The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1844-01-12

Tally subscribe to the opinion OF the Con-
ention, that no greater amount should be
collected than is necessary for an econom-
cal administration of the Goyernment.-
From the year 1916 TO 1887, period OF ,
wenty- lone years. the revenues not only {
,aid all the current expenses OF Govern'
nent, but yielded an average excess, annu
lilly, of II J millions Of dollars. This sur
plus was absorbed IN the payment Of the
National Debt, arising out OF the kevoiu.
lion und The late war, until its exiinguIsh'
ment. We are now happily under no ne
cessity to provide any continuing excess tor
such purpose, our debt being comparatively
inconsiderabe. All that is needed al pres
ent, is an amount which shall detray the
annual cost Of proper peace establishment,
with moderate, temporary excess, until
the present deb, shall be discharged. The
question has arisen, whether, IN leyylns
such amount. Determinations should DO
made in the duties on particular articles,
for the encouragement OF American indus
Try, and 10 couniervail the restrictions OF
other nations, or whether like rate shall
be collected on all articles without dlsiinc
ton. have no hesitation in saying, tina,
whilst ! think the Government should col
ect the least amount Of money which may
be necessary for an efiicien, public service;
in laying duties 10 raise such SUN, | would
incidentally afford protection TO American
interests, when they were deemed Of sutii-
cent importance 10 deserve il, as well as
counteract the effects OF restrictive resula
tons on our trade, by foreign nations,
wherever it should appear expedient to do
go. To act otherwise, 10 the present con-
dillon Of the commercial world, would be
tor tho nation 10 surrender the great prin
ciple OF seli-detenen and self protection.
did not vote ar the Tariff now eSis,,ae.-
Some Of its duties were higher than ap.
proved, but in the vacant condition of the
Treasury, ! would no, have withheld from
it my support, had an amendment, which |
offered, proposing distribution OF the pro.
ceeds of the Public Lands among the
States been incorporated in the Bill. If il
shall be found TO yield greater revenue
/ than is needed for the Government, (Which
il has no, yet done, or if its provisions are
found on trial, burlhensome to the citizens
By increasing greatly the price of commodI.
ties, il should be modified so as to meet
either contingency. We have seen that in
The period already referred TO, ending 10
1887, the revenue largely exceeded the
public expenditure. |, has been far other.
wise since. Under tho operation of the
Compromise Act Of March, 1893, the IN.
come Of the Government from Customs,
gradually declined until 1912 and although
II has considerably revived since the pas
sage Of the Act Of that year, it seems moi
yet to be equal to the public necessities
But what amount per annum ought to bt
considered economical for expenditure il
time Of peace During the four years 0
Mr.. Van Buren's Administration, the ap
preparations for curfen, expenses, average,
rer year, more than % millions O. d1.llrs
The appropriations for the year 1912, by
the last Congress, we're bu, small fraction
above 20 millions Of dollars. And this, IL
the face of estimates from the Executive
Departments, calling for 24k millions
Yet, have not understood that the public
service has in any way suffered by the cur
','lpent. The appropriations for ls43
S"u W. syst half Of 1874, made a, the las
o" VI o~"press for like obigc,s, were
less man 20 mhlio.- for the whole l.
NOTWITHSTANDING at the RATE of fesa than :
millions per year. point your atten..ou
: Sir, to these facts, 10 passing, 10 show lha
the great revolution Of 1910. has no, bee
without lis fruits, 10 the promotion OF econo
my and reform. however the detection O
the acting President. has enabled him t,
. ,h~ah Congress, and dsappoIn, the hope
OF the people ~ other respects.
) The benefits Of the Federal Government
depend so much On the conduct of the Fix
ecuiiye Chief Magistrate, that rejoice t,
liud the Republican Wings throughout a
merica disposed, with ono voice, TO call Il
that high station, man who has never dis
appointed friends, nor deceived even foes
who has rendered most important aud ap
proved public services to the Union, for O
period OF thirty five years, and who is al
m'tted by the judgment even of his oppo
nenis IN political sentiment, TO be one d
the best specimens Of American character
that our institutions have produced. Ii our
Efforts IN the next contest, shall be crowned
with success, as we have every reason tc
hope, and HENRY CLAY shall be called
to the head Of the Republic, The country
may look forward TO a restoration OF II,
prosperity, and new career Of happiness
under dignfied, enlightened and thorough.
ly patriotic couusels.
will endeasor 10 comply with the re.
quest of the Convention, that shall visit
the different sections Of the State, so ia as
[ shall be able to do so consistently wlh
other engagements.
With my thanks for the cordial and kind
'nanntr in which you have been pleased to
execute yHur office,
an, with profound respect,
iaur obedent servant.
IT, W. A. GRAHAM.
"Eo' Il. SrEoHL Esq,
/ President OF the Whis ro,vo,,;o