The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-16
FUNDS FOR CARRYING ON THE WAR
WITH MEXICO.
MESSAGE


fe President ofs United Staiss IN ars,0sr 10 rss
OIaion Qthe Senate Of June 3 1896 calling for in
formation relative 10 The mode If raising funds for
carrying on the war toih JHsrieO
To the Ssnats Of the United States:
In answer 10 the resolution of the Senate of the
Sd inst, communicate herewith estimates prepared
by the War and Navy Departments, Of the proba-
bic expenses Of conducting the existing war with
Mexico, during the remainder Of the present and the
whole Of the next fiscal year. communicate, also,
report of the Secretary Of the Treasury, based up
on these estimates, containing recommendations OF
measures for raising the additional means required.
Ii is probable that the actual expenses incurred du-
ring the period specified may fall considerably be-
low the estimates submitted which for a larger
number of troops than have yet been called to the
field As precautionary measure, however, against
any possible deficiency, the estimates have been
made at the largest amount which any state OF the
service may require.
II will be perceived from the report of the Secre-
tary of the Treasury that a considerable portion Of
the additional amount required may be raised by
modification of the rates Of duty imposed by the
isting tariff laws The high duties al present levied
on many articles totally exclude them from importa-
uOn, whilst the quantity and amount Of others which
are imported are greatly diminished. By reducing
these duties to revenue standard il is not doubted
that large amount of the articles which they
imposed wsuld be imported, and corresponding
amount Of be received at the treasury from
this source. BY imposing revenue duties on many
articles now permitted TO be imported free Of duty,
and by regulating the rates within the revenue stan
dard upon others, large additional revenue will be
collected. independently Of the high considerations
which induced me, in my annual message, TO recon-
mend modification and reduction of the rates duty
imposed by the act of l942 being not only proper
in reference To state Of peace, but just TO all the
great interests Of the country the necessity Of such
modification and reduction must
L.
revenue for the prosecution Of the war IL may be
obtained to great extent, by reducing the prohibi
tory and highly protective duties imposed by the
existing laws to revenue rates. by Imposing reve-
nue. duties on the free list; and by modifying the
rates ofduty on other articles.
The notifications recommended by the Secretary
of the Treasury in his annual report in December
last were adapted to state Of peace and the addi-
tional duties now suggested by him. are with aview
strictly TO raise revenue a war measure. At the
conclusion Of the war these duties may and should
be abolished, and reduced TO lower rates.
It is not apprehended that the existing war with
Mexico will materially affect our trade and COM
mercs with the rest of the world. On the contrary
the reductions proposed would increase that trade
and augment the revenue derived from II.
When the country is in state of war no contn-
gency should be permitted TO occur IN which there
would be IA deficiency in the treasury, for the ygor-
ous prosecntDn Of the war; and TO guard against
,uch an event il il re 1mmended that contingent
thority be given to issue easury notes, or to con-
tract loan for a limited amount, relmoursaDle al
an early day. Should no occasion arise eNeLolSe
the power still it may be important that the au,
lty should exist should there be necessity for it.
| 1t is not deemed necessary to resort to direct
taxes or excises-the measures recommended being
deemed preferable Of increasing the rev.
enue. II is hoped that the war with Mexico, if
vigorously prosecuted, as is contemplated, may be
of short duration. shall be at all times ready to
conclude an honorable peace, whenever the Mexi-
can government shall manifest like disposition.
The existing war has been rendered necessary by
the acts of Mexico and whenever that power shall
be ready TO do US justice, we shall be prepared to
sheathe the sword, and tender to her the olive
branch Of peace
JAMES X. POLK.
WAsHINGToN June l6, 1916.