PANAMA: Family Austerity

Tiburcio, the imaginary Mr. Everyman of Panama, who ordinarily dismisses a government economy drive as little more than whimsical propaganda, thoughtfully withdrew his tongue from his cheek last week. The first budget by Ernesto de la Guardia, the austerity-preaching new President:

¶ Abolished the job of collector of delinquent taxes, which in recent years paid the lucky incumbent anywhere from $3,000 to $14,000 a month in 20% commissions on the funds recovered. Salaried civil servants will take over the collecting. The big loser: Carlos de la Guardia, the President's brother, who got the job under the last administration.

¶ Slapped a...

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