Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1846-12-17

to exist between sister republics of the
same continent, it is peculiarly gratifying
10 our national pride to witness the readi-
ness with viii the citizen soldiery Of
America have responded to the call made
upon them for their services, and the gal
liant manner in which wherever the oppor-
tunity presented, they have sustained their
own and their counlry's honor. The al
ditional satisfaction is also ours of know
ing that the American arms, although en-
ployed against superior forces, have thus
far been completely victorious. Mexico
having rejected the overures made by our
government since the commencement of
hostiities for the renewal Of negotiations.
with the view Of effecting an amcable ad-
justment Of the difficulties between the two
countries, vigorous prosecution of the
war is believed to be the course required
by true policy, ana best calculated TO Sc
cure speedy and permanent peace. In a
cause SO just cannot Dc ub. that the nation
will be found united in furnishing all the
aid Of whatever description, which may
be found necessary; and it gratifes me to
be able to state that Iowa has already
evinced her willingness TO contribute more
than her proportionae share OF men to the
common defence. Under an act of Con.
gress authorizing the acceptance by the
President OF the services Of fifty thousand
volunteers, requisition was made upon
the Territory in the early part of the sum
mer for one regiment of volunteer Infantry,
to be raised and held in readiness for SER
vice whenever required. This force was
enrolled and organized into companies in
an unusually short period of time, and at
present stands reported to the President as
ready for orders. Should i, be called into
the field, have every confidence that the
honor and reputation of the State will be
creditably sustained.
One ofthe most important subjects de-
handing legislative interposition a, the pre-
sent session will be that of providing ways
and means for the support of the State 60
vernment. In the discharge of a task so
delicate, and Of such magnitude in its con-
sequences, cannot but express hope that
the responsibility may be fairly and fully
met by the establishment of permanent
revenue system, which, after the first year.
will secure to the treasury an annual in
come adequate TO the public wants. Such
step is believed to be called for by con-
siderations of sound policy, and justified
by the events which render it necessary.
1t would be an unwarrantable imputation
upon the intelligence Of the people TO sup
pose that they omitted TO inform themselves
of the bur,hens the support ola state gov
eminent would impose upon them when
they ratified the Constitution; and to ques-
ton their willingness now 10 assume those
burthens might we'll be regarded as stig-
ma upon their patriotism.
The details Of such system properly
belong to the Legislative branch of the 60
vernment; but in maturing them it is re-
specially suggested that wide field ex-
lists for reform and improvement. The
revenue laws at present in existence are
radically defective, and call Cor amendment.
1t cannot be denied that under the Terrific
rial organization, with all oui legislative,
executive and judicial expenses borne by
the general government, a system of taxa
ton exceeded for severity by but few of
the States Of the Union has prevailed
While these excessive levies have been
submitted to, the necessity for their impo-
sition has been denied. The time is belize
we'd to be at hand when the reform in this
particular, looked for in vain for so long a
period, is imperiously demanded BY public
opinion; and | confidently anticipate the
adoption Of such measures by the Legisa-
ture as will correct the evil in future
The necessity for a State tax equal to the
support Of an economical administration Of
the government, such as is contemplated
by the Constitution, is immediate and obvi-
Gus; but | should regret to be forced TO the
conclusion that the burthens of the people
must be thereby necessarily increased to
the amount Of such new levy. Under such
an accumulated load of obligation their en-
crgies would sink, and enterprise and in.
dustry might be expected 10 take their
flight to less expensive and better govern
ed lands. cannot permit myself, to doubt,
that if the subject is approached with an
eye singly TO the public interests, reduc-
ton can be made in the County and Town
ship rates, without in any degree impairing
the usefulness of these corporations, equal
to any amount Of revenue which it may be
necessary to collect for State purposes -
The abolition of all useless offices, and
reduction OF the fees of all officers to the
lowest standard which will admit OF fair
equivalent for services rendered, will do
something towards eifecting this result,
and is most earnestly recommended. A
further reduction of the county machinery
might be made, and cores ponding saving
be effected by the people, by uniting two
or more of such offices as cannot be dis
pensed with, and devolving the discharge
of their duties on single person. Where
this can be done without detriment to the
public interests, conceive il to be highly
proper reform, called for by considerations
Of economy, and desirable as check upon
the thirst for public station which is known
TO prevail in Iowa in common with other
portions of the country. Offices, under
our government, are created for the people,
and not for the benefit of the incnnbents;
and 10 multiply them beyond the number
ascertained to be absolutely necessary is a
departure from that simplicity which was
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