The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-06-27
FUNDS FOR CARRYING ON THE WAR
WITH MEXICO.
MESSAGE

M ESSAGE
Of the President ofthe United States, in
answer to a resolution of The Senate
of June 8, 1916, calling for infor-
nation relative to the mode Of raising
funds for carrying on the war Dih
4, Merico.
TO the Senate Of the Uniied States:
In answer to the resolution of the
Senate Of the Sd inst,, communicate
herewith estimates prepared by the
War and Navy Departments, of the
probable expenses of conducting the ex-
isting war with Mexico, during the re-
mainder of the present and the whole
Of the next fiscal year. | communi-
cate, also, a report of the Secretary Of
the Treasury, based upon these esti-
mates, containing recommendations of
measures for raising the additional
means required. 1t is probable that
the actual expenses incurred during the
period specified may fall considerably
below the estimates submitted, which
are for larger number of troops than
have yet been called to the field. AS
a precautionary measure, however,
against any possible deficiency, the es-
timates have been made at the largest
amount which any state of the service
may require.
1t will be perceived from the report
of the Secretary of the Treasury that
considerable portion Of the additional
amount required may be raised by
modification of the rates Of duty impos.
ed by the existing tariff laws. The
high duties at present levied on many
articles totally exclude them from i'm
portation, whilst the quantity and a.
mount of others which are imported are
greatly diminished. By reducing these
duties to q revenue standard, it is not
doubted that large amount of the ar
ticles on which they are imposed would
be imported, and a corresponding
amount Of revenue be received at the
treasury from this source. By impos
ing revenue duties on many articles
now permitted to be imported free Of
duty. and by regulating the rates with
in the revenue standard upon others, a
large additional revenue will be collect
ed. independently of The hIgh con-
siderations which induced me, IN G'y
annual message, to recommend modi-
ication and reduction of the rates Of
duty imposed by the act Of lS42as be-
ing not only proper in reference TO a
state of peace, but just to all the greal
interests of the country, the necessity
of such modification and reduction as
war measure must now be manifest.
The country requires additional reve-
nue. for the prosecution of the war. 1t
may be obtained, to great extent, by
reducing the prohibitory and highly
protective duties imposed by the exist.
ing laws to revenue rates; by imposing
revenue duties on the free list; and by
modifying the rates of duty on other
articles.
The notifications recommended by
the Secretary of the Treasury in his an
nual report in December last, were
adapted 10 a state Of peace, and the
additional duties now suggested by him,
are with a view strictly to raise reve-
nue. as war measure. At the con-
clusion Of the war these duties may
and should be abolished, and reduced to
lower rates.
1t is not apprehended that the exist
ing war with Mexico will materially
affect our trade and commerce with
the rest of the world. On the contra
ry, the reductions proposed would in
crease that trade, and augment the
revenue derived from it.
When the country is in state Of
war no contingency should be permit
i'd 10 occur in which there would be
| = ,Ie6eGcv in the treasury, for the Wig.
orous n-osecation of the war; and to
guard guard against p suciii an event it is rec.
oommended that con.issgen authority be
given to issue treasury notes, or !" con-
tract a loan for limited amount; re-
imbursabe at an early day. Should no
occasion arise to exercise the power,
still it may be important that the au-
thorily should exist should there be a
necessity for it.
1t is not deemed necessary 10 resort
to direct taxes or eXcises-the meas
ures recommended being deemed pref
cradle as means of increasing the
revenue. 1t is hoped that the war with
| Mexico, if vigorously prosecuted, as il
contemplated, may be of short duration
shall be at all times ready to conclude
an honorable peace, whenever tht
Mexican government shall manifest
like disposition. The existing war has
been rendered necessary by the act
of Mexico; and whenever that powe
shall be ready to do US justice, we shal
bo nr.nared 10 sheathe the sword, an