Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-12-18
No. G7.--vOLuME XXXyu.


sency, ifhe reduction be pushed vigorously and espe-
cially fthe imports after 1871 shall exceed those in 1885,
which is regarded probable.
But Congress may not coincide with him in opinion
on these points, and for covering the contingency, may
consider the adoption of permanent change the
tariff preferable and mot too early the present
session, to full notice of its character before going
into operaton in order that the i.rent interests
affected by it shall have time to become gradually ad
justed to its provisions
In that event. il might be supposed that the under.
signed had avoided due responsibility and timely dis
charge oil Duty II lie were not prepared TO offer
views concerning the details, well as general prnc-
piles, which he deems applicable to such change. lie
has therefore examined the subject and ready pre-
sent the results at any moment either House Of Con-
gross shall express wish to that effect. But he re.
trains from submitting them without special request,
because some doubt exists, under circumstances which
can be properly appreciated, to the decacy of his
discussing measure at this time, which the Legsla
ure may consider it necessary TO act on till new
Congress assemblies.
VIII. The mode of keeping the public money re-
Gently established by Congress- has thus far answered
the expectations of this Department.
The numerous labors perple kites and DELAYS of put
ting new system into operation, have been mostly
overcome, and no losses Whatever known to have
occurred under it.
Some OF the provisions in the law are deemed ohec
tonable in their details, and are respectfully recon-
mcndcd to Congress for revision. But they are not
supposed to affect in the slightest degree any principle
involved in the measure.
Thus, the ordinary clerks authorized are numerous
enough, yet principal is needed at New York city,
with such compensation usual at place Of large
and important business.
On full inquiry, il has been found also that no site
could probably be purchased for the erection of Of
ice ut ST. LOUIS which would be suitable than
lot owned by the United States and it may be,
under further examination which is in progress, that
no new building could be erected on that site, which
would prove more economical and convenient, than
one which can be purchased already erected. a suit
able change in the appropriation that subject is
therefore respectfully recommended
A provision is needed likewise Of vacancies,
from any whatever the Offices ofreceivers re
RAJ and treasrrers One has formerly been asked in
ation to collectors of the customs of removals
and exprations of the terms of office, To prevent in
terregnnn in the discharge Of the duties This might
properly be adopted rs to them and extended 10 recev
general and the Treasurer of The U. States well
Of The Mint and its branches in all instances what
ever OF vacancy or temporary inability ct The principal
Perhaps the least Objectionable mode TO effect this OBJ
ect would be- 10 direct that the chef clerk of all these
offices should, in such cases. and where other legal
provision exists be authorized and required TO dis
charge those dutes at the risk and under the respon
sibiy of the principal and his securities, till the
cancy is filed, or the disability removed.
In consequence of some defects in the phrascoogy OF
the penal parts of the act clause extending them
to all dsbnrsing officers of every character under the
General Government would he judcious. A further
provision Also respecting the places Of deposie by dis
bursting officers, OF money not in the Treasury, but
drawn out and put into their hands for making pay
ments, appears necessary.
The keeping of such money is regulated by the
act Of Sd of March, 1902 and f il is intended 10 bring
II within the operation Of the late law 10 money
the Treasury, 1t seems proper TO do so by an explicit
enactment.
The section requiring dshursing officers to sell their
drafts for specie Alone though certain proportions of
paper allowed 10 be received for all public dues,
appears not to be IN symmetry with those other pro.
visions The general influence of the present system
is believed 10 have been thus far salutary The true
standard of value has been rendered more familiar,
confidence has been increased in its stability, pr'ces
have gradually risen, business improved, and
changes altered greatly for the better
If something has been or may be lost in conve-
ncnce, (Which is not unlikely,) By the increasing
disuse of paper currency for public payments, much
viii probably be gained by the circumstances be-
fore enumerated, we'll by the greater security in
The Of specie, the stable value impaired by
the present system 10 property and labor, and the
strong check established by it, not only against deia-
cations, but against bank expansions, excessive specu
lations and commercial fluctuations.
Even any inconvenience attending this change in
the currency used if found particularly embarrassing,
tanned, should Congress feel disposed 10 adopt the
measure which was suggested for that purpose by the
undersigned in September, 1887.
Such measure would often furnish every advan-
tage of circulating medium, easy of transportation,
of the highest possible credit and at the time
quring equal amount of specie to be- employed,
(though in drposite) and without subjrcting any oil
the fiscal affairs of the government TO that legal depend
encc corporations for their management, which s
objectionable in many respects never TO have been
attempted in the management of its other affairs, civil
or military.
The topics Of the condition Of the banks Of the
Union; the state of the currency; the proper places Of
deposIte of public funds and other matters immediate
ly connected with them, have cngrossed considerable
portion of the annual reports from this Department for
several years.
But the keeping of the money in the Treasury being
now separated from the Banks and The kind oi money
to be received and paid out fixed BY legal p"vl
SONS, is not considered material al this time further
discuss these matters than to submit the general
marks which will be found at the close of this commu
nication.
IX. Some miscellaneous topics connected with the
finances deserve brief notice.
The various measures heretofore recommended 10
Congress by the Undersigned and which have not yet
been finally acted on again respectfully recalled TO
its attention.
Without recapitulating them, it will be found, on
reference to former reports, that many OF the subjects
possess much Importance in fiscal view, and every
years experience has strengthened the conviction "f
the usefulness Of early action upon them
IL affords pleasure to state that, since the last
session. the Neapoliian Government, under its treaty
Of indemnity, has paid promptly another lnstalment,
which this Department has been enabled TO have re-
mi,led home early, and distributed among the claim
ants.
The situation of the General Land Office, and its
operations within the year. will be submitted separately
in few days.
Six old land districts have been recently discon-
nued, under the net of June r. 1910. II is believed
that some others might economically and usefully be
abolished oy Congress, NIT coming within the provi
sions of that law. Such is The office at Geensburg,
Louisiana. One district in Indiana, including the
pital of the STATE, is thought from lis peculiar position,
require special legislation TO exempt tf from the ope-
ration of the late act.
This occasion is taken, also, to renew The recon-
mendalions before presented by this Department to
Congress aud the appropriate committees, for the DIS
continuance Of certain officers now employed IN The
collection of duties, whose further services has been
believed, could be safely dispensed with, IN conse-
quence The reduction business Of late years at the
fferent places where they are Stationed ihey IN,
clude some collectors and naval officers, and several
surveyors amounting in all to eighteen OUT whose DILL
ces cannot he abolished without new legislation.
All the subordinate custom house officers, which It is
compe,ent for this Department without such legIsa