Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1848-10-26
rAcrs roR rHa PcorEr.

One of the bes, tests by which 10 try the merit OF
an Adminisua;on--underw hateve. form of Govern
mentis theamount and character ofs expenditures;
and one Of the most incumbent duties Of the citizen
to watch viganily that branch Of the public service.
Trying the successive Administrations Of our own,
Government by this ties; from its origin down to the
present time, the readers Of our paper will find the
subjoned compenduous table Of expenditures well
worth careful perusal. The contrast between the
prodgaliiy oflhe Democratic dynasty, and the eco
nomcal expenditures Of the Administrations which
preceded the Democratic ascendency. will strike ev-
cry one, and taken in connection with the forcible
marks with which the article is preiaced in the paper
from which we copy il. must teach wholesome les
son 10 all who capable Of forming candid judg-
ment.
FROM THE NEW BEDFRD MERCURY,
deem il important to call your attention to the fol-
lowing exposition and statistics or expenses Of our
Government taken from the journal Of Congress for
every Administrations commencing with George
Washingtons and concluding with James X Folks.
Ii will be found correct, with exception OF the expen
di,ures under President Folks administration, which
are probably underestimate at least SEINE $4,000
600, being stated on competent authority that the
Mexican war cost us two hundred and fifty millions
OF dollars, instead Of two hundred millions Of dollars.
which is the amount placed 10 the schedule below
BY giving Mr.. Polk the benefit of $50 100000, STILL
il will be observed, the increase Of the expenses Of
Government have become tremendous
What is very remarkable. and yet true and beyond
contradiction, is. that every Locofoco Administration
has cost aud taxed the people Of this Union vastly
more than either ofthe Wing Administrations. Thus
it will be found that the whole expenditures of Wing
Governments, commencing with Washington and
ending with ]. q. Adams, during period of forty
years. and be remembered the expenses OF the Rev
ouon, much them were paid under Washinglon's
government, and all tho charges occurring in
quence OF The last war with Great Britain, in MIR.
Madson's,) the Locofoco governments, CONNIE ing
with General Jackson;s aud terminating with Mr.
Folks, period oil twenty years, are run up to the
enormous suuiqoi TIRES haadred and tlirieen millions
sic hundred tiytpo thousand and forty dollars,
and abovei the Wing governments for forty years
Ia sum sufficient 10 have made internal improve
menis deepening harbors and rivers of the West and
South and building piers for the harbors on the lakes
and seaboard, 10 extent that would have been for
all time to come OF immense bene6, 10 our countrys
sufficient to have educated millions OF poor chill
dren and placed scoolhouses in every city, town, and
village and paid for teachers for many years. ii is OF
vital importance 10 every friend Of his country 10
probe this subject the bottom and ask why il, and
who has caused this exhorbiiant expenditure of ma
tional treasure Shall our hard earnings continue
be thus squaudered by Locoioco misrule2
Rseari.aiion Of the United States Government Expenses