Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1910-12-08

merclal nations recognize the lHpOf
tance of this factor The greatest com
mercial nations. our competitors, jefl
ously foster Their merchant marine.
alluded 10 this most important sub
ject in my last annual message. lt hs
often been before you. and | ne.d not
recapitulate the reasons for its recon-
mendation. Unless prompt action be
taken the completion of the Panama
canal will find this the only great com
mercial nation unable to avail In inter.
national maritime business of this great
contribution to the means of the world S
commercial Intercourse
For many reasons cannot too strong
ly urge upon the congress the passage
OF measure by mail subsidy or other
subvention adequate to guarantee the
establishment and rapid development
of an American merchant marine. the
restoration of the American flag to its
ancient place upon the seas.
Estimates For Next Years Expenses.
The final estimates for the year end
ing June 80, 1912, as they have been
sent to the treasury on Nov. 20 OF this
year for the ordinary expenses of the
government, including those for pub
lie buildings. rivers and harbors and
the navy building program, amount to
$3.50, ,494. .013.12. This is $50, ,964 .SS7. .36
less than the appropriations for the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1911. 1t is
S16,SS3, 1874 less than the total esti-
mates, including supplemental esti-
mates submitted TO congress by the
treasury for the year 1911, and is So
674,659.39 less than the original esti-
mates submitted by the treasury for
1911.
These figures do not include the ap-
propriations for the Panama canal, the
policy in respect TO which ought to be
and is to spend as much each year as
can be economically and effectively ex-
pended in order to complete the canal
as promptly as possible, and there
fore the ordinary motive for cutting
down the expense of the government
does not apply TO appropriations for
this purpose. 1t will be noted that the
estimates for the Panama canal for
the ensuing year are more than S56,-
100000, an increase of S2O,OOO,OOO
over the amount appropriated for this
year, difference due 10 the fact that
the estimates for 1912 include some.
thing over $l9,O00,0OO for the fortifca-
ton of the canal.
Against the estimates Of expendl
lures, $630494,013 we have esti
mated receipts for next year $3.50.
100000, making a probable surplus of
ordinary receipts over ordinary ex
penditures' Of about $50,000,OO0, or
taking into account the estimates for
the Panama canal, which are $56,920.-
S4769 and which will ultimately be
paid in bonds, it will leave a deficit
for the next year of about $7,OO0,OOO
II congress shall conclude to fortify the
canal. The cost of the Notifications
Is about $19,000O00. Should there be
no appropriations this year for fortif-
cations then there would be. even in
Guiding the Panama canal appropria-
ton, surplus of about $12.OOO,0OO.
1t Is not essential to the preventing
or smuggling that customs districts
should be increased In number. The
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 to the mints and as
say offices. Diminished appropriations
have been asked for those whose con-
hnuance is unnecessary, and this
years estimate of expenses is 1926. 600
less than two years ago.
In the bureau of engraving and
great economies have been
effected. Useless divisions have been
abolished. with the result of saving
s44OOOO this year in the total ex-
)enses of the bureau despite increased
business.
Revenues.
AS the treasury department is the |
me through which the income of the |
is collected and its expend- |
lures are disbursed this seems a
roper place 10 consider the operation
II the existing tariff bill, which be-
anne n law Aug. 6. 1909. AS an In.
ONE producing measure the existing
ariff bill has never been exceeded by |
ny customs bill Ia the history of the
ountry.
The corporation excise tax proper !