The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-01-13

II " III 0e seen tnal, gene ral as theSe eS-
Inmates were they differed but little from the
actual results. Had th"y been detailed and
specific, and aided by contingent appropra.
tions, MS suggested. the results would have
been within the limits prescribed Much
might thus have been saved, without impair.
ing the condition or in any way, diminishing
the revenues arising from these works
Financial fluctuations would thereby have
been avoided, and greater degree of regu-
larity impaired to all our pecuniary trunsac-
tions.
Nor ehould omit to pass upon your con-
siderstion the necessity ,ef- providing for II
more strict accountability of the various Of
ficers who are charged With the expenditure
the public money. The Auditor of State g.
the county Auditors are the proper account
ing officers of the Government. No one
should be permitted to be his own accounting
officer, and all avenues to the treasury should
be required to pass through the proper account
ing bureau.
A practice formerly prevailed upon the pub
lie works, in the Penitentiary, and perhaps in
some of the other institutions of the State,
by which the money of the people was ex-
pended without the required and necessary
control of the Auditor Of State. II this
practice has been followed by 10 frauds or
serious loss, the fact should be attributed to
the integrity Of the officers, and not TO the
salutary restraints imposed by law. All direct
drafts upon the Treasury should be strictly
avoided, and in every pecuniary transaction
ut the Government, there should BE- in prac-
t,ce, as well as in theory, sr-roroun,ing and
paying officer, acting as checks upon each o.
ther. But little is gained 'ryf spScifc uppro-
prations, ii there be no Uheck upon the i'm
proper application OF the money. f
And in connection with this subject, il is
! proper to remember, thai il will not be long
arlore all our expenditures will havs to be
! inet by assessmeits!un th" grand duplicate
| OF thu State. All speciai7taxes, except auc-
lion duties, pedders' licenses and few O.
theirs, have been suffered ol.B oul nl existence;
and labor, as such, is ~ Hunger required ~
contribute to the burdens imposed by the
s;iate:-a policy 80 sau,ary thaiit commands
lhe approbarion of every ono.
! Od- school ministerial and canal lands
niIi soon pass into the nsnds oi actual set,
.icrs; the surplus revenue will be repaid
aud bus nearly all sources oi revenue vii
be- closed, except the public works, th,
d,,idcnds from canal. turnpike and ralroa'
stocks. and direct taxation. That these ex
,ranequs revenues should run out, is hardl!
70 be regretted. They never were very large
while they mystified our public arcuun's.-
rhHir final disappearance. with the cause
that csiled them forth, will not increase tn
!. public burdens; IT, will bat change the
character. st''
y These facts should have their due weigh
in determining all financial questions. III
!, taxing and uppropriating po~crs are he mo
y maoftant functions of Government. Hig
- taxes do not always indicate unnecessary e
a rsvsyahce, and tOr many of our exsetions,