Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-12-07

from the method of appropriation, which
has been so much criticised in connection
with our rivers and harbors. Some method
should be devised for controlling the sup
ply Of public buildings, so that they will
harmonic with the actual needs OF the
government Not only are buildings appro-
priated for by congress which are not
needed, and buildings left Incorporated
for by congress which are needed, but
when it comes to the actual construction
there has been in the past too little study
OF the building plans and sites with a view
to the actual needs Of the government.
Postoffice buildings which are in effect
warehouses for the economical handling of
transportation of thousands of tons of
mail have been made monumental struc-
lures, and often located far from the con-
venient and economical spot. In the actual
construction of the buildings a closer scru-
tiny of the methods employed by the gov
eminent architects or by architects en-
ployed by the government have resulted in
decided economies. 1t is hoped that more
time viii give opportunity for a more thor
ough reorganization. The last public build
ing bill carried authorization for the ulti-
mate expenditure Of $SS,O11,5OO and ap-
proved 1t because Of the many good fea-
lures IL contained, just as l approved the
river and harbor bill but 1t was drawn
upon principle that ought to be aban-
doned. 1t seems to me that the wiser
method of preparing a public building bill
would be the preparation Of a report by a
commission OF government experts whose
duty 1t should be to report TO congress the
governments needs I'm the way of the con-
strucuon of public buildings In every part
Of the country, just as the army engineers
make report with reference to the utility
Of proposed improvements in rivers and
harbors, with the added function which 1
have recommended for the army engineers
OF including in their recommendation the
relative Importance Of the various projects
found to be worthy Of approval and execu-
ton,
Collections of Revenue.
As the Treasury department is the one
through which the income Of the govern
ment IL collected, and its expenditures are
disbursed, this seems a proper place to
. consider the operation OF the existing tariff
Dill, which became a law August g. 1909. As
an income-producing measure. the existing
tariff bill has never been exceeded By any
customs bill in the history OF the country.
The corporation excise tax, proportional
TO the net income Of every business CORPORA
ton in the country. has worked well. The
tax has been easily collected It's prompt
payment indicates that the incidence OF
the tax has not been heavy II offers.
moreover, an opportunity for knowledge by
the government OF the general condition
and business OF all 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 pubIica ton
| OF returns. This provision was subsequently
amended by congress, and the matter left
| 20 the regulation Of the president. I have
directed the issue Of the needed regulations
and have made IL possible for the public
generally to know from an examination 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 public by advertisement or other.
wise. The returns OF those corporations
whose stock Is not so listed or Offered for
, sale are directed 10 be open 10 the inspec-
/ uon and examination OF creditors and
! stockholders whose record is sought. The
returns Of all corporations are subject to
the inspection OF any government officer. OF
TO the examination Of any court I'm which
the return made by the corporation Is rele.
want and competent evidence
The Payne Tariff Act.
The schedules OF the rates OF duty IN ths
| Payne tariff act have been subjected to !