Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-12-08

lurking danger already apparent IN the neglect OF this
warning truth, and that the time has arrived when The
Representatives of The People should be employed in
vsiug some more appropriate remedy than exists,
to avert it,
Under present revenue system there is every pro-
liability that there will continue TO be surplus beyond
the wants of the Government, and it has become
duty TO decide whether such result be consistent with
the true objects of our Government.
Should surplus be permitted TO accumulate beyond
the appropriations it must be retained i'll The Treasury
as il is distributed among The people o the States.
70 retain it il the Treasury, unemployed in any way,
is praclicabe, II is besides, against the genius Of
free institutions 10 lock up in vaults the Of The
nation. To take from the people the right of bearing
arms, and put their weapons Of defence in the hands of
standing army, would be scarcely dangerous 10
their liberties than to permit the Government TO
DUlate immense amounts OF treasure beyond the sup
plies necessary TO lis legitimate Such treasure
would doubtless be employed, at time, it has been
III other countries. when opportunity tempted ambition.
10 collect il merely for distribution TO the States would
to be highly impolitc, if dangerous the
proposition to retain it in the Treasury. The shortest
reflection must satisfy every one that to require The pro
pie 10 pay taxes 10 the Government merely that thew
may be paid back again. sporting with the substantial
interests Of the country, and system which produces
such result be expected to receive the public coun
tenance. Nothing could be gained BY it, even if each
individual who contributed portion OF the could
ceive back promptly The portion Blu; is appa-
that system of the kind can ever be enforced
which will not absorb considerable portion Of the
nry. to be distributed in salaries and commissions the
agents employed in the process and in the various loss
and depreciauns which arise from other causes and
the practical effect of such attempt must be,
burden the people with taxes not for purposes beneficial
to he but to swell the profits of deposite banks and
support band of useless public officers.
distribution to The people is impractcabe and IN.
just in other respects. 1t would be taking mans
property and giving it 10 another Such would be the
unavoidable result Of rule of equality (and none other
is spoken Of or would be likely to be adopted nasmuch
there is no mode by which the amount of the indyi
dual contributions of citizens the public revenue
can be asce'ained. We know that they contribute I'M
egualy, and rule therefore that would distribute to
them equally, would be liable TO all the objections which
apply TO the principle Of equal division of property
TO make the General Government the instrument of car
ryng this odous principle into effect would be at once
destroy the of its usefulness and change the
character designed for it by the trainers Of the Constlu
ton.
But the more extended and injurious consequences
likely to result from policy which would collect sur.
plus revenue for the purpose Of distributing it, may be
toTcbly illustrated by an examination Of the effects al
ready produced by the present deposte act This ACT
although certainly designed to the safe keeping
OF the public revenue, is not entirely free in its lendcn