The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-02-06
WENDELL PREDICTS
CUT IN STATE TAXES
Comptroller's Report Shows
$43.600,000 Surplus in
Treasury Is Available.
Special Dispatch to THE New YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
lhan Nh

Special Dispatch to THE New YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau,
Albany, Feb. 3.
James A. Wendell. State Comptroller.
In his annual report. which will be sub
mitted to the Legislature tomorrow
night, declared that the State is now
not only living within its income. but
that further reduction in taxation is
likely this year.
The total revenue receipts for the
fiscal year were S147 600 and the ex-
penditures s1s5. $4,000. leaving a balance
OF more than s11.000.0O0. The surplus
in the treasury available for general
purposes. says the Comptroller. has
been increased from S3l. 100000 on June
co. 1920. up to s43. 100000 on June So 1921.
This indicates a healthy condition
and makes clear that no additional tax
or revenue burdens need be placed upon
the taxpayers during the forthcoming
year." Mr.. Wendell declares.
No Need for Such Surplus.
while the State must maintain a
substantial surplus TO meet contin-
gencies, now that conditions are return
ing to normal there II no need for one
part OF this surplus 'may safely be ap-
piled in reduction of taxation. In fact,
$l2. 100000 is being so used this year.
The State tax appoNioned among the
counties was reduced by that sum-"
Commenting on the future. the Comp
troller continues: "a very conservative
estimate of the probable condition of
funds applicable to general expense pur-
poses indicates, If existing revenue laws
in,
100000 on June so. 1922. While such a
surplus will be more than adequate. il
does not imply that expenditures should
be speeded up to reduce IL. 1t means
there may be a further reduction OF
taxation in 1872
Discussing the States funded debt.
Mr.. Wendell adds: "All bonds author.
lied to be issued have been issued and
sold. The funded debt of the State is
now 1857. $4,000. There can and viii
be no increase in this until and unless
the voters decide. at general election.
that more bonds shall be issued. Ac-
cumulated sinking funds of more than
10000. 900 reduce the debt TO a net obli-
CATION of s1Ss, $500, 900. In the main this
debt OF the State was created for high
way. canal and forest preserve pur-
poses"
WOuid bar COnytcts' Help.
The State Comptroller makes strong
recommendation for sufficient civilian
help TO keep the financial and industrial
accounts of the prisons, and he asks
that in the future no convicts be en-
ployed on accounts.
In discussing this question the Comp
trollcr says:
"As shown by the last previous re-
port. the State was defrauded of ST.
1904 by means OF false orders and
vouchers. connived and executed by con-
victs assigned to office and accounting
duties at Sing Sing prison
''In a recent examination of the same
institution, still In progress by the Comp
troller's auditors. further and more
serious fraud has been discovered In the
shape OF forgeries of bank checks
amounting to s14,517.se. So cleverly
were the forgeries executed that the sig
natures could hardly be told from the
genuine except upon the closest exam
nation. While the authorities have been
working on the case. responsibility has
not yet been placed upon the particular
individuals. All indications, however.
point TO collision of inmates with out
eide accomplices and the Justification OF
schedules and records OF the prison by
inmates employed.
I'm most cases IT. is found that the
clerks of the prisons have more to do
than they can accomplish personally and
have to depend upon inmate help with
out adequate safeguards for their faith
full performance"