Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 August 1901 — WASHINGTON GIOSSIP [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON GIOSSIP

Instead of falling off $3,300,000 a month, as was figured would be the Result of the reduction of the war taxes, the receipts for the first month of the fiscal year will be a million dollars more than the corresponding month last year. Tlie first twenty-five days show an increase of $749,924.(52 over the receipts for the corresponding period of 1900. In other words, the receipts for the month of July will be nearly four million dollars in excess of the estimates. Each day has shown its increase. For example, tho receipts on July 25 a year ago were $913,481.93; for the 25th of the month this year they were $980,092.89. The internal revenue receipts of the month, as shown by the statement compiled July 26, were $23,079,723.71. The receipts for the same period last year were $22,329,799.09. Secretary Gage has looked at these figures and been puzzled by them. Even allowing for a certain falling off, which is regarded as inevitable, it begins to look as if there must be a vastly increased sale of the articles which are the revenue producers. Secretary Gage says it is earty yet, and there may be some temporary condition not apparent on the face which is responsible for the stimulation of revenue. He is not willing to admit that hi 4 estimate of $40,000,000 reduction is $40,000,000 out of the way. He will not admit it on the basis of a twentyfive days’ showing at any rate. The customs receipts for the first twenty-five days of this fiscal year are greater than last year by nearly a million dollars. The month's receipts were $17,303,966.01; for the same period last year, 216.097,(511.16. There is always a deficit at this time of the year. Last year the total expenditures were $43,555,009. The war expenditures are the largest item—sl4,l3o,ooo. Pensions cost this year $10,335,000. The civil and miscellaneous are only $11,360,000.

It is believed by those who have been keeping in close touch with the arrangements for the court of inquiry in the Schley case that a series •vs sensations will result as the outcome of the investigation. The precept that was issued is considered by the unprejudiced as a bill of indictment found by the Navy Department against Admiral Schley. It is understood pretty generally that jealousy is rampant in the navy. While it is firmly believed that Admiral Schley will be given the hot end of the hearing, notwithstanding the precautions that Secretary Long will throw about the inquiry, there is an undercurrent of opinion that the admiral realizes this, and in view of his speedy retirement from the navy purposes to open up to public gaze all the ins and outs of tho naval management m times of peace and war, at home as well as abroad. If there is any truth in the stories of jealousies and improper striving for official preferment that have been bruited about for years past in a more or less aggravated form, it is believed they will be presented by Admiral Schley and his counsel at the court of inquiry in such a manner as will gravely accentuate the fact that’ has heretofore been intangible gossip.

Up to date something like $4,000,000 have been withdrawn from New Y'ork and sent West to move crops. The withdrawals have been as follows: To New Orleans. $2,235,000; to Chicago. $1.3(M),(MM); to Cincinnati, $100,000; to St. Louis, $225,000. The money has been mostly in currency of small denominations—s2o notes and under. The money sent West thus far is about $700,000 more ’.han was withdrawn nt the same period in 1!MM). Despite the increase in the withdrawal, the Treasury officials have no fear of ill consequences on the New Y'ork money markets, such as occurred last year. It will be recolfected that money was then taken out of New Y'ork at such a rate as to create almost a panic in Wall street. Nothing of this sort is anticipated now, however, the department having an ample supply of money on hand to meet the demands.

It is estimated that the cost of the Sampson-Schley court of inquiry will l>e about $25,000. This estimate is based on what Navy Department officials have now in sight, but making allowance for an examination of probably a third more witnesses than are now contemplated the expenses would perhaps be $35,000 or $40,000. Secretary Long and Captain Cowles. Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, expressed the opinion that the inquiry would not be an expensive affair. The opinion of a very high naval official is that not more than a month will be required to thoroughly investigate all the poinfs in issue. Two months, however, would not be too large a margin considering that many new issues may be sprung. Secretary Long has issued imperative orders prohibiting naval officers publicly discussing the Sampson-Schley controversy. It is the purpose of the Secretary to keep the case out of the newspapers as much as possible until the court of inquiry meets. In Washington there is not much danger of the service being demoralized by the conflicting claims, as nearly all officers about the Navy Department are partisans of Admiral Snmpsou, and can see only his side. Nevertheless, the Secretary has decided that there has already been too much talking, despite nn old order which prohibits officers discussing matters pertaining to the personnel of the navy without first obtaining permission from the department On account of timber land frauds discovered in Montana and Idaho, Commis sioner Hermann of the general land office has suspended ftll proofs made during the present year under the timber and stone act pending the concluaion of the full investigation and inquiry begun some time ago. This action applies to all stations where government timber land is purchased and involves thousands of cases. Many of the large companies and speculators, who, it is alleged, have had *'dumm.ies" as agents, make purchases of these lands from the government.