Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-12-07
YORK MONDAY MORNING. DECEMBER 7, 1910.

be perceived, that almost entire confidence in the
ultimate of his mission, is still it's most pro-
mineht feature. That he has difficulties to encouh-
ter rs certainly true, but the untiring perseverance
which has heretofore marked his course, and his
determination to persist in the pur uit oil
npJect, In despite OF every obstacle, must even
tualiy INSURE success, f IT be attaisable. Should
ne IAN Ia his operations at the Hague he will return
te London ana II be can there succeed In obtaining
recognition OF eur Independence by the British
Minister, OF which he has strong expectations,
o'her diicuities may be overcome; and failing in
thaf, may be inferred from his letters that is his
intention TO proce.d again and close his
negotiations upon the best terms which can there
be had, for this country.
1t is certainly 10 be regretted that loaa could not
have been cted at an earlier period As by that
MEANS heavy loss in the monied operations Of the
Government would have bcec prevented; but the de-
lay has not been wholly unattended with beneficial
consequences to the country as the extraordinary eff
forts OF TIE Commissioners to disseminate correct
information In reference TO the condition. proc poets
and resource. of the nation has had most sslutary
Influence IL dsabusiug the public mind OF the errors
and preJadIces heretofore existing In almost every
part Of Europe, respecting us as people and Co
vernment. Besides, by the voluntary and gene
rous offer Of General Hamilton, to act political
agent at the Courts of Great Britain, Holland and
Belgium, in the negotiation of such treaties might
he formed with those powers, a heavy expense IN
the salaries and outfits Of foreign agents has been
saved to the Government while has had all the ad
vantages which could be derived from the exertions
Amongst the various duties which will claim the
attention of Congress during the present session,
there are none more important than those which
late to the fiscal affairs Of the Cove That
system Of finance should be adopted, if practicable,
which will, to some extent, relieve the pecuniary
embarrassments OF the country, is so obviously ne
cessary that It can require no argument from Inc TO
enforce 1t. The entire expenditures Of the govern
men embracing every thing that is required for the
successful administration Of its civil, military and
naval departments, would probably not exceed four
hnn ArnA tkAs. l..ll. sLa..
lures could be met with funds not deprecated in
value, and when il is known that the revenues Of
the nation, provided for by law if faithfully eel
ected, would amount annually to nearly million
Of dollars, it would be that a system might be
devised which would not only remove present en-
barrassments, but which could be gradually extended
to the extinguishment Of the national debt. ! am
aware that the rate Of taxes ana imports, imposed
by the last Congress, are considered by some as be-
ing too high and burthensome to the people; bat it
has appeared to me that this objection has it's orgis
more in want Of reflection, or q morbid querulous-
ness Of disposition than in any thing ntrnsically
oppressive in the law for il is Hnquestionably true
that the taxes, both direct and indirect required Of
the citizen in this country, are far less than those
which are paid under any other civilized govern
ment in the world Take for example our impost
duties, and compare them with those Of the United
States, where the people are more free from unns-
cessary and burthensome exactioRs than they III
any o. her civilized country, aad We shall see
that ours, SO far from being onerous and oppres-
sive, would. under that government, be regarded
fixed by law with us, are, with one or two ex
cePtions, fifteen per cent. ad valorem, when real
y, not more than three per centum is actually
paid while in the United States, until the re-
cent modification Of her tariff after the entire pay
ment OF her national debt and the accumulation OF
surplus OF forty millions in her Treasury, the i'm
post duties we're actually from tweaty to fifty per
centum, ad valsrem most Of the essential articles
Of domestic consumption. and in but few instances
was il less than fifteen per centam any article
Thus il is seen, that in the United States, while
venue was required, the duties were from five TO
fifteen times much is actually paid in this
try, and the difference in the direct taxes will be
found, upon examination, to be nearly as great. ii
is no argument in support Of the charge of exorbi-
tant taxation, to say, that the duties required hy
law are fifteen pereentum upon the value Of the ar
ticle charged with them, because the amount actual
~ paid, osly three per cent less, and is only
the latter amount which the government receives,
Notwithstanding the nominal collections fifteen
per cent the loss the depreciation Of the paper
in which the taxes and duties collected, is not
sustained by the agriculturalist or the importer,
they being certain to estimate the value OF their
crops or merchandise in reference to that depreea
tioR, and to fix their prices upon them accordingly
IL rs the country in its aggregate capacity, and not
the individual inhabitants (beyond the officers Of the
government that sustains the loss as the paper is
sued to supply its wants is disposed Of, only at its
market value, and again comes back to the Treasury
IN taxes, intrinsicaly possessing no higher value
than Is given to IL in its circ ulation in the commu-
nifty.
In considering this important subject, il is posi-
bic that Congress may find il practicable to lessen
the public expenditure, without materially affecting
the efficient Transactions OF the public business. An
ANAL gamation Of some ofthe public Offices, and dis
continuance Of others, may possibly be effected,
Temporarily at least, without producing great detri-
ment to the substantial interests Of nation and
If can be done, in times Of 50 much pecuniary en-
earrassment, no saving should be considered toe
small to merit attention The whole subject is there
fore respectfully submitted to their wisdom, and
mature Considerations.
In regard TO the details Of the administration OF
the government during the past year, i must beg
leave to refer the Hon Congress 10 the reports from
the several departments which acconpany this com
munication Owing to very severe and long pro-
tracted illness, have been unable to bestow that
personal attention to these details, which, under
other circumstances, they would have recev-
ed. Indeed, constant, and often excrutiafing
has beel nay suffering for some months past, that in
liking this communication, have bees compelled
to pass by many subjects Of interest which desired
and had intended to present 10 your ratien
reposse, however, that entire confidence in the wis
dom and patriotism OF the Representatives Of the
people, that their selection aud high station implies,
feeling every assurance that their entire effort
will be directed to the promotion Of the best int "
Of the country, am consolSd by the reflection, NJ
although my personal in6rmites may prevent
being an efficient eoadjstor with them, their own,
ertions will more than supply the deficiency.
MIRApKAU b. LAMAR.