Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-01-04

par, of that sum, rs ii is TO augment the rate OF
duties at the custom house. The Treasury can
no more use the deposies with the States, than II
can lay direct tax. What can be the purpose
the fair purpose--of presenting sums as funds IN
the Treasury, when they not in the Treasury 7
Or what can he the fair purpose of referring to n
fund as means of payment when it cannot be
touched, unless the President means to recon-
mend to Congress to recall the dcposites m1de
with the States? That Congress can do, aud so
ii can augment the rate OF duties but till it docs
those deposltes are no more means IN the Treas
ury than if they belonged to another nation. The
day hope will cono-i have long desired cit
when we shall sec plain facts plainly stated when
the reports of our fiscal officers will deal less in
guesses at the future and will not use forms and
phrases, will not say which are designed TO mis-
lead TO mystify, bat the result Of which as to
mislead and to myslily the nation.
| said that though The honorable Secretary pref
~ clearly intmated that we must resort to new
issue Of Treasury notes. yet the result ofall is, that
if Congress wish to avoid the necessity either of
increasing the duties, or Of issuing new Treasury
notes, he has a resource ready for them, viz. 10
lie dnce their appropriations below even his o~n
estimates. This is much like what he told us
last year; and yet when we did reduce our appro-
priations within even his estimates still the Treas
ury is in want of money.
One other remark is suggested by what the
President says to us on the sixth page OF his mes
sage.-lie tells us that it is plssihle to avoid the
"creation of n permanent debt by the General
Government" aud then goes on to observe, "But
TO accomplish so desirable an object, two things
indispensable; frst--that the action of the
Federal Government be kept within the bounds
prescribed by it founders" Now, | did suppose
that this duty of keeping the action of the Federal
Government within the bounds of the Constitution
was absolute; that it was not affected by times,
circumstances, or condition, hut was always per-
emptory and mandatory. What is the inference
to be drawn from the Presidents language? Ii
the treasury is empty, you must keep within the
Constitution and what if it is full? Are you to
break It's bounds? TO Transcend The Constitu
ton? had always thought it should neither be
tempted TO this by an overlooking Treasury, nor
deferred by an empty one from taking such Il
course as the eXigenceS of the country might re-
quire.
There is also an important omission in the
Message to which would call the notice Of the
Senate and of the country. The President says
the revenue has fallen of two and n half millions OF
d0llals under TWO biennial reductions Of the rate
Of duties at the custom-house under the law OF
1888. Be it so. Bur do we not know that there
is before us, within year much greater 'relln-
qusnmeni," if this is tie term TO be applied TO il,
and within year and half more another aud the
last of these reductions? Do we nos see, then,
from tie present existence of n large debt, and
from This further reduction Of duties Chat is, If
nothing shall be done to change the law as It now
stands that case is presented which will call
for the deliberation and wsd IN Of Congress, and
that some efforts will be required 10 relieve the
country?
But here is NO recommendation at all on the
subject of revenue. No increase is recOmmen-
ded of the duties on articles of LUXURY such as
wines and silks nor any other way suggested OF
providing for the discharge Of the existing debt
Now the result of the whole is. that the experience
Of tha huS hat n
the country is not equal to its expenditure; that
the government is spending seven millions yeai
beyond lis income; and that we are IN the process
of running right into the Jaws of debt and YET
there is not one practical recommendation as 10
the reduction of the debt, or its eXtinguishment
but the Message contents itself with general and
ardent recommendations not TO create debt
know not what will have to be done to meet
the deficiency OF the next quarter. L suppose his
recommendation to issue treasury notes will be
followed. ! should, myself, have greatly prefer
red tax on French wines and silks 1t is obvi
Gus that if this or something like it is no. done
the time approaches, and is not far off, when pro
vision will have TO be made by another Congress
have thus stated my views Of this portion oil
the Message. | think il leads to what may render
an Extra Session nccessar IA result greatly de
procate on many accounts, especially on account
oft the great expenditure with which it will un
avodably be attended. hope, therefore, tina
tHoSe Who INV HuN1 Vie power III tHcH h"lu'
will make such reasonable aud adequate proyis-
ion for the public exigency may render The &C
currerc of an extra session avodable.
Mr. Wright rose and observed that it was his
duty to answer the remarks ofihe honorable Sen
ator who had just taken his seat The Senator
had referred TO but one point on which Mr.. w
was not in possession Of the requisite Documents
ny authority; ifit were the pleasure of the Sen
ate he could wish the further consideration oftht
resolution postponed but if not, he would hoy,
proceed
consent.