The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-24
XyNy. CONGRESS- SECOND SESSION.
WASHINGTON, Feb. IA.

w AeHtNVTuN, TCo II.
SsSArE--The Senate met at 10 A. NJ.
Messrs. Seward and Fessenden respectively
presented memorials. from the cities Of New
York and Portland, respecting the work
ing Of the Reciprocity Treaty. Referred.
Messrs. Lane and Smith, Senators from
Oregon, were sworn and took their seats
Mr.. Hunter presented the credentials OF
Mr.. Toombs, who is elected for another term
from Georgia.
After the transaction Of various other
business, Mr.. Hunter took the floor to ex-
press his views on the tariff.
Mr.. Hunter began by saying that the
present issue is between high taxation on
the one side and moderate expenditure on
the other. His personal connection with
the tariff OF 1857 indaoed him to review the
circumstances under which il came into
operation, and the principles on which it
was established. Secretary Guthrie had
founded his estimates on the opinion that
the expenditures for the preceding year. ex-
elusive Of the payments Of the public debt,
had never required more than Sts ZOO, 600.
The tariff was therefore reduced by the con-
sent OF all sections. Unfortunately, In the
first year OF its operation il encountered the
great financial depression but in this year
so far as il has gone, il promises to attain
the amount estimated by the Secretary.
The Senator from Rhode Island had estimat-
ed that it would produce but forty millions
OF dollars, but during the first two quarters
it had produced twenty-three millions Of
dollars, and the probability is that the last
two quarters will produce the amount Of
the estimate. Ii has done what il was eX-
pected to do, and the question Is, shall we
continue TO use II, TO carry on the require.
ments of the Government The President
and the able head Of the Treasury Depart
ment thought il insufficient, but after ear
nest thought he (Hunter) had come to u
different conclusion. lie went on to show
that the estimates Of the receipts from the
public lands are not ovcrstrained, and the
unexpected balances and appurtenances, il
deducted az probably they ought to be,
would reduce the estimates 1000, 900.
The war expenses might be reduced nearly
$4,0O0.O0O. The Navy nearly the same,
and then II would have a. much IA WAS &C.
tually expended 90 il last year, and il the
Post Office Department was made selfsus
tanning, it will economic 81, 100000 upon
the estimate for the year. The bill reported
by the poet Office committee, would add
80, 800 900 10 the revenue. The abolition
Of the Thanking privilege, It Is supposed will
save 81 100000 more, and il by increased
charges we can make the department self.
sustaining. We shall then reduce the total ex.
pcnditure TO s55000.0OO There are many
moral, political and fiscal reasons Tor this
reform in the Post Cflice.
As it at present stands IL Ii vast ma.
chine Of irres )onsible power. He here read
from the table, to show the steady aud alarm.
ing increase Of the burden of the PostoiIice
on the Treasury, which, il continued nj the
same ratio, would soon make il more costly
than the Army and Navy. With 27,779
pOetmasters, exclusive Of route agents, spe-
cial agents, local agents, and other officers,
who make total OF nearly thirty thousand,
Communicating the Army and Navy under
the direction Of the Postmaster General, who
has power TO increase them at his pleasure,
besides exercising great power through the
! press and an army Of contractors, who shall
estimate bis influence 7 Why in the name
! OF Heaven say the expenses Of this Depart.
ment shall not exceed is revenue II we
should reduce our total expenditures to fifty.
six millions, it would give IA surplus Of thir.
teen millions TO pay of the liabilities Of the
government.
| lie proceeded IL demonstrate that the ~.
Inmates Of the revenue for the fiscal year are
not exaggerated but on the contrary, are
rather below than above. The custom ~.
ceipts for ten years under the tariff OF 1916,
increased ten per cent. per snDum; but sup
! poe them To increase not more than five pr
cent God is being produced. Tobacco
and other staples are disposable Of at good
prices and employ more hands, and although
cereals are under temporary depression. the
difference is more than compensated by the
increased products. lie had heard il es,i-
mated by competent authority Of New
York, that the year will show a revenue Of
60 TO 63 millions; but without accepting tbs,
high figure he was willing to take the re-
spoDsibility OF legislatiDg on the assumption
that the Secretarys estimate will be rather
over than under. Hence, in his opinion, i,
would b. unwise and iDexpedent 10 touch
the tariff Of 1851. II on the meeting Of the
next session Of Congress il be found INSULT.
Gent, every body might come to some agree
ment for its amendment
Mr.. Hunter proceeded to argue elaborate
ly the advantage Of ad pdioyem over specific
duties, and showed that the effect u specific
imports il 70 make the consumer pay more
when be can east afford and lcss when h.
was bs.t able. The value can be easily az
crtained. We have the prices current from
abroad and consular certificates, and II the
government will appoint faithful appraisers,
and not act on the rotation system, we will
have an houest and faithful valuation.
10 addressing himself 10 the protection
arguments II Mr.. BgIer. Mr.. Hunter said
that be did not believe protection benefit
those interests which il seeks 10 aid. were j,
for no other reason than that i, induces CON.
petition and brings down the level Of prosy.
The depression Of the iron interests 10 this
country, ~ in England, was from the revul
sion Of the credit system, and IL was n reyul