The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-03-02
MISCELLANEOUS.

The TaIiH-8peech of Senator Hunter
Mr.. Hunter began by saying that the
present issue is between high taxation
on the one side and moderate expendi-
turc on the other. His personal con-
nection with the tariff of 1857, induced
him to review the circumstances under
which it came into operation, and the
principles on which it was established.
Secretary Guthrie had founded his esti-
mates on the opinion that the expendi-
lures for the preceding year, exclusive
of the payments of the public debt, had
never required more than $48, ,OOO. 900.
Tue tariff was therefore reduced by the
consent of all sections. Unfortunately,
in the first year Of its operation it en-
countered the great financial depression /;
but in this year. so far as it has gone. it
promises to attain the amount estimated
by the Secretary. The Senator from
Rhode Island had estimated that it would
produce but forty millions of dollars,
but during the first two quarters it had
produced twenty three millions, and the
probability is that the last two quarters
will produce the amount of the estimate.
l. has done what it was expected to do.
and the question is, shall we continue to
use it to carry on the requirements of
the Government. The President and
the able head of tho Treasury depart
ment thought it insufficient, but after
earnest thought. he { Hunter had come
to different conclusion. He went on
to show that the estimates of the re-
ceipts from the public lands are not
overstrained, and the unexpected bal
ances and appurtenances if deducted as
probably they ought to be, would reduce
the estimates 100000. The war ex-
penses might be reduced nearly 4,OOO,-
900. The Navy nearly the same, and
then it would have as much as was ac-
tually expended on the last year. and if
the Post Office department was made
self sustaining. it would economize g.
600, 900 upon the estimate for the year.
Tho bill reported by the Postofice Com
mittee would add S3, SOC. 600 to the
revenue. The abolition of the franking
privilege. it is supposed. will save $l.-
500, 900 more, and if by increased
charges we can make the department
aelf.sustaining, we shall then reduce the
total expenditure to $55, 200, ,OOO.-
There are many moral, political and fs-
cal reasons for this reform in the Post
Office. As it at present stands it is .
vast machine Of irresponsible power
He here read from the table, to show
the steady and alarming increase of the
burden of the Postofice on the Trea-
sury, which, If continued at the same
ratio, would soon make it more costly
than the Army and Navy. With 27,-
779 postmasters, exclusive of route
agents, special agents, local agents, and
other officers, who make total of near
ly thirty thousand. outuumber the Army
and Navy under the direction of the
Postmaster General. who has power to
increase them at his plasure, besides ex-
srcising great power through the press
and an army of contractors. who shall
estimate his influence +? Why in the
name of Heaven say the expenses of this
Department shall not exceed its revenue?
If We should reduce our total OK, en-
ditures to thirty-s millions, il would
give a surplus of thirteen millions to
pay off the liabilities of the govern
ment.
He proceeded to demonstrate that the
estimates Of the revenue for the fiscal
year are not exaggerated but. on the
contrary, are rather below than above.
The custom receipts for ten years under
the tariff of l846, increased ten per cent
|per annum; but suppose them to in