The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1912-04-26
FISCAL REFORMS
PRODUCE RESULTS
Treasury Department Example Of
Economical Administration.
EVEN DEMOCRATS APPROVE.

Nnder Taft Reorganization Accom-
pIished, Frauds Stopped and Law
VioIators Punished-Divorced From
wall Street.
The treasury department has recent
ly received the commentator of the
Democratic appropriation committee of
the house Of representatives for the re-
suits achieved in bringing about econ
omy and efficiency in that department.
The general basis of this unusual
praise is the fact that it is costing ST.
100000 year less to run this big bust
ness machine Of the government than
it did three years ago when President
Taft began his administration and mi
tiated his campaign for governmental
economy by placing an experienced
business man. Secretary MacVeagh, at
the head OF the treasury department.
The Economy Effected.
The amount new saved each year is
a 10 per cent reduction in the previous
cost. 1t tells but half the story Of the
actual economy effected, for there has
been a 10 per cent increase In the bust
ness Of the department during this
time, making total gain in the inter
est of the taxpayer Of 20 per cent.
The eagerness that now exists to
make political capital out Of criticism
makes the fact eminently striking that
through this period of investigation and
inquiry the treasury department has
been found fruitless field Of opera
ton. 1t has not,even been mentioned
in connection with the alleged money
trust" for the reason that the, treasury
department is now for the first time
wholly independent Of the big bank
ers of the country in its operations.
That the department should always be
above the slightest ground for moral
criticism is of course one Of the funda-
mentals Of its administration.
Frauds Are Punished.
The vigor with which the administra-
ton has gone after those who have
attempted frauds on the customs rev.
enue is illustrated by the fact that
more than $5,O0O,OO0 has been collect.
ed In fines against dishonest importers
and attempted smugglers. Jail SEN
fences In numerous instances have been
added to the fines, The, result has been
the creation Of wholesome respect for
the law on the part of importers and
Americans who travel In foreign lands.
The entire machinery for the collection
Of customs has been overhauled, with
the result that valuations are made
more accurately, and many channels
for frauds have been stopped. One Of
the special aids in this connection has
been the special agents service, which
the secretary has taken personally in
hand.
The other collection agency, the In
ternal revenue service. has been
brought to high degree Of efficiency.
Its collections last year were the high
est in its history-$322, O0O. OOO--which
was collected at the expense Of 6Ss100
crease in cost. Internal revenue col
lectors are now giving the major por-
ton Of their time to their official du-
ties, an innovation brought about for
the first time through the insistence Of
the president that efficiency Of admin
was more to be desired than
the developing Of political machines.
Where Savings Resulted.
Savings in the method Of printing the
paper money of the country have been
made to the extent Of 100000 annu-
ally, while similar work in the minis
has resulted In cutting down the ex-
penses annually to the extent Of $685.
900. BY using the mails instead Of the
express a saving of 100000 year Is
effected in sending wornout notes to
The treasury for redemption. Nearly
$4,000 year is being saved through
improved methods in handling the pa
per on which money and postage and
internal revenue stamps is printed. A
similar amount Is being saved through |
closer scrutiny and economy In print
Ing the stationery for the department.
The revenue cutter service adds to the
list a saving Of 100000 year with in
creased activities, so also does the pub
lie health service. There are many |
more details Of savings. all telling the
same story. II
Genuine Reforms Made. II
And this story ia the STRONGEST kind |