The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-02-27

crate revenue duty on these articles, it
is estimated, would produce annually
an amount exceeding two and a half
millions Of dollars. Though in period
OF peace, when ample means could be
derived from duties on other articles
for the support of the government, it
may have been deemed proper not to
resort to duty on these articles; yet
when the country is engaged in for
eign war, and all our resources are de-
manded to meet the unavoidable in.
creased expenditure in maintaining our
armies in the field, no sound reason is
perceived why we should not avail
ourselves Of the revenues which may
be derived from this source. The OBJ
jectons which have heretofore existed
to the imposition of these duties were
applicable to state of peace, when
they were not needed. We are now,
however, engaged in a foreign wall
We need money to prosecute it, and
to omaintain the public honor and credit.
1t cannot be doubted that the patriotic
people of the United States would
cheerfully, and without complaint, SUBJ
NIT to the payment of this additional
duty, or any other that may be neces-
sary to maintain the honor Of the coun-
try, provide for the unavoidable ex-
penses of the government, and to up
hold the public credit. 1t is recon-
mended that any duties which may be
imposed on these articles be limited in
their duration to the period Of the war.
An additional annual revenue, it is
estimated, Of between a half million and
a million of dollars would be derived
from the graduation andlreduction of the
price of such Of the public lands as
have been long offered in the market
at the minimum price established by
the existing laws, and have remained
unsold. And, in addition to other rea-
sons commencing the measure to ia
vorable consideration, it is recommend
ed as a financial measure. The duty
suggested on tea and coffee, and the
graduation and reduction of the price
Of the public lands, would secure an ad-
ditional annual revenue to the treasury
of not less than three millions Of dollars,
and would thereby prevent the neces-
sity ofincurring a public debt annually
to that amount, the interest on which
must be paid semi-annually, and ulti-
mately the debt itself, by tax on the
people.
1t is sound policy, and one which
has long been approved by the govern
ment and people of the United States,
never to resort 10 loans unless in cases
of great public emergency, and then on
" for the smallest amount which the
public necessities will permit.
The increased revenues which the
measures now recommended would
produce, would, moreover, enable the
to negotiate loan, for any
additional sum which may be found to
be needed, with more facility, and at
cheaper rates than can be done with
out them.
Under the Injunction Of the constitu-
ton which makes it my duty "from time
to time to give to Congress information
Of the state OF the Union, and to recon-
mend to their consideration such meas
nres' as shall be judged necessary and
expedient." respectfully and earnestly
invite the action Of Congress on the
measures herein presented for their
The public good, as
we'll as sense of my responsibility to
our common constituents, in my judg-
ment, imperiously demand that should
present them for your enlightened can-
sideration, and invoke favorable action
upon them before the close of your
present session. uqd iea w
= tr. aat JAMES X. POLK. j
WASHINGTON, Feb. l3, 1847.