merchant's or tradesman's office. Owing to the uniform character and regular recurrence of excise transactions, it is possible, by the introduction of readyprinted titles or headings into the collector's books, to simplify and facilitate to a great extent the work of posting the accounts.

Abstract of Duties Charged, &c.-This book is the next in order of posting to the Traders' Ledger and the Cash Books. It is the most important and useful of the series, as it represents and takes the place of the double-entry Journal of the mercantile system. It is intended for " assorting, arranging, and aggregating all the transactions of the Round, under their respective heads both of debit and credit, preparatory to their being posted into the principal Ledger." To transfer day by day, the various entries of receipt or payment direct from the Cash books into the proper heads of account in a double-entry Ledger, would almost be impracticable, and the Abstract consequently is designed to serve as a stepping stone or an intermediate stage between the subsidiary and principal books of the collector's office. Each Abstract lasts only for the period of one round. A certain number of folios is devoted to the reception under appropriate printed headings of the amount of each class of receipts and payments on behalf of the excise revenue or other departments. Dr. and Cr. columns are provided throughout, as in the case of a double-entry journal, corresponding with the accounts opened in the principal ledger, and a line is ruled for every Round.

Without going into a detail of the particulars required to be inserted in the several sets of folios, it will here be sufficient to state generally, that the Abstract commences with an entry on the Dr. side, of the total duties uncollected in each district at the beginning of the round, and of the charge for the current round; the necessary information being obtained by adding together the amounts in the officers' abstracts, and making a total for each district; or by having recourse to the Traders' Ledger, which, as has been above stated, contains a transcript of the officers' abstracts. On the credit side of the same folios appears the amount received daily under each head of duty, as copied from the General Cash Book. In the next succeeding folios of the Abstract are entered on the Dr. side, the charges for licences taken from a roundly return furnished by supervisors to collectors. The totals of the districts are all that are inserted in the collector's abstract. On the Cr. side is shown the daily receipt of licence duties, as supplied by the General Cash Book.

Following this is an account headed « Excise Revenue Dr. to Duties Uncollected, Duties Charged, &c.," the several amounts being placed on the credit side, to countervail the Dr. entries previously made in the openings titled "Duties Charged, &c."

The remaining folios are occupied with a series of accounts of similar character relating to " Arrears," « Receipts other than Duties,” « Drawbacks and Allowances,” "Advances on Account of Votes for Charges of Management," "Advances on Account of Non-effective Charges," « Revenue Advances,”—that is advances on account of other departments," Remittances," and « Cash (the Collector.)"

The particulars required for the Dr. and Cr. sides of the arrear account are derived from a book called the « Arrear Ledger," which is used as a record of all arrears of duty outstanding. In the Abstract, the aggregate roundly arrears for each duty are entered under the head of " Arrears Dr." and when any such sums are paid, the amount is placed on the opposite side to the credit of the proper duty, while Cash is at the same time debited with the sum received.

As respects Drawbacks and Allowances," the quantity of goods is derived from the debentures or allowance warrants, and the amount disbursed from the General Cash Book. This book also furnishes the means of posting most of the other accounts kept in the Abstract, as will be evident from the enumeration of their titles.

A total is made every week of the credit entries in the account of duties chargeable, &c., (both growing and licence duties) and of receipts other than duties, for insertion in the collector's weekly petty account.

It may now be inferred that the principle of the Abstract is briefly as follows: The uncollected duties at the close of each year, and the charge for each round, are made Dr. to Excise Revenue, while the account of Excise Revenue* constitutes the equivalent credit.

"Cash" is Dr. for all receipts, the respective duties being Cr.

Drawbacks, Charges of Management, Non-effective Charges, Advances on account of other departments, and Remittances, stand as Drs. for the amount of expenditure incurred under each head, while Cash is the equivalent creditor.

It must be evident, therefore, that as in the Abstract, every transaction is entered twice, once on the debtor side of some account, and once on the creditor side of some other account, the totals of the columns of debit and credit should agree, if no error has been committed in the posting.

Principal Ledger.-An account is opened in this book for every item of charge and disbursement. The particulars are taken from the abstract or journal according to the arrangement there adopted, and the amounts balanced at the end of each quarter and year. It is the object of the principal ledger to exhibit the total of each head of charge, receipt, and payment, for each quarter or other stated period, so that information on those points may be obtained at any time with promptitude.

