The Irish standard., 1912-04-27


chase and collection of Revenue. 1t
is provided that the sum to be re-
ceived annually by Ireland shall be
such an amount as will cover the cost
of all these charges, end in addition
will provide for a surplus Of half a
million a year, to be subsequently, in
some years, reduced to limit of
100000 when the country prospers
A Joint Exchequer Board. consisting
OF two members appointed by the
English Treasury, two by the Irish
Treasury, with Chairman appointed
by the King, will have the duty of
determining questions of fact arising
from time to time under the financial
provisions of the lili
Customs and Excise.
The Imperial Parliament retains the
power, technically, at any rate, of i'm
posing Customs and Excise, but as
soon as these duties are fixed the
Irish Parliament will nave the power
OF abolishing them altogether, of re-
ducing them, or OF increasing them.
I: may increase the excise duties,
customs duties on beer and spirits,
stamp duties, land taxes, miscellane-
Gus taxes imposed by the Imperial
Parliament to any extent it likes.
Similarly it may reduce or abolish
them. 1t may add to an extent not
exceeding 10 per cent to the income
tax, death duties, o: custom duties,
other than duties on beer and spirits,
imposed by the Imperial Parliament.
1t may levy any rev taxes, and 1t
may reduce any taxes levied in Ire
land. In other words, it comes to
tkis-that Ireland will not be per-
mitted to impose any excise or GUS
toms duty on any article that is not
Irish customs and excise duties will
ir the first instance be imposed by
the Imperial Parliament. the Irish
Parliament will have the power Of
abolishing them, reducing them, or in
c1easing them. The deficit between
what Irish taxes produce and the cost
Of Irish administration is estimated
a. two millions yeYr, to which must
be added the halt-million surplus.
making two and q half rlillion-the
amount which England undertakes to
rs let hn
Ireland. 1t is provided that when.
through the increased prosperity of
the country, this ceficit disappears.
the Joint Exchequer Board shall pre-
rare a scheme for revision of the
financial arrangement, and a new ar
rangement will be arrived at ny agree
ment between the two governments
and two Parlia,nents. whereby.
amongst other things. Ireland will
take over the collection of all taxes
except customs.
1t is provided that the Irish Parlia-
ment may at any time take over the
administration of Old Age Pensions
and National Insurance. The Imper-
ial Parliament. in that event, would
continue to pay the charge. and Ire
land would he able to reap the adj
vantage of any savings or economies
that could be effected.
The Appointment of Judges.
The appointment Of judges will rest
in the hands of the Irish Government
Immediately.
The control of the Dublin Metro
politan Police will pass at once to the
Irish Government, and the control Of
the. Royal Irish Constnbulary will
similarly pass to the Irish Govern
ment after a period Of six years. Ex-
listing Constabulary pensions are to
be borne by Imperial funds. All ques-
tions of ultra vires'' will be decided
by the Judicial Committee Of the
Privy Council, as provided in Mr..
Gladstones bills. The Lord Lieuten-
ant will be appointed for six years.
His salary and expenses shall be paid
out of Imperial funds, except as to
$4,000, which will be provided by the
Irish Parliament towards his salary.
The position of existing Civil Ser
wants is carefully safeguarded.
Tho Veto Of tho Crown.
The veto Of the Crown Is the same
as that proposed by Mr.. Gladstone
and the same as is to be found in all
Colonial legislatures That is to say,
the Royal Assent will be given by the
Lord Lieutenant to Irish bills on the
advice of his Irish Cabinet, but there
will be power to reserve certain
bills for the King in Council, which
is one of the chief safeguards against
unjust or intolerant legislation. and
which is to be found in the Consti-