State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-05-31

nal improvement ten millions in one year
! 1t lisa new era in the history of the govern
inent. So eXtravagant proposition is
unknown in our annals. The results of
this new policy are beyond the ken or
conception ofmany; but those who planned
it understood them well enough, though it
may not be desirable to their interests to
avow them all at once. The first inevitable
result of this policy, if il shall be sanctioned
by Congress, will he the introduction in a
short period, ofan increased and oppressive
system of taxation. An increased annual
expenditure of ten millions may be met for
n few years from the present sources of
revenue but the public lands are now in
state of such rupid exhaustion that very
soon we will find our revenue from this
quarter reduced to million or less. The
public works which we are now about to
commence must he carried on, and funds
will have to be raised 10 support those
which may be completed in the mean time.
| Then comes new and increased system of
IaXLtion, as matter of course, with its
usual course of evils. But what will be
more serious consequence is, the great
increase ofthe army and navy,which cannot
fail to follow the adoption OF this new and
extravagant policy. When all the navy
to be established, shall be completed,
standing army OF less than fifteen or twenty
! thousand men would not he thought OF, or
tolerated, under the new impulse which is
soon to be given to the military spirit
Indeed, less than that number would not be
suffcicntto guard our western frontier, and
at the same time secure so many fortifca-
tons ON the sea coast against surprise. As
to the navy, after such gigantic preparations
for the Improvement and increase of it as
are now proposed, will navy of less than
one hundred ships of war in commission be
regarded US at all admissible for II country
of such resources, of such character and
importance in the scale of nations Such
are the views of grandeur and power which
are now beginning to exercise an important
| influence over the course of many of the
leading men in power Some opinion may
be formed of the magnifcence ofthe pro
jects OF the party from the declaration upon
this subject of the gentleman from n. Y ork
| (Mr Cambreleng,) made in the course of his
remarks upon the resolution of the gentle
man from Massachusetts Mr. Adams. y
That gentleman expressed hope that, in
short time, we would see the navy of this
country placed on a footing to cope with
the most powerful maritime power of En-
rope Who does not see from all this that
we are 10 have an increased tariff in due
season, and that the managers Of the party
are preparing to claim the support of the
manufacturing interests
But if we should he satisfied that it is the
true policy of the country to adopt the plan
of defending the country Ivy Notifications,
no matter at what cost; to increase the army
and navy, nj the risk even of an increased
t system of taxation still the inquiry and
discussion which propose TO go into will
lie of great importance. The system of
public defence, may he wise and prudent
i'm itself; but the time and the manner OF
of carrying it into execution may and does,
demand separate consideration. The
improvement of the navy, and the new for
tifications projected, it is estimated will
require an annual expenditure of ten mill
lions for ten years making total of one
) hundred millions. The faithful and judi
cious application of this vast fund. (suppos-
ing it to be settled that it shall be expended
upon these obiccts) becomes subject OF
the deepest interest to the whole country
The country has right to inquire who are
the agents and public servants about to be
, entrusted with the disbursement of this
, enormous capital? Are they faithful? Are
they competent? Have they proved them
. selves so upon past trial ? Sir, great pre-
| liminary question is to he settled before we
r add ten millions TO the usual annual ex-
{ penditure? Ii is quest on of confidence
in public servants as well as of eXpediency
= Who are they that demand from the rep.
resentatives Of the people this signal mark
= Of conidence-to place ten millions in
their hands during the present year, more
t than at any former period? Are they the
I same public servants who have had charge
{ of the public detences during our late diff
2 cuties with France. and under whose SUI
/, perintendence they have suffered decay and
. diapidaton? BY what title do they ask
} this extraordinary evidence of confidence
I Sir, they ask for money and increased
3; confidence; we demand scrutiny into past
t conduct They ask for reward for past
, merit and service; it may become our duty
, to arraign them as delnquents before the
tribunal of the public, instead of pouring
t the treasury into their laps. TO vote mon
{ ey, is the least difficult and most pleasant
G duty of Il representative of the people; il
! requires neither experience, industry
talents, nor fidelity in members. But, sir
= to see and TO provide that it shall be faith.
Q fully expended and applied TO objects O
e public utility, is more difficult as well a,
$ more important part of our duty. an
i aware that upon this question of confidence
e and competency of the public officers o
. the Government, as well ms the policy o
y making large appropriations for building "
e the detences of the country, there is a ready
n and conclusive argument at hand in the
u minds of many. ] know well enough tina
e all objections are intended to be met ant
e put down here, and before the people, by
+ holding up for their due regard md acquies
cence the sentiment and recommendation
e of the late special message upon French
Il affairs. 1t should be borne in mind tina
. | OK OnO con;aS IF TINT p,pssapp Nyora ordar