A space with a printed heading is provided for the reception of each account. An Index ready printed and paged is inserted in front.

The account titled, « Excise Revenue" is made Cr. by all money outstanding at the commencement of the year; and into this account is carried at the close of the year the balance of all open accounts which are not to be transferred to the year following.t

It is obvious that in this manner, "Excise Revenue," is made Dr. for all the expenditure and remittances, and Cr. in respect of all duties uncollected at the beginning of the year, and the sums charged during the year. The transferable balance being added, the Dr. and Cr. sides will correspond, if the entries in the Ledger are correct.

The several open accounts that are not transferred are then closed as «Dr. to " or « Cr. by" « Excise Revenue" while the balances of the other unsettled accounts are transferred to the succeeding year. The final or balancing entry of the principal Ledger represents the amount of arrears, uncollected duties, cash in hand, and all other transferable items depending at the close of the official year.

* Formerly "Consolidated Duties," an account used as intermediate to "Excise Revenue."

The account termed "Excise Revenue" which is thus used to balance the other accounts of the principal Ledger, fulfils nearly the same purpose as that effected conjointly by the Stock, Profit and Loss, and Balance Accounts of the mercantile system.

Annual Balance Sheet.-This document is a general statement of the transactions of the year, and forms the account rendered by each collector to the commissioners, of the income and expenditure under his charge. The particulars are derived from the same sources as the account of Excise Revenue in the principal Ledger. That account, indeed, is identical with the Balance Sheet, only that in the latter the Dr. and Cr. sides are reversed, as the collector in matters of account stands in the opposite position to the Excise Revenue, and hence is shown Dr. for the charge, and Cr. for the expenditure, remittances, and balance transferable. At the foot of the Balance Sheet on the credit side, are set forward the details of the balance transferred.

Arrear Ledger.-The name of every trader in arrear, and the amount due are entered under the proper head of duty in this book. When a trader is thus debited, his account in the Traders' Ledger, and in the Abstract must be credited by Arrears," for otherwise he would appear as debtor to the revenue in two places at the same time.

The total amount of arrears under each head of duty is carried to the debit of the « Arrear Account," and to the credit of the particular duty in the Abstract. When a sum is paid on account of Arrears, the Arrear Account is credited, and Cash debited with the amount, while the trader's account in the Arrear Ledger is discharged by the sum paid.

Account Current.-Amongst the various periodical returns which collectors are required to transmit to the Chief Office, one of the most important is that called the "Account Current." This is made up on a printed form, at the close of each round, and exhibits the particulars of every revenue transaction that has taken place during the round. It contains the names of defaulters and the amount of arrears and uncollected duties, &c. Accompanying it is a schedule of advances on account of parliamentary votes and public departments, with vouchers and receipts for the several sums.

From the explanations which have thus been given, it will be perceived that the Collector's Abstract and Principal Ledger correspond closely to the Journal and Ledger of the commercial method of Book-keeping by double entry, while all the other books described are merely subsidiary to the proper keeping of the Abstract and Ledger.

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CHAPTER VIII.

ABSTRACT OF THE PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND LAWS OF EXCISE.

(1.) GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND REGULATION.

Previous to 1849, the Commissioners of Excise and the Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes formed separate and distinct Boards, but by the 12 and 13 Vic. c. 1., they were consolidated into the one Board of Commissioners of Inland Revenue, and all the powers vested in the separate Boards were transferred to the Commissioners so styled. It was also provided, that in all former Acts of Parliament where the terms « Commissioners of Excise," « Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes,” respectively are used, the term « Commissioners of Inland Revenue," is to be read and substituted, as also the words « Inland Revenue" for the word "Excise.”

An outline of the organisation and duties of the Board of Inland Revenue was given on page 22.

