Chapter 506 The Counterattack of the Taxpayers Association
The room was quiet for several seconds before Charles raised his head and looked at Fuld and said, "It seems that the government is going to forcibly cancel the tax farming system. So... what should we do?"
If the French government really raises 200 million francs, it will be able to maintain fiscal expenditure for half a year. During this period, taxes will continue to be collected, thus forming a virtuous cycle.
In this case, the government no longer needs to look at the attitude of the tax collectors association, and the tax reform can be completed with just a decree from the cabinet.
An old man on the left side of the table shook his head, as if whispering to himself: "If the French government carries out such a big reform, even if it has 200 million francs, funds will still be tight.
"Perhaps we should negotiate with Brian as soon as possible and provide him with a loan to obtain a higher interest rate."
"We must not give up like this!"
Hope immediately interrupted him loudly, then looked around at the crowd and said, "The most you can get from a government loan is slightly higher interest than the national debt. Are you willing to just do a small business like this?!"
All the giant tax collectors showed signs of unwillingness.
Although the apparent profits from their tax package business are only 16%-20%, they actually have a lot of hidden benefits. For example, taking advantage of the tax on cigarettes and salt, they sell fake cigarettes and low-quality salt. Take advantage of the local tax rate differences between different provinces to carry out trade control to a certain extent, etc.
Including these revenues, their return on investment would be over 25%.
If the rate of return were to be reduced to only a single-digit percentage, it would be even more uncomfortable than killing their whole family.
Baron Morel gritted his teeth and said: "Damn the French government, this is a business that my family has been running for generations. If they don't let me pay taxes, I would rather invest my money in the UK! It is said that London's gas light project has a 15% profit. ”
His words immediately attracted a chorus of echoes, "You're right, I want to move my business out of France too."
"We must unite and not surrender to the French government!"
"The stock market in the Netherlands is also good. I have long wanted to try it there..."
Hope raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, as if to summarize the matter: "Let Viscount Bertrand test it again and increase the tax package to 540 million francs. If it still doesn't work, we will leave France. "
These plutocrats have never had a motherland. They only suck blood from different countries. If they can control the economic lifeline of a certain country, they can enjoy eternal wealth.
For example, Wallenberg, who controlled Sweden, and the Sassoon family, who controlled the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire, were the leaders among them. It also includes Rothschild, Morgan, etc. who came from behind.
At this moment, Bolore stood up and said disdainfully: "After talking for a long time, you just have nothing to do with the government and are just preparing to escape."
Seeing everyone looking at him, he immediately showed a stern look on his face: "We have a lot of funds, connections and means, why don't we scare those who dare to challenge us? We can definitely show the French government a little bit of power!" "
When Morell saw this, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and he immediately shouted with admiration: "You are right, we also need to show our strength. You are the most capable in this regard, and everyone is counting on you!" "
Bolore immediately said proudly: "Huh, just wait and see."
When the meeting came to an end, British banker Goldmead hesitated again and again, and finally looked at Hope and carefully suggested: "Mr. Hope, actually, we have a very useful 'weapon' in our hands. At least it can Let the French government give us some of the tax benefits."
"Oh? You mean?" "Tax documents."
He only said two words, causing Hope to fall into deep thought for a moment, and then nodded slowly: "You are right. The French government has not collected taxes for more than a century. Without our information, they would not even be able to do so." Determine how much to tax those cunning businessmen!"
Goldmead nodded: "We can also teach factory owners and businessmen to lie. For example, let them say that they pay quarterly taxes or semi-annual taxes, or that they have reached a reduction or exemption agreement with previous tax payers.
"Without our registration documents, the new tax officials will be trapped in endless arguments and quibbles. Even if they impose taxes, they will surely arouse the anger of taxpayers."
Hope's eyes lit up: "When the government's tax bureau is in chaos, we can negotiate with them to obtain tax sharing or the right to collect certain taxes as a condition to help the tax bureau restore tax order."
Seeing that his opinion was supported, Goldmead immediately continued: "Well, now we need to immediately ask all tax collectors to collect their tax documents and keep them under the custody of the General Assembly.
"On the other hand, some rough or even wrong documents need to be prepared to prevaricate the French government."
"You are really a genius!" Hope immediately praised, and then looked at Delphi and others, "Then do this. Mr. Goldmead's method will protect everyone's minimum income."
…
North-central France.
Province of Orleans.
The Duke of Orleans once operated this place as his base camp and invested a huge amount of money. Therefore, whether it is agriculture or commerce, it is among the best in all French provinces.
Lemire, the new director of the Orleans Tax Bureau, was originally prepared to show off his skills here with great ambition. However, at this time, he was nervously looking at the two people covered in blood in the room.
The two are Vincent, his tax inspector, and Vincent's assistant.
The doctor directed the servants to carry the injured person onto a stretcher, and after a rough inspection, he introduced the situation to the police who arrived: "The taller gentleman's left arm was broken, and the other one's injury was slightly less serious, but he was obviously injured. They were beaten with blunt force. The good news is that their lives are not in danger, and now I have to go and help them with further treatment.”
"These bastards," Lemire looked at his unconscious subordinates and gritted his teeth, "they actually dare to attack officials!"
The policeman on the side immediately looked at him and said, "Master Director, do you have any clues about the murderer?"
Lemire nodded: "On the third day after we arrived in Orleans, we received a threatening letter. They threatened us to resign immediately, otherwise they would make us regret it.
"We didn't pay attention at the time, just thinking it was someone playing a prank. Unexpectedly, Francois and Garcia from the Bureau the day before yesterday were attacked from behind on the street. Fortunately, a passerby passed by near them, and the injuries were not serious.
"And today, Mr. Vincent was poisoned."
As he was talking, a police officer rushed over and handed a wad of paper to the supervisor in charge: "This was just found in the injured man's pocket."
The latter looked at the note, frowned and said: "Go back immediately, otherwise there will be more than one arm next time."
(End of chapter)