Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-12-11

."s's SnoIuv afterwards set out on his mission
Ia the United States ship Columbus. On arriv
ing at Rio dsJaneiro' On his passage, the state G
ms health had become so critical, that, by tn,
advice OF his medical attendants, he returned tc
the United States osrly in the month of Octobe
last. Commodore Diddle, command ing the Eas
INDIA squadron, proceeded on his voyage in IN,
Columbus, and was charged by the commission
or with the duty of exchanging with the proper
authorities the notifications Of the treaty lately
concluded with the Emperor of China. Since
the return OF the commissioner TO the United
States, his health has been much improved, and
ne entertains the confident belief that he will
soon be able to proceed on his mission.
Unfortunately, differences continue TO exist a.
mong some Of the nations of South America
which, following our example, have established
their independence, While In others, internal dis.
sensions prevail. tits natural that our sympa-
th'es should be warmly enlisted for their welfare
that we should desire that all the controversies
between them should be amicably adjusted, and
their governments administered in manner to
project the rights, and promote the prosperity OF
their people. 1t is contrary, however, to our set
Tied policy, to interfere in their controversies,
whether external or internal.
have thus adverted to all the subjects con-
nected with our foreign relations, to which ]
deem 1t necessary to call your attention. Our
policy is not only peace with all, but good will
towards all the Powers of the earth. While we
are just to all, require that all shall be Just TO
us. Excepting the differences with Mexico and
Great Britain, our relations with all civilized ma.
lions are Of the most satisfactory character. 1,
Is hoped that in this enlightened age, these differ
ences may be amicabfy adjusted.
The Secretary of the Treasury, in his annual
report to Congress, will communicate full state.
ment of the condition of our finances. The i'm
ports Tor the fiscal year ending the thrtieth oil
June last, were Of the value of one hundred and
seventeen millions two hundred and fifty-fou,
thousand five hundred and sixty-four dollars, OF
which the amount exported was fifteen millions
three hundred and fortysix thousand eight hundred
and thirty dollars-eaying balance of one hun
dred and one millions nine hundred and seven
thousand seven hundred and thirty. four dollars
Tor domestic consumption. The exports for the
same year were Of the value of one hundred and
fourteen millions six hundred and foriy-siX thou
sand SIX hundred and six dollars Of which, the
amount OF domestic articles was nnty-nine mil.
lions two hundred and ninety mine thousand seven
hundred and seventy six dollars. The receipts
Into the treasury during the same year were
twenty-nine millions seven hundred and sixty
nine thousand one hundred and thirty-,hree dol
lars and htty-siX cents; of which, there were
derived from customs, twenty-seven millions five
hundred and twenty EIGHT thousand one hundred
and twelve dollars and seventy cents from sales
OF pubic lands, two millions seventy-seven
thousand and twenty-five dollars and thirty cents;
and from incidental and miscellaneous sources.
one hundred and sixty-three thousand nine hum
cred and ninety Eight dollars and 6fty-sx CENTS
Inc expenditures Tor the same period were twenty
nine millions nine hundred and siXty-eiuht thou
SAND two hundred and six dollars and ninety-eigh.
Genus; OF which, eight millions five hundred and
e'gnty-eight thousand one hundred and ffty-seven
aoiiars and slxty-two cents were applied to the
payment of the public debt. The balance in the
m fhp fret f Inl,y lac
lions six hundred and fi(ty-eight thousand three
hun 11, and SIX dollprs and twenty-five cents.
Inc amount of the public debt remaining un-
PAID on the first of October last was seventeen
millions seventy-five thousand four hundred and
ioty-fve dollars and fity.,wo cents. Further
payments OF the public debt would have been
,nade' In anticipation of the period of IFS reim-
the secretary OF the Treasury by the acts OF
July twenty-first, 1871, and of April fifteenth.
io42, and March third, lS43, had not the unset
TIED state OF our relations with Mexico menaced
hostlle collision with that power. In view OF
such contingency, it was deemed prudent TO
retain In the treasury an amount unusually large
for ordinary purposes.
A few years ago, our whole national debt
growing out of the Revolution and the war of
1917 with Great Britain was exiting ushed, and
we presented TO the world the rare and noble
spectacle OF great and growing people who had
FULLY discharged every obligation. Since that
time the existing debt has been contracted; and
small as 1t is, In comparison with the similar
burdens OF most other nations, it should be ex-
.tnguished at the earliest practicable period
Should the state of the country permit, and, es-
peciaiiy, II our foreign relations inerpose OBJ
stacie,itls contemplated to apply all the monies
IN the treasury as they accrue beyond what is
required for the appropriations by Congress, to
us liquidation. cherish the hope of soon be-
Ing able to congratulate the country on its re-
covering once more the lofty position which it so
recently occupied. Our country, which exhibits
10 The world the benefits Of self.government in
developing all the sources of national prosperity,
owes TO mankind the permanent example Of a
nation free from the blightng influence of pub
lie debt
The attention of Congress is invited to the
importance OF making suitable notifications and
reductions of the rates of duty imposed by ouI
present tariff laws. The object of imposing du.
ties on Imports should be to raise revenue to pay
'he necessary expenses of government. Con.
gress may, undoubtedly, in the exercise of a
sound discretion, discriminate in arranging the
rates OF duty on dferen, articles, but the discri-
mt,nations should be within the revenue standard
anu oe made with the view to raise money foI
the support of government.
IL becomes important to understand distinctly
What Is meant by revenue standard the maxi.
mum of which should not be exceeded in the
rates OF duty imposed. 1t is conceded, and ex-
perlence proves, that duties may be laid so high
asto diminish, or prohibit altogether, the impor
tation OF any given article, and thereby lessen Of
destroy the revenue which, at lower rates, would
be derived from its importation. Such duties ex
ceed the revenue rates, and are not imposed tc
raise money for the support of government. il
Congress levy duty, for revenue, of one pc,
cent. on given article, it will produce giver
amount OF money TO the treasury, and will Incl
denialIy and necessarily afford protection, or ad
vantage, to the amount of one per cent. to the