estimates for the Panama canal for
the ensuing year are more than $685.
100000, an increase of $20,000000
over the amount appropriated for this
year, difference due to the fact that
the estimates for 1912 Include some
thing over $19,OOO,000 for the fortifica-
ton of the canal
Against the estimates Of expendl-
lures, $G30.4940l3.12. we have estl-
mated receipts for next year $780,
10000, making a probable surplus or
ordinary receipts over ordinary OK
pendltures Of about Sj00O0,OO0 or,
taking into account the estimates for
the Panama canal, which are S5G,02O,-
S47G9 and which will ultimately be
paid in bonds. it VIII leave deficit
for the next year of about S7,OO0,OOO
II congress shall conclude TO fortify the
canal. The cost Of the Notifications
is about S19,OOO0G0. Should there be
no appropriations this year for FORTH
cations then there would be, even in
Guiding the Panama canal approprla-
ton. a surplus Of about $120O0,000.
1t is not essential to the preventing
Of smuggling that customs districts
should be increased in number. The
violation Of the customs laws can be
quite as easily prevented and much
more economically by the revenue cut
ter service and by the use of the spe-
cial agent travelling force Of the treas
ury department.
Very great improvements have been
made In respect 10 the mints and as
say offices. Diminished appropriations
have been asked for those whose con.
tinuance is unnecessary, and this
years estimate OF expenses is $4,000
less than two years ago.
In the bureau Of engraving and
printing great economies have been
effected. Useless divisions have been
abolished. with the result Of saving
$4,000 this year in the total eX-
penses Of the bureau despite increased
business.
Revenues.
As the treasury department is the
one through which the income of the
government Is collected and its expend
lures are dlsburscd this seems a
proper place to consider the operation
of the existing tariff bill, which be,
came a law Aug. 6. 1909. As an in
come producing measure the existing
tariff bill has never been exceeded by
any customs bill in the history Of the
country.
The corporation excise tax. proper
toned TO the net income of every bus
ness corporation in the country. bias
worked we'll. The tax has been easily
collected. It's prompt payment lnGi
Gates that the incidence of the tax ba.
not been heavy. 1t offers, moreover
an opportuaFty a5r knowledge by The
government ,of tie general condition
and business Of an corporations, and
that means by far The most important
part Of the business Of the country In
the original act provision was made
for the publication of returns This
provision was subsequently amended
by congress ana the matter left TO the
regulation OF the president. ! have di-
rected the Issue Of the needed regul
lions and have made it possible for the
public generally to know from an eN
animation Of the record the returns Of
all corporations the stock Of which Is
listed on any public stock exchange or
is offered for sale TO the general pub.
lie bv advertisement or otherwise. The
returns of those corporations whose
stock IS not so listed or offered i"t
sale are directed TO be open to the IN
spcction and examination Of creditors
and stockholders of the corporation
whose record is sought The returns
of all corporations are. subject to the
inspection Of any government officer or
TO the examination Of any court IN
which the return made 10y the. corpora
ton is relevant and competent evil
dence.
The Payne Tariff Act.
The SCHEDULES Of the rates OF duty
in the Payne tariff act have been sub
jected TO d great deal. OF criticism
some of it just. more of il upfounded
and to much misrepresentation The
act was adopted in pursuance Of a
declaration by the party which is re
sponsible for ut that customs bill
should be tariff for the protection
of home industries, the measure Of the
protection to be the difference between
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