Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-03-31
SURPLUS REVENUE.
To The people Of the United States.


The public monies belong TO you: you
are the owners Of the public property,
you are the sovereign. from you your ru-
lers derive their power and oftice-their
influence and public existence.
BY report OF the Secretary oil the
treasury there viii be a surplus OF thirty
millions Of dollars, and from the sales OF
public lands, and the amount Of duties
constantly accommodating, it is reasonable
TO suppose that no lees surplus sum will
be annually found in the national trea'
sury.
The question for you 10 decide is an
important one 10 public liberty and to
your own interests--what is 10 be done
with the surplus revenue? IL it is said
that the amount of revenue should be re.
duced to meet the mere expenses Of gov
ment, the answer will be that such reduc-
ton cannot be made without altering the
tariff and destroying that protection which
is due TO the manufacturing enterprise
and capital Of the country and even az
ter the tariff is reduced gradually, the in
crease of trade and commerce will conti-
nue. TO pour its fruits into the national
treasury. We must. therefore. continue
10 be rich nation even should it be a.
gainst our wishes. What is TO be done
with the surplus revenue? Leave in the
treasury to be used in a manner unknown
TO the people and against their wishes P
You will answer, No. Let It go on &C
cnmuIaling year after year, until one hun
bred millions ale at the disposal Of the ru-
lers, fatal, we may say to the very exist
r.
Fritier It away into appropriations and
prejecss experimental and futile :? Again
you wiz say. No Give il to the deposte
banks TO use for private purposes, the
profits Of which go in the pockets of pre-
siden,s. cashiers, directors and stockhold
ers ? You will say, No. What should
be done with The surplus revenue? Di-
vide il among the States OF the Union in
proportion 10 their representation in Con
gress. Divide il by law. pro rata-piace
il at the disposal of the legislatures Of the
states for specific objects, such as internal
| impro, emoAts. rail roads, canals, turn
pixies, and bridges, SO that the farmers
may have prompt and cheap convey ance
for their produce to market; also, for the
pl omoiion of education among the pc ople
"a sound practical education, calculated
to make honest, intelligent, patriotic cii
Zens'
1t is impossible 10 limit the beneficial
| objects TO which the surplus revenue may
, be applied in the several states, Geolo-
gicaI surveys-explorations for coal. iron,
copper. lead. tin, gold, and siiver-'m.
! provement IN the. mechanic arts-premi
ums for great inveniions-in short. the
mechanic, the farmer. and the merchant,
all will be benefited by the judicious ap
plcation Of this surplus To useful and be
nevolent objects. 1t will he over the
whole Union. like the dew OF heaven
nourshing and iuvigoratipg all that is con
nected with industry, intelligence, patri
oiism. comfort and happiness.
We have not al present, the tables pre-
pared TO show what amount each state
4 will receive by this distribution but take
New York for an example. If there j:
thirty millions of surplus in the treasury
and our population is one sixth Of the
whole Union, the portion TO New York
will be five millions Of dollars annually
| Pennsylvania four millions. and in this city
| five hundred thousand dollars annually.
| Go then to the smallest states-see
them in the annual receipt Of from one
| hundred thousand to three hundred thou
sand dollars per annum for similar OBJ
jecis. The equitable distribution Of the
surplus revenue. and its correct and hene
fetal application, will have a greater ten.
dency to cement and strengthen our chain
of Union than any other ina inable pro
iect. 1t is no party question lit is for tbt
people Of the whole countryto decide. II
| is their property. II is not required fol
the national government. Its distribution
will benefit the poor. Its accumulation
will only swell the gains Of the rich. Lee
the people meet then, in their towns arc
villages, and cities. and instruct their rep
resentatives in Congress to provide BY
law for the distribution Of this surplus -
Let the press Of this country take up The
subject and discuss it, look at il in every
possible light, & come to just conclusions
il isan immensely important project, wor
thy of immediate action and attention
we shall continue TO examine the ques
tion in all its bcarings.-.E Y. Star.
From the Baltimore Patriot.
EXPUNGING.
A FARCE-ScEEE FiRsr.