Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-12-11

70 not to be tolerated that another quartz,
o. century - to be wasted in negotia
tng about the payment. The laws OF ma
tons provide a remedy Cor such Occasions
II 10 wcllsettled principle OF the inter
naiioaa! code. that where one nation o,yeI
enother hquida,ed debt, which il refuses
orneglects TO pay, the aggrieved party ma,
seize on the property belonging 70 the 9th
or, hs citizens or subjects, sufficient "a
pay the debt. without giving just cause
for war. This remedy has been repeated.
" resorted TO. and recently BY France her
self. towards Portugal, under circumstan-
ccs less questionable.
The time at which resort should be had
to this, or any mode Of redress. 10 a point
to DO decided by congress. II any appro-
prlation shall not DO made by the French
chambers at their next session, il may just
be concluded that the government Of
France has finally determined to disregard
he own solemn undertaking. and refuse to
pay an acknowledged debt In that event,
every day 8 delay on..our part WILDE stain
upon our national honor, az well as a denial
OF justice to our injured citizens. Prompt
measures, when the refusal Of France
shall be complete, win not only be most
honorable and just, but will have the best
effect upon our national character.
Since France, in violation of the plcde-
es given through her minister hefe. has
delayed her final action so long that her
decision will not probably be known in
time 10 be communicated to this congress.
| recommend that law DO passed, autho-
rising reprisals upon French property, in
nhx r..
the payment Of the debt, at tho app
preaching session Of the French chambers.
Such measure ought not to be considef-
cd by France as menace. Her pride
and power are TOO well known to expect
any thing from her fears, and preclude the
necessity Of declaration that nothing
partaking ofthe character intimidation
IS intended by US. She ought 10 look upon
It as an evidence only OF determination
on the part Of the United States, to insist
on their rights. That government, by do.
ing only what il has Itself acknowledge
cd to be just. will be able TO spare the
United States the necessity OF taking re-
dress into their own hands, and save the
oil French citizens from that Sci
zure and sequestration which American
citizens so long endured without retaIia
tion or redress. If she should continue 10
refuse that act Of acknowledged justice
and in violation OF tho law of nations.
make reprisals on our part the occasion Of
hostillties against the United States, she
would but add violence to Injustice, and
could not fail to expose herself 10 the Just
censnre Of civilized nations. and to the re-
tributlve judgments Of Heaven.
Collision with France 10 the moro 10 be
regretted. on account of the position she
occupies in Europe in relation 10 liberal
institutions. But in maintaining our ma
tional rights and honor, all governments
are alike to US. IL by q collision with
France, in a case where she is clearly in
the wrong, the march of liberal principles
shall be impeded, the responsibility for
that result, as well as every other, will rest
on her own head.
Having submitted these considerations.
II belongs TO congress to decide, whether,
after what has taken place, Il will still
await the further action Of the French
chambers, or now adopt such provisional
measures. as II may deem necessary and
best adapted to protect the rights and
maintain the honor Of the country. What
ever that decision may be, il win be faith
fully enforced by the executive, as far as
he is authorized so TO do.
According to the estimate Of the treasu-
ry department, the revenue accruing, from
all sources, during the present year, will
amount to twenty millions six hundred and
twenty four thousand seven hundred and
seventeen dollars, which with the balance
remaining 10 the treasury on the first Of
January last, of eleven millions seven huns
dred and two Thousand nine hundred and
FIVE dollars, produces an aggregate Of
thirty two millions three hundred and
tw enty- seven thousand six hundred and
twenty three dollars. The total expehdi-
ture during the year for all objects, ihclu-
ding the public debt, is estimated at tssen-
| ty. five millions FIVE hundred and ninety
one thousand three hundred and ninety
dollars, which will leave balance in tho
treasury on the fret Of January 1885, Of
six millions seven hundred and thirty six
thousand two hundred and thirty-two dol
lars. Ia this balance, however, viii be In
cluded about one million one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars Of what was hereto
fore reported by the department rs not
effective.
OF former appropriations il is estimated
| that there will remain unexpended at the
close Of the year, eight millions two thou.
sand nine hundred and twenty. five dollars,
and that Of this sum there will not he re-
quired more than Eve millions one nun.
dred and forty-one thousand nine hnndree
and sixty four dollars, TO accomplish ID,
objects OF all the current appropriations
Thus it appears that after satisfying al
those appropriations, and after discharg
ing the last item Of our public debt. whicl
will be done on the firzs Of January next
there willremain urscxpended in the treasu
. ry an effective balance Of about four hun
, dred and fo-y thousand dollars. Tha
} such SHOULD be the aspect Of our finance
I is highly flatiering to the industry and er
} terprsse Of our population, and auspicior
of the wealth and prosperity which ava
' the future cultivation Of their growing r
n sources. 1t is not deemed prudent, hov
ever, to recommend any change for Il
= present m our impost rates, the effect
: the gradual reduction now in progress
many Of them, not being sufficiently les
l. L.. IL