The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1871-12-14
TWhOIe No. 1865.

Of the commercial world, I earnest
-y recommend that an appropriation
be made TO support at least four
American youths in each of these
countries, to serve as a part of the
official family of our Ministers (here.
Our Representatives would not even
then be placed upon an equality
with the representatives of Great
Britain and some other Powers. As
now situated, our representatives. in |
Japan and China have to depend for
interpreters and trauslators upon ma
tives of those countries, who know
our language imperfectly, or procure
for the occasion the services of EN-
ployees in foreign business houses, or
the interpreters TO other foreign
Ministers. I would also recommend
liberal measures for the purpose of
supporting the American lines of
steamers now plying between San
Francisco and Japan and China, and
the Australian line, almost our only
remaining lines of ocean steamers,
and Of increasing their service.
NATIONAL DEBT.
The National debt has been re-
duced to the extent of 6,O57, ,126 so
during the year, and by the negoti-
alton of the national bonds at a low
er rate of interest, the interest on
the public debt has been so far d.
minished that now the sum to be
raised for the interest account is
nearly s17,OOO,OOO less than on the
lst of March, 1869. 1t was highly
desirable that this rapid diminution
should take place, both to strength
en- the credit of the country and
convince its citizens of their entire
ability to meet every dollar of liza
bility without bankrupting them /;
but in view of the accomplishment
of these desirable ends, of the rapid
development of the resources of the
country, its increasing ability to
meet large demands, and the amount
already paid, it is not desirable that
the present resources Of the country
should continue to be taxed in order
to continue this rapid payment. 1
therefore recommend a modification
of both the tariff and internal tax
laws. 1 recommend that all taxes
from internal sources be abolished,
except those on spirituous, vinous
and malt liquors, tobacco in its
various forms, and from stamps
In readjusting the tariff, 1 suggest
that careful estimate be made Of
the amount of surplus revenue col,
Iected under the present laws, after
providing for the current expenses
of the Government, the interest ac.
count and a sinking fund, and that
this, as surplus, be reduced in such
manner as to afford the greatest
relief to the greatest number. There
are many articles not produced at
home, such rs medicines and com
pounded essences, from which very
little revenue is derived, but which
enter into general nse. All such
articles I recommend to be placed
on the free list.
Should a further reduction prove
advisable, I would then recommend
that it be made on those articles
which can be modified, without dis
turbing home production or reduc-
ing wages of American labor. I
have not entered into figures, be-
cause to do so would be to repeat all
that is laid before you in the report
Of the Secretary of the Treasury.
The present laws for collecting
revenue, pay Collectors of Customs
small'salaries, but provide for shares
in all seizures, which, at the princi-
pal ports of entry, particularly
raise the compensation of these Off
cials to a large sum. 1t has always
seemed to me as if this system must
at times, work perniciOusly. Il
holds out an inducement 10 dishon-
est men, should such get possession
of those offices, to be lax in their
scrutiny of goods entered, to enable
them finally to make large seizures
Your attention is respectfully in
vited to this subject.
The continued fluctuations in the
value of gold, as compared with tht
National currency, has most dam,
aging effect upon the increase and
development of the country, in keep
ing up prices of all articles necessary
in every day life. 1t fosters a spirit
of gambling, prejudiciaI alike tc
national morals and the national
finances. If the question can be
met as to how to get a fixed value
to our currency, that value constant.
ly and uniformly approaching pal
with specie, very desirable object
will be gained.
For the operation Of the army il
the past year, the expense of main
tanning it, the estimates for the en-,
suing year, and for continuing sea
coast and other Improvements, con
Quoted under the supervision Of tht
! War Department, I refer you to The
accompanying report of the Secre
tary of War. I call your attention
to the provisions Of the act of Con
gross approved March 3, 1869, which
discontinues promotions in the stat
corps Of tho army until provided 70,
by law. [ recommend that thu
number Of officers in each grade 0
1.-The staff cOrDs be fixed and tba