The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-12-22

within q snort period ; anu II WAS a partOf
nv settled policy 10 do 4. and thus re-
lieve the people from ITS burden. and place
the government in aposi:ion which would
enable if to reduce the public expenditures
TO that economical standard which is most
consistent with the general welfare, aud
the pure and wholesome progress OF our
institutions.
Among our Just causes Of complaint a
gainsi Mexico, arising out of her refusal
to treat for peace as well before as since
the war so uniust!y commenced on her
part, are the extraordinary expenditures
in which we have been involved. JUS
tice 10 orr own people will make it pro-
per that Mexico should be held response
bic for these expenditures.
Economy in the public expenditures is
at all times a high duty which all public
functionaries OF the government I'VE 10
the people. This duty becomesthe more
imperative in a period Of war, when large
and extraordinary expenditures become
unavoidable. During the existence Of the
war with Mexico all our resources should
be husbanded, and no appropriations made
except such as are absolutely necessary
for its vigorous prosecution and the due
administration Of the government. Oh
Jects Of appropriation, which in peace
may be deemed useful or proper, bat
which are not indispensable for lhe pua-
lie service, may, when he country is en-
gagged in a foreign war. be well pOsipon-
ed TO a future period. BY the observance
Of this policy at your present session,
large amounts may be saved 10 the treasu-
ry, and be applied to objects Of pressing
and urgent necessity. and thus the crea-
ton of corresponding amount of public
debt may be avoided.
1t is not meant to recommend the ordi-
nary and necessary appropriations for the
support Of government should be with
held, hat it is well known that at every
session Of Congress appropriations are
proposed for numerous objects which may
or may n o be made, without materially
affecting the public interest; and these it
is recommended should rot be granted.
The act passed our last session 'redu-
eng the duties on Imports not having
gone into operation until the FIRST Of the
present month, there has not been time
for lis practical effect upon the revenue
and The business Of the country, TO be de-
veioped. Il is moi doubted, however,
that the Just pai;cy which it adopts will
add largely to our foreign trade, and pre-
mote the general prosperity. Although
Il cannot he certainly iorseen wlntamouut
Of revenue il will yield, ills estimated that
it will exceed that produced by TIE act OF
1912, which it superseded. The leading
principles established by it are, to levy
The taxes with q view to raise revenue.
and TO impose them upon the articles I'M
ported according o their actual value.
The act of 1892, by the excessive rates
Of duly which il imposed on mary articles
either totally excluded them from impor-
tation, OF greatly reduced the amount in-
ported, and thus diminished instead of
producing revenue. By 1.-THE taxes were
imposed not for the legitimate purpose of
raising revenue, but to afford advantages
10 favored classes, at the eApensc Of large
minority Of their fellow-ciiizens. Those
employed iii agr;cuiiure, mechanical pur-
suits, commerce, and navigation, were
compelled to contribute from their sub
slance to swell The profits and overgrown
wealth Of the comparatively few who had
invested their capital in manuiaciurers.-
The taxes were not levied in proportion
TO the valuc oil the articles upon which
they were imposed bat, widely depart
ing from this just rule, the lighter taxes
were, in many cases, levied upon articles
ofluxury, and high prices aud heavier
taxes On those Of necessity and low price,
consumed by thegreaf mass Of The people.
Ii was a system, the inevitable effect Of
which YVES to relieve favored classes and
the wealthy few from contributing iheH
just proportion for he support Of govern
men;, and TO lay the burden on the labor
olthe many, engaged in other pursuits
than manufactures.
A. system so unequal and unjust has
been superseded by b. eAisting law which
imposes duties moi for the hcneGt %ofinju-
nv Of classes or pursuits, but distributes,
and, as far as practicable. cquaIizes the
public burdens amcng all classes, who IN
der the unequal and unjust SYSTEM which
has been repealed. have heretofore rcaliz-
ed large profits, and many Of them ainas-
scd large fortunes, at the expense OF the
many who have been made tributary 10
them, will have no reasons 10 complain II
they shall be required 10 hear their Just
proportion OF the taxes necessary for the
support ofgoyernment. So far froel It, It
will be perceived. by an examination Of.
the existing law. that Determinations RI
Tie rates Of duty imposed, within the rev
enue priucipie. have been retained ~ iheir
Favor. The Incidental aid sea.nst foreign
competition Which hey sill enjoy gives
u .z..-. ,-It.f, M Cs1or mr.