The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-14

features, not by raising the rate OF duty upon
the importation Of similar articles from abroad,
but what Is the same effect. by admitting arti.
clcs free Of duty which enter into the composi-
tion of their fabrics
Under the present system Il has been often
remarked that this medicinal protection de;res.
ses when the manusaeturer necls Il most. aud
increases when he necls II least, aud constitu-
ties n sliling scale which always ops rates
against him. The revenues ot the countr, are
subject to similar nuctuaiion. Instead ofap-
preaching steady standard, as would b. the
case under q system ofspecihc duties. the, sink
aud rise with the sinking aud rising prices Ut
articles In foreign countries.
II would not be diihcult for Congres toarI auge
system Of specific duties which would haorl
additional stability both 10 revenue and our
manufactures, and without injury or Injustice
to any interest of the country This might be
accomplished by aseertaining the average value
vi any given article for q series VI years Mt the
place VI expectation, aud by simply ring
the rate ad yalorem duty upon II which
might be deemed necessary for revenue pur.
poses into the form Of O specific duty. Such
nm arrangement could not injure the conmmer.
lfhe should pay greater amount q duty one
amount the next, and In the end the aggregate
would be the same.
DEPARTMENT REr0nrs.
desire TO call your immediate attention TO
the present condition Of the Treasury, o. ably
and clearly presented by the Secretary In his
report 10 Congress, and TO recommend that
measures be promptly adopted to enable II to
discharge its pressing obligations. The other
recommendations OF the report are well worthy
OF your favorable consideration.
herewith transmit TO Congress the rrports
OF the Secretaries Of War. Of the Navy, Of tho
Interior, of the Postmaster General. The re-
concentrations and suggestions they contain
are highly valuable and deserve your careful
attention.
The report OF the Postmaster General details
the circumstances under which Cornelius VAN
derbelt, on my request, agreed, In the month
Of July last, 10 carry the ocean mails b,tween
our Atlantic and Pacific coasts Had lie not
thus acted, this important inter-communicatIon
must have been suspended, Mt least for sea-
son. The Postmaster General bad no poser To
make him any other compensation than TIE
postages on the mail matter which he might
carry. IL was known at the time that these
postages would fall short ot an adequate CON-
pention, as well rs the sum which the sarie SER
wee had previously cost the government. Mr.
Vanderbilt, In q commendable spirit, was will
ing 10 rely upon the justice ofCongressto to make
up the deficiency; and therefore reconmend
that an appropriation may be granted ior this
purpose.
should do great injustice TO the Attorney
General were TO omit the meution This dis
tinguished services In the measures adopted and
prosecuted by him for the defence Of the gov.
ernment against the numerous and unto inded
claims to land in California, purporting 10 have
been made by the Mexican government preyi.
Gus To the treaty OF ccssion. The successful
opposition 10 these claims has saNel 10 the
United States public property worth many
millions Of dollars, and to individuals holding
title under them to at least an equal amount
DrrIrUIioS IN KANSAS.
II has been represented To me. from sources
which deem reliable, that the inhabitants In
several portions of Kansas have been rslucei
nearly to state Of starvation, ON account of
the almost total failure Of their crops, whilst
the har,csts In every other portion of the coun-
try have been abundant. The prospect before
them for the approaching winter is well cali
cula'ed to enlist the sympathy at every heart.
The destitution appears to be ~ general that Il
cannot be relieved by private contributions,
and they are In such INDECENT circumstances as
10 be unable to purchase the necessaries VI life
for themselves. refer the subject 10 Cor gr.ss.
IL any constitutional measure for their relief
can be devised would recommend IT, adop.
ton.
THE DISTRICT or COLUMBIA.
cordially recommend 10 your favorable re-.
gard the interests OF the people of this district
They are eIninently entitled 20 your consiiera-
tion. especially since. unlike the people vf the
States. they can appeal Ia no government er-
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington City, Dec. ., 1870.