Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1868-12-18


3.3 per cent.--it reached, in 1850. 81, 900,
000--an increase of 700 per cent. of thu
population in 1890 In 1869, it is esti
mated that it will reach SO 600, GOO, or al
increase of 1858 per cent. in seventy nint
years. The annual expenditures of the
Federal Government, in 1901, were 81,
300 900; in 1920, $18200,000; in 1850
$40, 600; in 1850, $63000,000: in 1855
81 300 00000 and in 1869. it is estimated
by the Secretary of the Treasury, in hii
last annual report, that they will be $372,
100000. By comparing the public els
bursements of 1869, as estimated with
those of 1791, it will be seen that the In
crease of expenditures since the beginning
of the government, has been 1914 pei
centum, while the increase of population
for the same period was only 1853 pei
centum. ~ -
Again: The expenses of the govern
ment In 1860-the year of peace immedi
ately preceding the war-were only $63,
100000; while, in 1869 the year of peace
three years after the war, 1t is estimated
they will be $372, 100000 increase o!
489 per centum; while the increase of pop
ulation was only 21 per centum for the
same period.
These statistics further show that, in
1891, the annual national expenses, com
pared with the. population, were little
more than 81 per capita, and, in 1860, but
50 per capita, while, in 1869, they will
reach the extravagant sum of $9.7o per
c1p5tG.
1t will be observed that all of these state
ments refer to and exhibit the disburse-
ments of peace periods. 1t may, therefore,
be of interest to compare the expenditures
of the three war periods, the war with
Great Britain, the Mexican war, and
the war of the rebellion. In 1914, the an
nual expenses incident to the war of 1912
reached their highest amount, about
$31, 600, 900, while our population slightly
exceeded 5000, 000,--showing an expen-
diture of only $3.50 per capita. In 1848,
expenditures growing out Of the war with
Mexico, reached $55,000,000, and the
population was about 81 100000, giving
only $3.50 per capit0 for the war expenses
of that year. In 1866, the expenditures
called for by the rebellion reached the
vast amount of $l,290,000,0 1000; which,
compared with population OF 81, ,0OO,,
900, gives $38 90 per capita.
From the 4th day of March, 1889, to the
Sd day of June, 1861, the entire expendi-
lures of the Government were $1,700,0 ,000,-
900. During that period, we were engaged
in war with Great Britain and Mexico, and
were involved in hostilities with powerful
Indian tribes Louisiana was purchased
from France, at a cost of $15,000,00O.
Florida was sold to us by Spain, for
$5,000,000. California was acquired from
Mexico for $15,000,0 600; and the territory
of New Mexico was obtained from Texas
for the sum of $10,0o0,O0O. Early in 1861
the war of the rebellion commenced; and,
from the first of July of that year to the
30th day Of June, 1865, the public
expenditures reached the enormous ag-
gregate of $3,300,000,0O0. Three years
of peace have intervened, and, dur.
ing that time, the disbursements
of the Government have successfully,
been $500 100000, $946,000,000 and $393,
100000. Adding to these amounts the
$37S, 100000 estimated as necessary for
the fiscal year ending on the Both day oi
June, 1869, we obtain total expenditure
of $1,600,000000 during the four years
Immediately succeeding the war or near
ly as much as. was expended during the
seventy two years that preceded the rebel
ZION, and which embraces tAe extraordin.
ary expenditures already named.
These startling facts clearly illustrate
the necessity Of retrenchment in all
branches Of the public service. Abuses
which were tolerable during the war, for
the preservation of the nation, will not
be endured by the people now that pro-
found peace prevails. "
& The receipts from the internal revenue
and customs have, during the past three
years, gradually diminished, and the con
tinuance of useless and extravagant -ey
penditures will involve us in nationa
bankruptcy, or else make inevi
table an increase of taxes already
too enormous, and, in many re
spects, odious, on account of theil
inquisitorial character. One hundred mil
lions annually are expended for the mill
tary force, a large portion of which is EN-
ployed in the execution of laws both un
necessary and unconstitutional. One hun
dred and fifty millions are required eacl
year to pay the interest on the public
debt. An army of tax-gatherers impov
erishes the nation; and public agents
placed by Congress beyond the control o
the Executive, divert from their legiti
mate purposes large sums of money which
they collect from the people in the name
and prudent economy can alone remedy
these defects, and avert the evils which, j
suffered to exist, cannot fail to diminish
confidence in the public councils, anC
weaken the attachment and respect of tht
people toward their political institutions
Without proper care, the small balanc,
which it is estimated win remain Z f'l'
Treasury at the close of the present fisct
,y;n not In roaI;1a1 onI oddsf;npo
millions will be added to debt which i
now enumerated by billions.
1t is shown by the. able and comprehen
sive report of the Secretary of the Tresu
ry, that the receipts for the fiscal year end
and that the expenditures for the same
period were $377, $40, ,284-leaving in the
Treasury surplus of $28,297,79S. It il
estimated that the receipts during the
present, fiscal year, ending June 80, 1859
will be $341 ,392, 1868, and the expenditure
1886, ,152, ,470, showing small balance o
$5.240, 39S in favor of the Government
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1870
1t is estimated that the receipts vii
amount to 1927, 900, and the expendi
lures to $303, 900, ,000-leavipg an estimat
ed surplus of $24,0 100000.
1t seems proper, in this connection, K
make brief reference to our public in
debtedness, which has accumulated witt
such alarming rapidity and assumed sucl
colossal proportions. In 1885,, when sth'
Government commenced operations undel
the Federal Constitution. it was burdenet
with an Indebtedness of $75, 100000, Great
ed during the war of the revolution. Thi
amount had been reduced to $45. 600, 900
when, in 1919, war was declared agains
Great Britain. The three years struggl
that followed largely increased tn
national obligations, and, in 1916, the!