The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-02-18
The Presidents last Special Message.

The Presidents last Special Message.
This important and able document, calling the attention
OF Congress to the measures both military and financial
which are needed for the vigorous prosecution of the
war; will again remind the country of the faithful and
energetic manner in which the Executive has performed
ITS duty IN the present crisis, and will show upon what
department OF the government the full responsible
ty OF the delay which has occurred the important le
gsatve business of the session The President refers TO
his previous recommendations of proper legislative pro-
visions to meet the demands of the war; avows his I'M
aerabe purpose to prosecute it with all the resources
his command in view " to its speedy and successful
termination by an honorable peace" and suggests such
additions 10 the existing legislation upon the subject as
urgently needed Among these, are legal pro-
vision for the appointment of such major generals and
brgadier generals the efficiency of the service de-
mands for the reenlisment of such of the volunteers
now Mexico as may choose to during the war for
the grant Of bounty TO those who may thus extend
their OF service and for filling the vacancies which
may have occurred in the volunteer corps either by death
OF discharges from the service. While urging these
for the vigorous prosecution of the war, the
President reteates his constant readiness upon
negotiations with Mexico, looking TO the conclusion of
just and honorable peace
These important military recommendations of the Pres
dent have yet been acted upon by Congress In the
House of Representatives the premature and agating
discussion of the Wilmot proviso, and in the Senate
most ill-udged and futile attempt put down the free
dom of the press have stood in the way of the business
OF the country. If anything were wanting to complete
the odium of this recent movement in the Senate, it
would be found in the fact that has been brought for
ward precisely at the moment when every hour spent in
such discussion be paid for by the sacrifice both of
blood and of in Mexico has delayed Iegisa
ton for that which is than nothing, when delay
was incidentally pernicious. The people will take note
of this matter and visit IT severely upon the heads of
those who are justly responsible for it.
The special message does not overlook the financial
demands of the time The President has recommended
moderate tax upon articles of the free list,
especially tea and coffee together with such other rev.
enue may be necessary to maintain the
honor of the country and uphold the public credit in
GLIDING, of course, among these measures, graduation
of the public lands 1t is estimated that from these
sources, an additional of not less than three
millions of dollars be raised If the importance of
this step is duly felt in Congress- certain it is that il
duly appreciated everywhere else in the country We
are happy to perceive however, by the report of yeser
days proceedings in the House OF Representatives that
the Committee of Ways and Means have reported bill
the Treasury Department 1t is to take effect from the
date of its passage and it evies duty of 20 per cent
on tea and coffee additional duty of 10 per cent on
refined sugar, coal bar, and pig iron, and various forms
Of iron manufactures together with an additional duty of
per cent on certain manufactures of cotton There is
no design to change the principles of the act of 1916
al al a. 81
party mean TO adhere the permanent regulation of the
land They abure the protection principle the mini
mum and specific duties Nor, can there be doubt that
The tariff of 1916 will realize the calculations of the Sec
etary of the Treasury and will bring in even thirty mil
ions of revenue But war exists. Money is wanting |
The bill provides in addition to duty upon tea and cof-
lee, slight addition to a few other artices-not
o be a permanent regulation. All these duties are
o cease in two years after the conclusion OF peace
with Mexico The last section Of the bill also grad
laes the price OF public lands which have been for
than years in the Market and subject to entry
This section is to take effect after the of May 1917
{ is earnestly TO be hoped that collateral issues, or
,roitess and dsractng debates may delay defeat the
Massage of measure, necessary sup
,or the credit of the country, and furnish means for
he prosecution of the war 1t is set down in the House
or Monday next
This message but another proof of the zeal and fidelity
With which the Executive department of the government
las abored 10 perform, promptly and vigorously, its
whole duty 10 the country. The sympathies of the peo
lie are with the President They desire peace with
Mexico upon just and honorable terms They see the
President exerting all his energies to secure it, They
now the mperious demands for prompt and present
ion. They have looked with growing impotence upon
he procrastnaton of Congress They demand that our
should be strengthened in Mexico before the season