The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-04-15

leading articles, such for example as the manuGac-
lures OF cotton and wool and ron TO raise the du-
ty upon them above the general rates so as to meet
the wishes of the protected interests, and to set a.
part the revenue TO be derived from the importa-
ton of these articles 70 be added TO the fund for
distribution TO serve the interests Of the indebted
States? Are not such combinations of interests
strongly invited by this dangerous policy' And
who can look at the condition ofthose States which
are not oppressed with debt, aud the great inter-
ests of which are directly injured and oppressed by
the taxes 10 be imposed. and not lrcmble for the
peace oilhe country and the integrity Ofthc Union,
when the combinations ofinierest thus invited shall
become formed, and shall commence TO carry Out
this policy under such impulses.
There is another aspect in which the subject is
to be viewed under this head, in relation TO which
we are not wholly without experience. 1t will be
remembered that the excuses of revenue accumu-
lating from 1888 to 1886 inclusive, engendered
this appetite for distribution in another form, con-
fined to what was denomnaled sc the surplus rev.
enue." Stimulated by the condition of the Treas
NY, the appropriations made by the Congress Of
1885, were, as has been already seen, ehor-
mously large, entirely extravagant, and yet mil
lions upon millions of money in the Treasury were
uneypcnded. a distribution to the States OF" the
Surplus" was resolved upon, and Immediately the
enlargement appropriations ceased, and when
the distribution bill came to be framed, proposing
to distribute the surplus which should be found in
the Treasury on the LIST of January, 1887 those who
opposed the policy, so far from being able to Sc
cure the reservation Of an amount insufficient to
meet the outstanding appropriations uneXpended
on that day, could only be allowed five millions Of
dollars, although it was known and universally ad-
mitted at the time that the balance Of ueypended
| l,n tk,,, Ia
and it proved 10 be. in fact, more than sixteen mil
lions of dollars This so far as the legislation, die
tated by the passion for distribution, was concern
ed was leaving the Treasury, on the LIST of Janua-
ry, 1887, with five millions of cash means, and
more than sixteen millions Of unpaid appropria-
lions.
Mr. w. would pass 10 the next year, and see
what were the practical fruits of this appetite upon
the necessary appropriations for expenditure for
that year The annual making appropriations for
the Notifications Of the country, bill always great
" favored, came up for consideration in another
body and a clause was added to il providing for a
second distribution Of such a surplus us should be in
the Treasury on the st of January, 1898, over and
above five millions Of dollars; and wholly without
regard to the amount appropriations which might
be outstanding and uneXpended on that day, and
which all perfectly understood must be more than
twice five millions Of dollars. This proposition
for second distribution Of "surplus revenue"
came TO this body, fastened upon not simply one Of
the ordinary appropriation bills, but upon one OF
the most universally favored Of those bills; not as
an independent and manly proposition again TO dis
tIbg!e IN existing surplus, but as Il condition up
pcndure most vital to the security of the country,
in case of war, could be passed. The propo-
si,on was then, as nov, not for the distribution
e.. ,.I,,.'
of known and existing, or certain "sIrpluS,
but for the mere contingency OF Il possible surplus
more than three quarters OF a year forward OF the
time of the action, That proposition did not pre-
vail through the iirmness and patriotism of this bo-
dy, but the fertilization bill was made sacrifice
to its names and moi dollar was appropriated du.
ring that session orCongress, and at that period Of
abundant means in the Treasury, for this class OF
the dclences Of the country, because the Senate
would not agree to the pcrpeluatlon OF this policy,
US condition of the grant ofSuch favor from the
constitutional representatives, OF this common Gov
ernment
A single remark further, under this head, and
| he would dismiss this topic. What is The present
condition Of the Treasury, and what has II been
for the last six weeks or two months, IN regard TO
to the distribution bill oiihe Extra Session: Suppose
| the lands produce Il revenue equal TO three mil
ions Of dollars per annum, the common and almost
universal estimate; then, in strict legal effect
$3.50 900, Of money per month, since tie first day
of January last have been locked up 10 await the
action of this bill on the Is, Of July next; and, in
the mean lime for large portion Of that period,
as rumor within this Capitol has told us, not j
warrant could be drawn upon the Treasury OF the
nation, because there was not means in the Treas
ury to meet the call. Even the members Of Con-
rress themselves, though the appropriation was ear
" and abundnn,ly made, were said not to have
been able TO obtain their pay 10 a sufficient extent
to settle their board bills. lie did not speak from
personal knowledge upon this subject for it hap
pened TO be his good fortune not to be under The
necessity Of calling upon the public Treasury du'
ring this perod of It's reported suspension OF pay
ment low was that Treasury able 10 answer
calls now: BY money from the revenues Of tho
country, No, but upon credit--by the emission
or Treasury notes-promises TO pay in future
and promises which we are told by the friends
or,he Administration are not equal TO money in tn,
market; but a, discount for money. And yc
we are urped TO lock up. and keep in reserve io
the States, $3.50, 900 per month, which is money
the ayais Of our rich public domain. Such ar,