The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-11


that our Government is not to be maintained nor
our Union preserved ..by invasions of the rights
and powers of the several States In thus az
tempting to make our General Government strong.
we make it weak. Its true strength consists in
leaving individuals and States much posi-
BILE to themselves; in making itself felt, not in its
power, but in its benefcence; not in its control,
but in its protection; not in binding the States
more closely to the centre, but leaving each to
move unobstructed in its proper constitutional
orbit These are the teachings of men whose
deeds and services have made them illustrious,
and who, long since withdrawn from the scenes
of life, have left to their country the rich legacy
of their example. their wisdom and their patriot
ism Drawing fresh inspiration from their les
sons let US emulate them in love Of country and
respect for the Constitution and the laws.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury
affords much information respecting the revenue
and commerce of the country. His views upon
the currency. and with reference to proper ad
iustment of our revenue system. internal as well
as mpost. are Commended to the careful consider
alton of Congress. In my last annual message
expressed my general views upon these subjects.
l need now only call attention to the necessity of
carrying into every department of the Govern
ment system of rigid accountability. thorough
retrenchment and wise economy. With no ex-
ceptional nor unusual expenditures. the oppres-
sive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such
a modification of our revenue laws will be
and necessary wants of the Government.
The report presents much more satisfactory
condition of our finances than one year ago the
most sangune could have anticipated. During
the fiscal year ending the Both June, 1865. the
last year of the war, the public debt was increased
$94l .902 537, and on the 81 st of October, 1863,
it amounted to $2.74O, S54,75O. On the 3lSt of
October. 1866 it had been reduced to $2.55l,-
3lO.OO6, the diminution. during period of four
teen months commencing September !, 1865. and
ending October 81, 1866, having been 5000 .379,-
500. In the last annual report the state OF the
finances, it was estimated that during the three
quarters of the fiscal year ending the 3Oth of June
last, the debt would be increased $ll2.19494I
During that period, however, it reduced $751;
l9b.3eI. the recei pts of the year having been
SS9.9O5.9 O5 more, and the expenditures $2UO,
529,23o less than the estimates. Nothing could
more clearly indicate than these statesments the
extent and availability Of the national resources,
and the rapidty and safety with which, under our
form of government, great military and naval es-
adjustments can be dsbanded, and expenses re-
duced from war to peace footing.
During the fiscal year ending the Both Of June.
1866. the receipts were $555. OBJ 600. and the ex
penditures $520,75O94O, leaving an available
surplus of $37 PSI $50. It is estimated that the
receipts for the fiscal year ending the 3Uth June.
1867, will be S475, O6l 1856. and that the expend-
lures will reach the of $:}l6.32S,O7S. leaving
in the Treasury a surplus of S IS, 633 :3O8. For
the fiscal year ending June 81, 1868, it is estma-
tee that the receipts will amount t" $436,00OO OO
and that the expenditures will be $35O.24z jill
showing an excess of SS5.752 356 in favor of the
Government. These estimated receipts may be
diminished by a reduction of excise and import
duties; but after all necessary reductions shall
have been made, the revenue Of the present and
of following years will doubtless be sufficient to
cover all legitimate charges upon the Treasury,
and leave a large annual surplus to be applied to
the payment of the principal of the debt. There
seems now to be no good reason why taxes may
not be reduced as the country advances in popu-
laton and wealth, and yet the debt be e1tinguished
within the next quarter Of century.
The report of the Secretary of War furnishes valuable
and important information in reference to the operations
of his Department during the past year. Few voun-
eers now remain in the service and they being dis
charged rapidly they be replaced by regular
troops The army has been promptly paid, carefully
provided with medical treatment. we'll sheltered and
subsisted and is to be furnished with breechoadng
small arms The military strength of the nation has
been unimpared by the discharge of volunteers, the
disposition of unserviccabe perishabe stores, and
the rerenchment of expenditure. Sufficient war mate
rial to meet any emergency has been retained, and
from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to re-
spond to the national CALL large armies be rapidly
organized equipped and concentrated. Notifications
ON the coasts and frontier have received or are being
prepared tor powerful armamcnts lake surveys
and harbor and river Improvements in course OF en-
ergetlc prosecution. Preparations have been made tor
the payment of the additional bounties authorized dur
ing the recent session of Congress- under such regula-
tons as will pro'c the Government from fraud and
secure to the honorably discharged soldier the we'll
earned reward of his fahtulness and gallantry More
than SIX thousand manned soldiers have received art
hcal limbs or other surgical apparatus; and ory-one
national crmetries, containing the remains of 1O4 o26
Union soldiers, have already been established. The
total estimate OF military appropriations is 5 POS COY
1t Is stated IN the report of the Secretary of the Navy
that the naval force at this time consists of hundred
ana seventy-eght vessels, armed with two thousand
three hundred and ftty-one guns OF these one hun,
dred and fifteen vessels, carrying thousand and
guns are in commission, distributed chiefly
among seven squadrons. The number of men in the
service is thirteen thousand six hundred Great acv-
y and vigilance have been displayed by all the squad
rOns and their movements have been judicOusly and
thclentiy arranged in such manner would best pro-
mote American commerce., and protect the rights and
interests OF our countrymen abroad The vessels Un
employed are undergoing repairs, laid up unit
their services may be required Most of the ironclad
meet at League Island in the vicinity of Philade pima
place which, until decisive action should be taken by
Congress- was selected by the Secretary of the Navy as
the most eligible location for that class of vessels 1t is
important that suitable public station should be pro-
VIded Tor the noncad feet 1t is intended that these
vessels shall be in proper condition for any rgency
and Is desirable that the bill accepting League Island
tor naval purposes by the House of Representatives at
Its last session should receive final action earl
period IN order that there may be suitable public sta
ton Tor this class of vessels, we'll a yard OF
area sufficient for the wants of the service the Della
ware rlver The Naval Pension fund amounts to 81 ,
7ooOoJ having been increased $2,75U,0OO during the
year The expenditures of the Department for the fiscal
year ending Both June last S4}24 $50, and the
estimates Tor the coming year amount to 2.56S, 436
Attention invited to the condition of our seamen and
the Importance OF Legislative for their relief
and Improvement The suggestions in behalf of this
deserving class of or fellow citizens are earnestly re-
commented 10 The favorable attention of Congress-
The report of the Postmaster General Pre- SCENTS most
satisfactory condition of the postal service and submits