Officers.-No Member of the House of Commons can be a Commissioner or an Officer of Inland Revenue. Commissioners may appoint officers, but the number shall not be increased without permission of the Treasury. Officers to continue in office notwithstanding any change of Commissioners. No person shall be capable of acting before he has made a solemn declaration in lieu of the oath of allegiance. (see page 27.) Certificate of the taking of such declaration to be recorded, Persons employed in the Inland Revenue taking any money or reward, or entering into any collusive agreement contrary to their duty are liable to the penalty of £500; and the like penalty is imposed on all persons offering such reward or proposing such agreement; the party first giving information against the other is to be indemnified against the penalties. Offices to be open for business from 8 a.m., to 2 p.m., (or from and to such other hours as the Treasury may direct) every day except Sunday, Christmas Day, and Good Friday. No holidays to be kept except such as are appointed by proclamation for a general fast or thanksgiving, the coronation of Her Majesty, and the birth-days of Her Majesty and the Prince of Wales. Proof of keeping an office or acting as Commissioner or Officer to be admitted as sufficient, until contrary evidence shall be produced. Bonds not to be required from Officers who do not collect or receive money. Keepers of Excise Offices declared not to be Officers of Excise. (For other regulations relating to Officers, see page 39.)

Entry of Premises.-All persons carrying on any business subject to the Excise Laws are, with a few exceptions, required to make entry with the proper Officer of the premises and utensils intended to be used by them in the exercise of their particular trade or business ;* the entry to be copied by the Officer into the book kept and known as the General Entry Book of the station, and the Supervisor to examine and compare such copy with the original entry: the pro

• The particular vessels and places required to be made entry of by each description of trader, are specified in the law relating to the business of the trader.

duction of the book containing a copy of the entry to be sufficient proof of entry having been made. A penalty attaches for using any premises or utensils without having made entry thereof, or for using premises or utensils for any other purpose than that for which entered. Not more than one entry to be in force for the same premises at the same time, but if a trader absconds or quits any entered premises without withdrawing his entry, the Commissioners may give consent for any other person to make entry of the premises. Managers or Directors of Joint Stock Companies to make entry on behalf of the Company: entry to be signed by at least four directors, if they exceed that number. No entry to be legal except in the name of the real owner, who must have attained the age of twenty-one years, but the ostensible owner shall be liable. Married women whose husbands may become incapable of transacting their own affairs, or who may be separated from them and out of the kingdom, may with the consent of the Commissioners, make entry of the premises. In all entries of premises, the buildings, places, utensils, vessels, &c., to be distinguished by particular letters or numbers; and the utensils, &c., to be so marked, and all fixed pipes to be painted of particular colors.

Powers of Officers.-Officers may enter any building or other place used for carrying on any trade subject to the Excise laws, at any time, either by night or by day -but if between 11, p.m, and 5, a.m., then upon request and in the presence of a constable, and to remain so long as they may think fit for the purpose of taking an account of and charging any duty which may be chargeable. The Officer to give a copy of the charge if demanded. A specimen book or paper may be left on traders' premises for recording the particulars of the surveys made by the Officers: any person removing or destroying a specimen is liable to the penalty of £200. There is also a penalty for hindering or obstructing Officers in the execution of their duty.

Payment of Duties.—Excise traders to pay their duties at such time and place, and to such person as may be appointed for the receipt thereof, or upon demand made under an order of the Commissioners, on pain of forfeiting double duty; Commissioners and Justices not authorized to mitigate the penalty of double duty for non-payment of excise duties. No person to be compelled to go further than the next market town for making entry, or for payment of duty; no town to be deemed a market town at which duties are to be received but such as were market towns on July 2nd, 1827; but the Commissioners may appoint a receipt of duties to be held in any other town or place. Collectors in Scotland and Ireland may issue warrants to levy for duties in danger of being lost.

Complaints of Over-charge.-Commissioners of Inland Revenue in London, or two or more Justices in any part of the United Kingdom, upon complaint made to them within twelve calendar months next after the making of any over-charge, are to hear the complaint, and upon proof on oath, may acquit complainant of such overcharge or over-payment: eight days' notice of hearing to be given to the Collector, or Supervisor of Excise. Complaint not to be made in cases where the question shall be the liability of goods to duty, or the rate of duty, or the mode of charging the duty.

Oaths and Declarations.—Commissioners of Inland Revenue, any Justices of the peace, or any Officers or other persons before whom any oath is required to be taken, are authorized to administer and receive such oath or declaration. The affirmation