Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-12-16

the Federal Government In 1871 were four
millions two hundred thousand dollars In
1920, eighteen millions two hundred thou
sand dollars. In 1850, forty one millions
In 1860, sixty three millions. In 1865 near
ly thirteen hundred millions, and in 1869, it
is estimated by the Secretary of the Treas
ury IN his last annual report that they will
be three hundred and seventy two millions.
| By comparing the public disbursements
of 1869 as estimated with those of 1871, it
will be seen that the increase since the be-
ginning of our Government has been eight
thousand six hundred aud eighteen per
cent. In which the increase of the popula-
ton tor the same period was only eight hun
dred and lx'yeight per cent. Again the
expenses OF the Government in 1860, the
year of peace Immediately proceeding the
war. were only sixty FIVE millions, while in
1869 the year of peace, three years after the
war: 1t is estimated they will be three hun
dred and seventy millions, an increase of
four hundred and eighty nine per centum,
while the increase of population was only
twenty-one per centum ofthe same period.
These statistics further show, that in 1871
the annual national expenses compared with
the population were but little more than one
dollar per capita, and in 1860, two dollars
per capita, while in 1869 they will reach the
extravagant sum of nine dollars and seventy
eight cents per capita. 1t will be observed
that all OF these statements referred TO, ex
hiblt the disbursements 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 annual expenses incident to the war of
1872 reached the highest amount aboutS3l,-
o0o,O00, while our population slightly ex-
daH .ba
OF only three dollars and eighty cents per
capita
In lS47 the expenditures growing out of
the war with Mexico. reached fftv five mil
lions, and the population about twenty one
millions, giving only two dollars and sixty
cents per capita for the war expenses of that
! year. In 1865 the expenditure called for by
the rebellion reached the vast amount of
twelve hundred and ninety millions, which
compared with population of thirty four
millions gives thirty eight dollars and tweu-
| ty-eight cents per capita. From the 4th day
| of March, 1889, to the 30th OF June, 1861,
| the entire expenditures, of the Government
were seventeen hundred millions of dollars.
| During that period We were engaged in wars
with Great Britain and Mexico, and were
engaged in hostilities with powerful Indian
tribes. Louisiana WIS purchased from
France at cost of fifteen millions of dollars
Florida was ceded to us by Spain for five
millions. 'alifornia was acquired from
VI xico for fifteen millions, aud the territory
/ OF New Mexico was obtained from Texas for
| the sum of ten millions Eary in 1861 the
war of the rebellion commenced, and from
| the lst of July of that year, to the 30th of
June, 1865, the public expenditures reached
| the enormous aggregate of thirty three hun
ired millions. Three years Of peace have
/ ntervered, and during that time the dis
hurScments of the government have success
sive!y been five hundred and twenty millions,
three hundred and forty millions, and
three hundred and ninety millions Adding
to these amounts three hundred and seven
tytwo millions estimated as necessary for
the fiscal year ending June Both, 1869, we
obtain total expenditure of sixteen hun
dred millions of dollars during the four years
immediately succeeding the war, or nearly
as much as was expended the seventy two
years that preceded the rebellion. and en-
braced the extraordinary expenditures al
ready named, these startling facts clearly
illustrate the necessity of retrenchment in
all branches OF the public service. Abuses
which were tolerated during the war for the
preservation OF the nation will not De tOler
ated by the people now, that profound peace
prevails. The receipts from internal reve-
years gradually diminished. and the contin-
uance of useless and extravagant expendi-
lures will involve us In National Bankruptcy
or else make inevitable an increase of taxes
already too onerouS and in many respects,
obnoxious on account of their inquisitorial
character One hundred millions annually
are expended for the military force, large
portion of which is employed in the execu-
tlon of laws both unnecessary and unconsti
tutional One hundred aud fifty millions
are required each year TO pay the interest on
the public debt. An army of tax gathereri
impoverish the nation, and public ag snts,
placed by Congress beyond the control of
the Executive, divert from their legitimate
purposes large sums of money, which they
collect from the people in the name OF the
Government. Judiclous legislation and pru
dent economy can alone remedy defects and
avert evils. which, if suffered TO exist, can
not fail to diminish confidence IN the public
councils, and weaken the attachment and re
spect OF the people toward the r political IN
stitutions Without proper care the small
balance which 1t Is estimated viii emiin IN
the Treasury at the close Of the present n,
cal year will not he realized, and additional
millions be added to Il debt which i now
numerated by billions. 1t Is shown by the
able and comprehensive report of the Secre
tary of the Treasury hat the receipts OF the
fiscal year ending June 30th, 1868, were
S4O5, ,63s. .0S3, and that the expenditures for
the same period were S377, $40 2S4; leav
in the Treasury surplus Of SIS. S.291, 79S. 1t
is estimated that the receipts during the
present fiscal year ending June 30th, 1869,
will be $34! ,392, SOS aud the expenditures
1895, lj2, 40; showing small balance of
S.. 2i0, 39S in favor of the Government for
the fscai year ending June Both, 1870 1t
is estimated that the receipts will amount
to 1927 900 0o0, and the expenditures TO
s303 900 900; leaving an estimated surplus
of S24 900 D00
1t becomes proper IN this connection to
make brief reference to our public indebt-
edness which has accumulated with such
alarming rapidity aud assumed such colos
sal proportions. In 1889, when the Gov
ernment commenced operations under the
Federal Constitution il was burdened with
an Indebtedness of seventy fve millions of
dollars, created during the war of the 6evo-
! luton. This amount had heen reduced to
I forty five millions of dollars, when, in 1872,
war was de ,lared against Great Britain.
! The three years struggle that followed large
/ l,., III. -