Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/71

Rh The national revenue of Mexico is chiefly derived from a duty on imports, which amounts to nearly one-half of the total receipts. The remainder of the national income is derived from excise and stamp taxes, and from direct taxes levied in the Federal District and national territories. In the rural districts there is also a land tax, a house tax in the cities; and there are also burdens imposed upon bread, pulque, vehicles, and spirit-shops. There is, further, a federal contribution composed of a surcharge on all taxes levied by the several States, and the Post Office is another source of revenue.

For the fiscal year 1914-15 (the last figures available), the estimated expenditure amounted to $152,284,898; that for 1912-13 had amounted to $110,781,871, which was more than balanced by a revenue of $120,958,908. During the year under review, we find that import duties brought in over $46,000,000 and interior taxation about $38,000,000, other burdens realising about $30,000,000. The expenditure on legislature was $1,801,473; on executive, $278,860; judiciary work absorbed $691,276; and the department of the interior about $14,000,000 in round numbers. Public instruction required $705,631; justice nearly $2,000,000; fomento, $3,500,000; public works over $12,000,000; and war and marine nearly $29,000,000.

The public debt of Mexico at the present time amounts to between £40,000,000 and £50,000,000.

The Mexican regular standing army at the outset of the Revolution was organised on modern lines, but though up to date and well armed, and large enough (it might have been thought) for all likely contingencies, was yet, in view of what occurred, insufficient in numbers and striking power. In 1908 it consisted of 2,574 officers and 24,000 men, commanded by a general staff at the capital. There were 8 generals of division, no less than 54 brigadier-generals, and nearly 1,000 officers between this rank and that of major, of whom