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

In the Senate, on Tuesday, says the
Madlsonian,-
Mr.. Clay remarked that, several days
ago, he inlma,ed his purpose to present
several resolutions to the Senate, on va
rious subjects of public Importance. He
held tn csc resolutions in his hand, and
had ris 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 gen
eral concurrence of opinion; but so far a
regards two or three of them, there was
some diversity of opnion, which he hop
ed would be reconciled, after full con
sIderalon 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 its
administration, to provide an adequate
revenue within The year to meet the cur
rent expenses Of the year; and that any
eNpedlent, either by loan or by Treasury
notes, TO supply, i'll time of peace, def
cheney Ct revenue, especially during sue
cesslve years, is unwisc, and must lead 10
pernlcIous consequences.
2. Resolved, That such an adequa'
revenue cannot be obtained by duties ON
'iorelgn imports, without adopting ii high
er rate than twenty per cent, AS provided
Tor IN the Compromise act, which, At the
Tine OF It's passage, was supposed and
assumed as rate that would supply a
sufficient revenue tor an economical ad-
mlnlslralon OF the Government.
j. Resolved, Therefore, That the rate
Of duties Of foreign imports ough, to be
augmented hey ond The rate of twenty per
cent, so as 10 produce neat revenue of
twenty SIX millions OF dollars, twenty
two Ter the erdinery expenses of Govern
ment, two ior the payment OF the exist
ing debt, end two mil lions IS q reserved
ia nd for contingencies.
A. Resolved, That in the adjustment of
a tall TO raise All amount of tweniv-s tx
millions of revenue, the principles of the
Compromise act generally should be adj
heted to, and that especially maxima.n
rate OF ad-valorcm duties should be es.
tabl>hed, from which there ought to be
little departure as possible
3. Resolved, That the provision in the
act OF the EX Ia Session, for the tllslribu-
ton of the proceeds OF the public lands.
requiring The operation of that act to be
suspended, in the cont euey of higher
rate OF duty than twen!y per cent ought
to be repealed.
g. Resolved, That it is the duty of Go
vernment, at all times, but more especial
~ IN a season such as now exists, of gen
eral embarrassment and pecuniary d,s-
tiess, 10 abolish all useless institutions
and offices, to curail all unnecessary ex-
penses, and to practlCe rigid economy.
7. Resolved. That the contingent ex-
penses of the two Houses of Congress
oughtto 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
8. Resolved, That the diplomatic rcla.
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 small adj
diton To postage made on books. pam
phles 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.
MIR. 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 m tho S,,,o or ,lo