Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1854-01-13
thoughts there suggested by an unusual accumula-


ton oftreaSure.
'"This fact of an increasing surplus in the Trea-
SuTy," says the President, "became the subject OF
anxious consideration at very early period of my
administration, and the path of duyin regard tot
seems TO me obvious and clear, viz: first to apply
the surplus to the discharge OF the public
debt, so far as il could judiciously be done; and,
secondly, 10 devise means for the gradual reduction
of the revenue 10 the standard of the public ext
gencieS." As 10 the former of these objects, the
President states the debt Of the United States has
been reduced by nearly thirteen million dollars
that Isl from sixty mine millions 10 hlty-SlX, since
The 4th of last March. AS to the latter, II IS re-
commended 10 revise the tariff, by reducing the
duties certain articles, and "to add 10 the iTee
list any other articles now taxed, and especially
such rs enter into manufactures, AMI not large
ly, or ut all, Produced in the United States."-
lither ard more common modes OF employing the
surplus finds place even in Presidents Mes
sage 1t is found necessary TO bring the navy more
INTO proportion with the foreign commerce OF the
Union; 10 increase the legular army US neucuS
for : he volunteers who are always reckoned upon
in the hour OF need; and TO commence or complete
some extensive public works. Nevertheless, II is
confidently expected, that in very few years the
Union will have wi, ed away IFS debt, and, If it
has the foIbenrance To abstain from war OIL therSt
provocation, it may go far 10 solve the problem
whether il is possible for State to exist without
taxes. ..-
To Judge only by the number of controversies
sustained by the Union with other powers, and
suited 3y the President with pathetic bias, might
be concluded that the above financial Su plus
might soon be employed-nS SurpluSeS usually
on this SIDE the Atlantic-in making up for the de-
fclencieS of argument; but whether, lroT the par
amount strength Of the Union on its own cOnti-
nent or from its wise forbearance, it is seldom
driven TO the lust appeal. There IS therefore,
nothing very terrible IN the enumeration of pend
ing differences, With us, the question OF the fish
cries is still unsettled, and the President insists
the convention of 1918, as practically Interpreted
he says, for quOrteT OF u century, Certain queS-
ton with this country about the States of Central
America are, IRE told, under amicabl nTTange-
ment; as also are certain claims ot British sub
iectS against the United States, and of American
citizens against this country. The northwest from
tier between the United States and British Amer
leu, is still TO be determined Cuba, whose pIox-
unity 10 the shores Of the United States and posi-
ton right in the track OF trade between some Of
the principal citeS,' render her o. iect of some
interest to the States, occupies an lmpo. tan part
of the message. a, -.F,.gs
A perpetual Series of collisions with its author-
ties impeS the Government of Washington to de.
ma nd the este bliShment of diplomatic intercourse
between their Consul at Havana and The Captain
General OF the Island, that ready explanalionSmay
be made, and prompt redress afforded. On the 9TH
hand, Spanish claim, admitted in lS47, has, it
appears, still TO be satisfied The seizure OF koSzta,
clothed with the nationality of the United States,
at Smyrna, and his rescue by The Americans, seem
10 be disposed oil by the fact that kuSzta is sale IN
the United StateS and the complaints Of the Aus
TRANS declared TO be grOundIeSs. The expedition
TO Japan is still without issue. The frontIer line
between Mexico and the territory coded to the
United States has TO be corrected, IN consequence
of in the first selection of the initial point
on the Rio Grande. Central America IS described
as he scene OF some promising diplomatic opera.
| tons. The United States demanding from
Brazil that tie River Amazon snail be open 10 the
common use of nations, the Republic OF Para
| quay and the Argentine Confederation have al
ready conceded with regard to tler rivers. In all
this there nothing more than the nntura; efforts
of great nation, spreading i'll all directiol, ell
lurging at its frontier, its lrnde its relations,
its pre- enSionS and its very conception of its own
character and position.
Happily, thus far this development is easy and
safe. Except Where they come across lie vestiges
Of British dominion, The United .ateS confront
ed by no Pow er, worthy 10 be ali antagonist, on
their own continent. They only 10 satisfy
themselves 10 the maxmS of public justice or
nationa! honor they may please 10 lay down. As
with other empires, the day may come when the
ideas thus engIafted into their political existence
may be brOuglI 10 n Srverer test, and bow TO the
common sense of mankind. That day, however.
Still 10 be distant, and the condition Of the
United SnteS described by the President, is thus
| far one of exubelait, not to say undISciplIied
growth. Fer their internal Government and the
mutual check interests and parties great tuStls
IepoSed Ill the much-lau Justice and intellI-
gence OF the muses. The value Of tins security
in foreign politics time alone can show