promoting colonization, and reanimating trade.[1] In this lay some atonement for the heavy increase of taxation demanded by a costly military government, with its many reorganization plans.
By decree of May 14th the revenue was centralized, the government assuming control of all property and general contributions hitherto belonging to the states and territories.[2] This brought the estimated income to fully $17,000,000,[3] less $3,500,000 set aside for special purposes. The expenses were proportionately large, and those who had so long been talking about the economy of a centralized administration became less confident. The estimated expenditure was placed at $11,500,000, without counting a heavy additional sum required for reorganizing the military department, and a sum of $17,000,000 for covering the interest of the interior and foreign debts, partly overdue, and for meeting certain advantageous conventions.[4] The deficit could be covered only by a loan, and as this was not obtainable on reasonable terms, save by offering unexceptionable security, Haro proposed the hypothecation of church property. The clergy understood the government policy too well to admit this or any other encroachment, however glowing the promises for compensation. They raised such opposition that the minister resigned.[5] And now affairs were allowed to drift into
- ↑ A society for material improvements gave its aid. Universal, May 5, 12, 27, 183; Pap. Var., xciii. pt iii. 3-4; Rosa, Ensayo, 35-52. Manero has some valuable reflections on colonies. Doc. Interes., 28-36, etc., based partly on reports in Méx., Mem. Colon. Indust., 1852, 1-71; Coloniz., Dictámen, 1852, 1-12; Almonte, Proyecto Colon., 1-31.
- ↑ For changes in administration, etc., see decree in Méx., Col. Ley., Dec. y Órd., 1853, iv. 69-71.
- ↑ The original estimate was $19,000,000, whereof $8,000,000 from customhouses, $2,500,000 from excise, $1,000,000 from consumption tuxes, $500,000 from contributions on pay and luxuries, $1,500,000 from tobacco, and $3,500,000 from a special tax on real estate devoted to a special purpose. Haro, Informe, of July 12, 1853.
- ↑ The regular three per cent interest on the foreign loan of $51,200,000 and the interior of $43,00,000-a portion at five per cent, with expenses and funding — was $3,423,000. The war department required $,500,000 on the first low estimate, and the other ministries $2,900,000. Of this the actual pensions and montepío required $1,500,000. The president's salary was $30,000.
- ↑ He was succeeded Aug. 6th by Sierra y Rosso, who held office till Jan.
