Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1871-12-09

ratification of an cxtraditiOn treaty with
Nicaragua has been exchanged.
SLAVERY IN BRAzIL AND SPANISH bNEuicA.
1t Is n subject for congratulution that the
great Empire of Brazil has taken the ini,ato-
ry steps toward the abolition of slavery. Our
relation with that Empire, always cordial,
will naturally be made more so by this net.
Ii is not too much to hope that the govern.
meht Of brazil may hereafter find it for its in
tcrci as well MS inirinsically right to advance
toward entire emancipation more rapidly than
sLe present act eOntemplatCs. The true pros.
periiy and greatness OF nation Is to be found
In the elevation and education of its laborers.
1t Is u subject for regret that thr reforms in
this direction which were voluntarily promised
by the statesmen of Spain have not been car.
ried out in its West Indian COLONIES. The
laws aud rpgulaliunslor the apparent abolition
of slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most
oi the lnborers Ia bondage with 10 hope OF
release until their lives become burden to
their employers. desire to direct your attcn-
tion TO the fact that the cilizns of United
States are large holders in foreign lands of
this species Of properly foglN d,n by The fun
damentG law OF their alleged country. re-
commend to Congress To provide by stringent
legislation 4 suitable remedy against the hold
ing, owning or dealing in slaves or being in
tercsled in slave property in foreign lands
either as UwnGra, hlrers or mJrtgagers by per
SONS Of the United States.
CUBA.
1t is to be regretted that the disturbed con-
dtiun of the Island Of CuLa continues 10 lie n
source of annoyance and anxiety. The exist
ence of prUtracted struggle in such close
proximity to our Own territory, without APP
parent prospect of an early termination, can
not be other than an object OF concern TO a
people who, while abslaining from interlrr-
cnce in the affairs of other powers, naturally
desire to sec every country in the undisturbed
enjoyment OF peace, liberty, and the blessings
OF free institutions Oar naval commanders
in Cuban waters have been instructed in case
II should become necessary, to spare no effort
to protect the lives ana property vi bona fde
American citizens and TO maintain the dignity
of the ~. 1t is hoped that all pending ques-
tions with Spain, growing out of the affairs in
Cuba, may be adjusted in the spirit of peace
and conclliatiOn which has hitherto guided
tle Two powers in their treatment. oi such
questions.
DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVE TO CHINA
AND JAPAN.
To give importance and to add to the
efficiency OF our diplomatic relations
with Japan and China, and to assist in
retaining the good opinions of those peo-
Piles and TO secure 10 The United States
It's share OF the commerce destined to flow
between those nations and the balance
of the commercial world, earnestly re-
commend that All appropriation be made
TO support at least four American youths
IN each of these countries, to serve as q
part of the official family OF our Minis
lers there. Our repres ntatives would
not even then be placed upon an equali-
|ty with the representatives OF Great
Britain or some other powers AS now
situated our representatives in Japan
aud Chiua have TO depend for interpre-
trrs upon natives Ot those countries who
knows our language impertectly Of en-
ployees in foreign business houses, or
the interpretators to other foreign min
istrrs.
SUBSIDIES TO STEAMSHIPS.
would also recommend liberal meas
urts Tor 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 steam
ers, and of increasing their services.
NATIONAL DEBT.
The National Debt has been reduced
to the extent of eighty-six millions,
fifty seven thousand one hundred and
twenty.s dollars and eighty cents dur
ing the year, and by the negotiation of
National bonds at a lower rate of inter
est, the interest on the public debt has
been SO far diminished tlat now the sum
TO be raised for the interest account is
nearly seventeen million dollars less than
OH the first of March, 1859.
REDUCTION OF TAXES
1t was highly desirable that this rapid
diminution should take place both to
strengthen the credit OF the country
aud TO convince its citizens of their
entire ability to meet every dollar of lia-
bility without bankrupting them, but in
view of the accomplishment Of these de-
sirable ends, of the rapid development of
the resources OF the country, It's incrcas-
ing ability 10 meet large demands, and
the amount already paid, it is not desira-
bic that the present resources of tho
country should be taxed in order TO
continue this rapid payment. there
fore recommend modification of both
the tariff and internal tax laws | re-
commend that all taxes irom internal
| SouICeS Dc doOllSneu, eNCepJ tnOSe Gu
spurious, yinous and malt liquors, to-
bucco III its various forms from stamps.
In rc-adjusling the tariff, suggest that
Il careful estimate should be made of the
amount OF surplus revenue collected I'M
der the present laws, after providing the
current expenses OF the government, tho
interest account and sinking fund, aud
that this surplus be reduced in such
manner us to afford the greatest relief TO
the greatest number. There arc many
articles not produced At home, such as
medicines compounded, etc, from which
very little revenue is derived, but which
enters into general use. All such arti-
cles recommend to be placed on the
flee list. Should further reduction
prove advisable would then rec )mmcmd
that il be made up on those articles
which can bear it without disturbing
HON: production or reducing the wages
OF American labor. | have not entered
into figures, because, to do so wonld be
to rcpca. all that has been laid before