best chance for economy is to have a body of men whose decisions the
House will respect and not overrule, except for really good cause, who
have both the knowledge and the strength of character to go through the
estimates and call attention to the cases in which substantial
reductions could be effected, or proposals for increased expenditure
refused. It will not be an agreeable task, and now probably less popular
than ever. The masses admire lavish expenditure whether by public bodies
or by the private person who spends his money "like a gentleman," and it
is to be feared there will not be much help from the women electors, as
women, although they may practise economy occasionally themselves,
usually regard it as a most objectionable virtue in a man. How often in
families do we find the mother and sisters will admire the
self-indulgent idle youth who spends money freely even if he borrows
from them, rather than the steady, plodding son who, by rigid economy
and personal self-denial, helps to provide them with the means of
livelihood!

Turning to the other side of the account, what can be done to increase
the revenue of the State? It has been estimated that for the year
1919-20 it will amount to £900,000,000, but of this £300,000,000 is
excess profits duty, which can hardly continue--in its present form at
least--beyond the period during which additional expenditure above the
permanent normal requirements is needed, in order to carry out
demobilisation. Putting the permanent charge to meet interest on debt
and the cost of the public services at £670,000,000, there may be a
deficit even if the present rate of taxation is maintained, and the
normal expenditure remains at its existing level. There will be no
surplus for the reduction of debt, or to meet new demands. Some new
sources of revenue must, if possible, be found, and the old ones require
readjustment.