The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1842-02-26
TIE CONPROMlSE-THE REVIEW
UE AND REFORM.

ago, he intimaled his purpose to present
several resolutions to the Senate, on va
rous su ects of public Importance. He
held tn csc resolutions in his hand, and
had rs en- for The purpose of reading them.
II was not his intention to ask their I'M
mediate consideration, but to suggest that
day be set apart for that purpose. In
presenting them at this time, he would
observe that upon these, as upon other
questions Of great national importance,
he had felt it to be his duty to consult
some of his friends as to the propriety of
the step; and the result was that the great
er part Of the resolutions met with a gen
eral concurrence of opinion; but so far "a
regards two or three of them, there was
some diversity Of opinion, which he hop
ed would be reconcied, atera full con-
"slderalon of the subjects involved.
The resolutions were then read, as fol-
lows:
l. Resolved, That it is the duty of the
General Government, for conducting It's
administration, to provide an adequate
revenue within The year to meet the cur
rent expenses Of the year; and that any
eXpedlent, either by loan or by Treasury
notes, 10 supply, i'll time of peace, def
cheney cl revenue, especially during sue
cesslve years, is unwlsc, and must lead 10
pernlcious consequences.
2. Resolved, That such an adequate
revenue cannot be obtained by duties on
foreign imports, without adopting high
cr rate than twenty per cent. as provided
Tor IN the Compromise act, which, 1t the
TINE OF It's passage, was supposed and
assumed as Il rate that would supply IA
sufficient revenue for an economical ad
minislIallon OF The Government.
3. Resolved, Therefore. That the rate
of duties Of foreign imports ought to be
augmented hey ond the rate of w enty per
cent, so as TO produce neat revenue of
twenty SIX millions Of dollars, twenty
two for the ordinary expenses of Goaern-
ment, Two Tor the payment of the exist
ing debt, end two mil lions Is i reserved
fand for contingencies.
A. Resolved, That in the adjustment of
a ia.lll to raise All amount of twentv-siX
millions of revenue, the principles of the
Compromise act generally should be adj
heted to, and that especially maxman
rate OF ad-valorcm duties should be es,
tabll>hed, from which there ou.h, to be
little departure as possible.
b. Resolved, That the provision in the
act OF the En- Ia Session, for the dlstrbu
ton of the proceeds ol the public lands
Il Ln
suspended, in the cont euey of higher
rate OF duty than twenty per cent. ought
to be repealed.
6. Resolved, That it is the duty of Go
vernmenl, al all times, but more especial
ly IN season such as now exists, of gen
eral embarrassment and pecuniary d,s-
tIess, to abolish all useless institutions
aud offices, to curlail all unnecessary ex-
penses, and To pracllce rigid economy.
z. Resolved, That the contingent ex-
penses of the two Houses of Congress
ought To be greatly reduced; and the mil
cage of members of Congress ought to be
regulated, and more clearly defined
s. Resolved, That the expenses of the
Judicial Department of Government have
of late years, been greatly increased, and
ought to be diminished.
9. Resolved, That the diplomatic rela-.
tons Of the United States with foreign
powers have been unnecessarily extended.
during the last twelve years, and ought to
be reduced.
10. Resolved, That the Thanking priv
ilege ought 10 be further restricted, the
abusive uses of it restrained and punish
ed, the postage on letters reduced, the
mode Of estimating distances more clear
ly defined and prescribed, and a small ad-
ditlon 10 postage made on books. pam
phlets and packages transmitted by the
mail, to be graduated and increased, &C
'cording to their respective weights.
IL, Resolved, That the Secretaries of
State, OF the Treasury, of the War and
OF the Navy Departments, and the Post
master general, be severally directed, as
soon as practicable, to report what offices
can be abolished, and What retrenchments
OF public expenditure can be made, with
out public detriment, in the respective
branches of the public service under their
charge.
Mr.. Clay rose to suggest day for the
consideration of these resolutions, when
he could be happy to accommodate any
members OF the Senate with any informa-
ton with respect to, them which may be
desired: He therefore proposed that
next Thursday week be designated as the
day for their consideration, and that they
be printed for the use of the Senate.
Mr. Calhoun suggested that the Senate
would, on that day. resolve into Com
mittee of the Whole on the state of the
Union, as the resolutions went for an en-
tirs. hange Of lay, violation of the Com
- SIS, and for increaSin, the existing
Inns unnn The mania. and IN ascar-