Buchanan County bulletin and guardian. (Independence, Iowa) 1866-1869, 1867-12-13

as to meet contracts Tor machinery
made with private establishments.
The total expenditures of the navy
departments for the fiscal year ending
June 80, 1867, were S3t,034,oIl. No
appropriations have been made or re-
CURED since the close of the wal for
the construction and repair ofvessels;
for steam machinery. ordnance, pro.
visions and clothing, fuel, hemp, Sc.
the balance under these several tcads
having been more than sufficient for
current expenditures. 1t should also
be stated to its credit, that, beside
asking nj appropriations for the above
objects for the last two years, the
secretary of the navy. ON the 30th OF
September last, in accordance with
the act Of May !, 1920, requested the
secretary Of the treasury to carry to
the surplus fund the sum Of sos. ooo,-
GEO, being the amount received from
sales o fvessels and other war proper
", and remnants of former appropri-
atoms.
THE TosToFrIcE.
The report of the postmaster gener-
al shows the business Of the postotice
department and the condition Of the
postal service in q very favorable
light; and the attention of congress
is called to its practical recommended
tons. The RECEIPTS of the department
for the year ending June 80, 1867, in
GLIDING all special appropriations for
the sea and land service. and for free
mail matter, were sl9,978.69s. The
expenditures for all purposes were
sl9,aS5.4S3,-leaving an unexpendcd
balance in favor Of the department of
s743,2lo, which can be applied to-
ward the expenses Of the department
tor the current year.
The increase of the postal revenue,
independent ofspecitic appropriations
for the year 1867. over that for 1866,
was Ss5o,o4o. The increase of the
from the sale Of stamps and
stamped envelopes, was $.s3. 4o4.
The increase Of expenditures for 1867
over those for the previous year was
owing chiefly 20 the extension ofland
and ocean mail service.
During the past year, postal
conventions have been ratified and
exchanged with the United Kingdom
OF Great Britain and ireland, Belgium.
the Netherland, Switzerland, the
North German Union, Italy, and the
colonial government Of Hong Kong
reducing very largely the rates Of
ocean and land hostages TO and from
aud within those countries.
AGRlcuLTrRE.
The report of the acting commits
sioner of agricultural concisely pre-
sents the condition, wants. and pro-
gross Of an interest eminently worthy
Of the fostering care Of congress; aud
exhibits a large measure of useful re-
suits achieved duriag the year to
which il refers.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The re-establishment of peace at
home and the resumption of extended
~ 1AS, S4aNSis auu 0oiuLucASS aoic10
has served to increase the number
and variety Of questions in the depart
ment of foreign affairs. None Of
these questions, however. have seri-
ously disturbed our relations with 9TH
er States.
The republic of Mexico. having
been relieved from foreign interven-
ton. is earnestly engaged in efforts to
r~e-estabish her constitutional system
of government.
A good understanding continues to
exist between our government and
the republics Of Hayti and San Do
mingo; and our cordial relations with
Central and South American States
remain unchanged.
The tender, made in conformity
with the resolution Of congress, OF
the good Offices of the government,
with q view Of an amicable adjust
ment Of peace between Brazil and
her allies, on one side, and Paraguay
on the other, and between Chill and
her allies, on the one side. and Spain
on the other, though kindly received,
has In neither Ease been fully accept
ed by the beligerents. The war in
the valley Of the Panama is still vigor-
ously maintained. On the other hand,
actual hostilities between the Pacific
States and Spain have been for more
than . year suspended. l shall on any
proper occasion that may occur. renew
the conciliatory recommendation.
which have already been made.
Brazil, with enlightened sagacit,
and comprehensive craftsmanship
has opened the great channels of tn.
Amazon and its tributaries to univers
al commerce. One thing more seem
needful TO assure a rapid and cheer
ing progress in South America. Ire
fer, to those peaceful habits without
which States and nations cannot. il
this age, well expect material prosper
ity or social advancement.
The exposition Of universal industry
at Paris has passed, and seems t.
have fully realized the high expecta
tons Of the French government. l
due allowance be made for the recen'
political arrangement Of industr,
here, the part which the United
States has borne in this exhibition o
invention ard art may be regarded
with very high satisfaction.
During the exposition, a confer
ence was held Of delegates from sew
eral nations, the United States beinl
one, in which the inconvenience t,
commerce and social intercourse re
sulting from divers standards Of mon
ey value were very fully discussed
and plans were developed for estab
fishing by universal con3eot a com
mon principle for the col. age Of gold
These conferences are to be renewed
with the attendance of many foreig,
States not hitherto represented. 4
report Of these interesting proceed
ings will be submitted 10 congress
which will no doubt justly appreciat
the object, and le ready to adopt an.
measure whichsmay tend to facilitate
its ultimate accomplishment.
On Feb. s, 1862, Congress declared
by law, that the treasury notes with
out interest authorized by that &C
should be legal tender in payment 0
all debts, public and private. within
the United States. An annual remit
lance Of s3O. COO. less stipulated ex