The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1866-12-14


cOuntrymen.
A H0rdQf Caution.
IN our efforts to preserve "the unity
oi the Government which constitutes
Us one people," by restoring the States
10 the condition which they held prior
10 the rebellion, we should be cautious
lest, having rescued our nation from
perils OF threatened disintegrati0n, we
resort to consolidation, and, in the end.
absolute despOtism, as remedy for the
recurrence Of similar troubles. The
war having Terminated, and with it all
occasion for the exercise of power Of
doubtful constitutionality, we should
hasten to bring legislation within the
boundaries prescribed by the Constitu-
tlon, and to return to the ancient land
marks established by our fathers for
the guidance Of succeeding generations.
1.-THE Constitution which at any time
exists, until changed by an explicit and
authentic actof thepeOple, is sacrcdly as
a whole obligatory upon ALL" ''If in
the opinion of the people, the distri-
button or modification of the constitu-
tiOnal powers be, in any particular
wrong, letitbe corr ected by an amend
ment in the way in which the C0nsti-
tuition designates. But let there be no
change by usurpatiOn; for it is the Gus
tomary weapon by which free Govern
ments are destroyed" Washington
spoke these words to his countrymen.
when, followed by their love and graf
itude, he voluntarily retired from the
cares Of public life. "To keep in all
things within the pale of our constitu-
tional powers, and cherish the Federal
Union as theOnly rock Of safety, +" were
prescribed by Jefferson as rules of ac-
tion to endear to his "cOuntrymen the
true principles of their Constitution,
and promote a union of sentiment and
action equally auspicious to their hap
piness and safety.o 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 preserved "by invasions
of the rights and powers of the sever
al States. In thus attempting to make
our General Government strong, we
make it weak. Its true strength con-
as much as possible to themselves: in
making itself felt, not in its power but
in its beneticence; 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
and who, long since with
drawn from the scenes of life, have left
to their country therich legacy of their
example, their wisdom and their pa
triOtism. Drawing fresh inspiration
from their lessons, let us emulate them
in love of country and respect for the
Constitution and the laws.
Our Financial Status.
The report of the Secretary of the
Treasury affords much information re-
specting the revenue and commerce Of
the country. His views upon the cur
rency, and with reference to proper
adjustment of our revenue system, in
ternal as we'll as impost, are commend
ed to the careful consideration Of Con-
gress In my last annual message /
expressed my general views upon these
subjects. | need now only call atten-
tion to the necessity Of carrying into
every department Of the Government
a system Of rigid accountability,
thorough retrenchment, and wise econ
omy. With noeXceptional nor unusu-
al expenditures, the oppressive burdens
of taxation can be lessened by such
of our Revenue laws as
will be consistent with the public faith,
and the legitimate and necessary wants
of the Government.
The National Debt.
The report presents a much more
condition of our finances
than one year ago the most sanguine
could have anticipated. During the
fiscal pear ending the 30th June, 1860,
the last wear Of the war, the public
debt was increased $941 ,902, ,537, and on
the 31st of October, 1865, it amounted
to -, $40, ,854, $50. On the 3lst day of
October, 1866, it had been reduced to
s., ,55I $40, ,006, the dimunition, during
a period Of fourteen months, common
cling Sept. 1, 1865, and ending October
81, 1866. having been 500, ,37O, ,565. In
the last annual report on the state OF
the finances, it was estimated that du-
ring the three quarters of thetiscal year
ending the Both Of June last, the debt
would be increased Sll2, 1874, ,947. Du-
ring that period, however, it was redu-
ced S3l , 106, 1857, the receipts OF the year
having been S89, ,905, 800 more, and the
expenditures $500, 529, 235 less than the
estimates. Nothing could more clear
ly indicate than these statements the
extent and availability Of the national
resources, and the rapidity and safety
with which, under our form of Gov
great military and naval es-
tablishments can be diSbanded, and eX-
penses reduced from war to a peace
footing.
ReceiDts For The Fiscal YeT.
During the fiscal year ending the 30th
Of June, 1866, the receipts were S35S,-
O32, ,620, and the expenditures S32O,-
750. 1910, leaving an available surplus Of
.5}7 ,2SI $50. Itis estimated that the re-
ceipts for the fiscal year ending the Both
of June, 1867, Will be SHE, ,06l 1885, and
that the expenditures will reach the
sum of $3l6 IL, ,07S, leaving in the
Treasury a surplus Sl5S,633, ,30S. For
the flScdl year cndlHE june ooI Iooo, II
is estimated that the receipts will a.
to S436 900 ,0G0, and that the eX-
will he $350, ,2l7 ,64l-shoW-
ing an excess OF $50, ,752, ,359 in favor Of
the Government. These estimated re-
ceipts may be diminished by ii reduc-
ton of excise and import duties but
after all necessary reductions shall have
been made, the revenue of the present
and of following years will be doubt
less. sufficient to cover all legitimate
charges upon the Treasury, and leave
. rsrn annual surnlus to be applied to