for giving additional information than for disturbing any former important principle of general classification. I do not, for example, call it a violation of any financial principle to bring together, for the better appreciation of the true Heads, details which were formerly kept asunder, as was the case with Services exclusive of Establishments, which were usually separated from the Establishments under which they were rendered. I do not, however, propose to follow up Mr. Irving's objections, though they appear not difficult to answer, if it be admitted that perspicuity and arranging, in a form at once intelligible and easy of access, all the notable and important matters connected with the Public Expenditure be the principal object for which Estimates are laid before the Legislature. I believe the leading alteration, and, as I think, improvement, in the proposed form of Estimates is that they contain not merely what was in the old form, but that they supplement the latter with details formerly stowed out of sight. Thus, they place details of the Civil List side by side with other departmental charges, and they keep those details before the Council in such a manner as to render efficient help to the Members and enable them to understand the real totals of all proposed Expenditure.
Page 593