Columbia democrat and star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1867, 1866-12-12
RI AND RioHT-ooD AND OUR COUNTRY.

% cS tOC CO0QlLlOu OI tQOS6 OCdCeS, ana Dy III
ducing emigration, aid in the settlement
fertile regions now uncultivated, and lead t
an increased production of those staple
which have added so greatly to the wealt
of the nation and the commerce of tn
world. New fields of enterprise would
opened to our progressive people, and 500
the devastatioRs of war would be repaired
and traces of our domestic differences effac
ed from the minds of our countrymen.
In our efforts to preserve ''the unity O
Government which constitutes us one peo
ple, by restoring the States to the condi
tion which they held prior to the rebellion
we should be cautious, lest, having rescued
our nation from perils of threatened disin
| tegration, we resort to consolidation, and il
the end absolute despotism, as remedy fol
the recurrence of similar troubles. The wa
having terminated, and with it all occasion
for the exercise of powers of doubtful con
stltutlonallty, we should hasten to bring leg
lslation within the boundaries prescribed BY
the Constitution, and to return to the an
cient landmarks established by our father.
for the guidance of succeeding generations
The Constitution which at any time exists
until changed by an explicit and authentic
act OF the whole people, is sacredly obliga-
tory upon ALL "1f, in the opinion of the
people, the distribution or modification of
the constitutional powers be, in any partic-
ular wrong, let it be corrected by an amend
m ent in the way in which the Constitution
designates. But let there be no change by
usufpation, for it is the customary weapon
By which free Governments are destroyed -
Washington spoke these words to his coun-
trymen when, followed by their love and
gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the
cares OF public life. ''To keep in all things
within the pale of our constitutional powers,
and cherish the Federal Union as the only
rock OF safety" were prescribed by Jeffer-
son as rules of action to endear to his
countrymen the true principles of their
Constitution, and promote union of senti-
ment and action equally auspicious to their
happiness and safety. F" jackson held that
the action of the General Government
should always be strictly confined to the
sphere of Its appropriate duties, and Justly
and forcibly urged that our Government is
not to be maintained nor our Union pre-
served by invasions of the rights and DOW
ers of the several States In thus attempt
ing to make our General Gov ernment strong
we make it weak. Its true strength con-
slsts IN leaving individuals and States as
much as possible to themselves in making
itself felt, not in its power, but in its bene6-
cence; not in Its control, but in its protec-
ton not in binding the States more closely
to the centre, but leaving each to move un-
obstructed in its proper constitutional orbit -
These are the teachings of men whose
deeds and services have made them illustri-
Gus, and who, long since Withdrawn from
scenes of life, have left to their country the
rich legacy of their example, their wisdom,
and their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspi-
ration from their lessons, let US emulate
them in love of country and respect for the
Constitution and the laws
The report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury affords much information respecting the
revenue and commerce of the country. His
views upon the currency, and with reference
to proper adjustment of our revenue sys-
TEN, internal as well as iinpost, are COM
mended to the careful consideration of Con-
gress. In my last annual message / ex-
pressed my general views upon these sub
jects. l need now only call attention to the
necessity of carrying into every department
OF the Government system of rigid ac-
thorough retrenchment and
wise economy. With no exceptional nor
unusual expenditures, the oppressive bur-
dens OF taxation can be lessened by such a
modification of our revenue laws as will be
with the public faith, and the le-
gItimate and necessary wants of the Gov
The report presents a much more salts
factory condition of our finances than one
year ago the most sanguine could have an
ticipated. During the fiscal year ending the
Both of June, 1865, the last year of the war
the public debt was increased S94l 1902, ,537,
and on the 3lst Of October, 1865, it amount
I'd to %, 740,S54, $50. On the 3lst of Octo-
per, 1866, 1t had been reduced to S2,551,-
3l0,0 ,006, the diminution during period of
ourteen months, commencing September !,
1865, and ending October 81, 1866, having
been S206, 379, ,565. In the last annual re-
port on the state of the finances, 1t was es-
imated that during the three-quarters of
he fiscal year ending the 30th of June last,
he debt would be increased $112,l9 ,947.
During that period, however, it was reduced
s3l, ,l96, 3S7 the receipts of the year having
been $50, ,905, 905 more, and the expendi-
,ures $500, 529, 235 less than the estimates.
Nothing could more clearly indicate than
.hese statements the extent and availability
If the national resources, and the rapidity
md srfety with which, under our form of
government, great military and naval estab-
Ishments can be disbanded, and expenses
,educed from war to peace footing.
During the fiscal year ending the 30th of
June, 1866, the receipts were 1858, ,032, $50,
md the expenditures $500, $50, 940, leaving
In available surplus of $37, ,28I, $50. 1t is
that the reeeipts for the fiscal
7ear ending the 30th of June, 1867, will be
475,06l, 1886, and that the expenditures
viii reach the sum of $3l6, 42S, ,O7S, leaving
n the Treasury surplus of $l5S, 633, BOG.
For the fiscal year ending June 80, 1868, it
s estimated that the receipts will amount to
S436, 100000, and that the expenditures
Till be $3.50, ,247 ,O41-showing an excess of
sS5, 752, ,359 in favor of the Government
These estimated receipts may be diminished
'y reduction of excise and import duties
'ut after all necessary reductions shall have
been made, the revenue of the present and
IT following years will doubtless be sufficient
o cover all Legitimate charges upon the
treasury, and leave large annual surplus
% be applied to the payment of the princi-
pal of the debt There seems now to be no
rood reason why taxes may not be reduced
IS the country advances. in. population and
uealth and vet the daht ho ozt;rn..:sL..ll