The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-12-07

are now awaiting hearing in the Federal
courts.
Very great improvements have been made
in respect to the mints and assay Offices.
Diminished appropriations have been ask
ed for those whose continuance is unneces-
sary. and this years estimate of expenses
is S326,G0 less than two years ago. There
Is an opportunity for further saving in the
abolition of several minis and assay offices
that have now become unnecessary.
The office OF the Comptroller OF the Cur
rency is one most important in the preserya-
tion of proper banking methods in the ma
tiohal banking system OF the United States,
and the present Comptroller has impressed
his subordinates with the necessity OF SO
conducting their Investigations as to es-
tablish the principle that every bank failure
is unnecessary because proper inspection
and notice of threatening conditions to the
responsible directors and officers can pre-
vent II.
Public Buildings.
In our public buildings we stlll suffer
from the method of appropriation, which
has been so much criticized in connection
with our rivers and harbors. Some method
should be devised for controlling the sup
ply of public buildings. SO that they vii!
government. Not only are buildings appro-
priated for by Congress which are not
needed, and buildings left unappropriated
for by Congress which are needed, but when
1t comes TO the actual construction there
has been in the past too little study or
the building plans and sites with a view
W sHs "'ua1 heyus OF 'he soeeiHHneHt.
revenues.
AS the Treasury Department is the one
through which the income of the govern
ment Is collected and its expenditures are
dispursea, this seems a proper place to
consider the operation of the existing tariff
Bill, which became a law August 6, 1909.
AS an Income producing measure, the exist
Ing tariif biii has never been exceeded By
any customs bill in the history of the coun-
try.
Ihe corporation excise tax. proportloned
to the net income of every business cor
noratlon IN the country. has worked we'll.
IneraM mas ! oeen easily cofeeted, It's prompt
the taA mas not been heavy. 1t offers,
moreover, an opportunity for knowledge
by the government OF the general condition
and business Of all corporations. and that
means by Iar the most important part OF
the business of the country. In the original
act provision was made for the publication
OF returns, ms provision was subsequently
amended py Congress, and the matter left
70 the regulation OF the President. l have
directed the Issue of tho needed regula.
lions, ana nave made 1t possible for the
punllc generally TO know from an eXa1ni-
nation o. 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 adver.
tlsement OF otherwise. The returns Of
those corporations whose stock is not so
listed or onered for sale are directed 10
pc open TO the inspection and eXamina-
ton OF creditors and stockholders of thu
corporation whose record Is sought. Tho
returns % az corporations are subject to
the ihspeetlom OF any government officer
when me return made by tho corporation
Is relevant and competent evidence.
lne iayne IariW ACT.
me schedules OF the rates Of duty in
q great deal Of criticism. some of IT Just,
more OILY uHiounued. and to much lnih-