Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-06-08
"a FORTY MILLION DEBT"

II 10 stated in the National In,egencer that in the
progress OF settling the old accounts and opening the
Ser books at ashngon, the existence OF very heavy
public deb, has been discovered Suflicen, time has
not yet been allowed to the Heads of the different de-
paitmeh's TO ascertain precisely the amount OF this
debt but no doubts entertained tina, i, will exceed
FORTY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS |, is further
stated that the rhoe Of this debt has accrued during
the four years Of Mr. Van Buren's Administration
being deficiency ofrES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS for each
year |, is not be believed that this enormous deb,
was incurred 10 defray the legitimate expenses of the
Government, Ii is impossible that in time of pro-
iound peace so large sum OF money should have been
necessary, in addition tho revenues Of the Govern
meni, 10 meet tho current Federal expenditures The
cost OF the last scarcely drop in the bucket
compared with the enormous and lavish expenditures
ofho Van Buren, administration for the las, four years
And yet what benefits have been conferred upon the
country 10y this immense outlay Where are we TO
look Tor the rich results Of this rash expenditure l.
Wha, grea, works Of Internal Improvement have re.
ee'ed share IN the distribution Of all this treasure
Which Of our frontier posts have been completed -
Which OF our coast batteries have been armed In
which one Of our harbors has the system OF defence
been perfected Is the Army increased in strength
OF improved IN discipline Has the Navy been en-
larged or rendered Efficient Is there any sec
vice, any thing To show for the sums which have
been spent Nothing, absolutely nothing
So far from carrying forward its works OF Internal
improvement, the General Government, has within two
yean abandoned almost all ever undertook. The
works on Tho Lake harbors have been stopped and the
,mPiemens sold al public auction, and al great sacri-
nee. We have seen the Improvement OF our river
abandoned, and the public property advertised for sale.
And what has beeE done here. has been done every
where Under the administration Of Mr. Van Burcn
tho fostering aid Of the GeReSa Government has been
Withdrawn from works Of ls'eSaa Improvement in all
quarters Of the Union
Our frontier aud coast ferhcaiions too, have
been utterly neglected. during the " hole OF Mr. Van
burens four years have been engaged IN a con,ro-
sersy with Great Britain, the Issue 81 which, from
week to week, could undertake 10 predict; and
yer, no, efiou was made, not a cent expended by
the Cenersl G0yereTnmeni put The country IN a
eo0dnion 10 ress, aggression exact redress And
what Is true Of one, OF al the departments Of
,he public service. The General GovetamerN has
been rulnousy eIfavsgsnt, la. emp ed tire treasury
ADD sunk the aaiion Ia debt forty s0as Fl dollars.
And yet such has been It's criminal indifference OF
ocpabe negso that caano, show the least equiva
lent Tot this vast expenditure Nay, turns over the
public property 10 The saocessors whom tie People
have appointed the ,rusL diminished IN amount and
fss oos5iusA thaS wtE csnss .nto ils hands
Like iahlsss trustee, MI Van Bureaus sda,inissra-
non has no, only sqaAndered the revenues Of The iiot
estate entrusted 70 ale care, bat Las saddied With
heavy and unlocked iof dsbi Aa1 when called uoa e
Surrender up iss Trust, Prodooe Of Improve
meat IN return Cor the sufRs mas eIeeoSed
ss' lures tias foSsssHag and well s.s~sred
estate, ,spssensset N revenue, ~ortgssed trs de1a
sne 'hl~H~t 20 osat'son 90 siass Gs-,f,.