Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-05
81 these countries. to serve as a part Of the


placed upon an equality with the representa-
lives of Great Britain. and of some other
powers. As it now is our representatives in
japan and China have to depend for interpre-
tiers and translators upon the natives OF chose
countries, who know our language imperfect
", or procure for the occasion the services
of employees in foreign business houses, or
the interpreters to other foreign ministers. /
would also recommend liberal measures for
the purpose of starting the American lines OF
steamers now plying between san francesca
and China and the Australia lines, almost our
only remaining ocean steamers, and OF IN
creasing their services.
NATIONAL DEBT, REVENUE AND CURRENCY.
The national debt has been reduced to the
extent OF SS6,057, I2G.S so during the year, and
by the negotiate of national bonds at q
lower rate of interest, the interest on the pub
lie debt has been so far diminished that now
the sum to be raised for the interest account
is nearly $1,000. 900 less than on the first
of March 1869. 1t was highly desirable that
this rapid dimnution should take place both
to strengthen the credit of the country ana to
convince the citizens of their entire ability to
meetevery dollar of the liability without bank
rupting them, but In view of the accomplish
ment of these ends, of the rapid development
of the resources of the country, Its increasing
ability to meet the large demands, and the am
ALREADY paid it is not desirable that the pres
ent resources of the country should continue
this rapid payment. ] therefore recommend
modification of both the tariff and internal
tax laws. | reeomend that all taxes from the
internal revenue service be abolished except
those collected from spurious, yinous and
malt liquors in its various forms, and from
stamps. In readjusting the tariff, | suggest
that careful estimate be made of the amount
of surplus revenue collected under the pres
ent laws after providing for the current eX-
penses of the Government, the interest ac-
count and the sinking Iund, and the business
surplus be reduced IN such manner
as will afford the greatest relief to the great
est number. There are many articles not
produced at home but which enter largely
into general consumption through articles
which are manufactured at home, such as
medicines compounded, Sc. &c, from which
very little revenue is derived, but which
enter into general use. All such articles
recommend to be placed on the free list. If a
further reduction should prove advisable,
would then recommend that it be made upon
those articles which can best bear it without
disturbing home production, or reducing the
wages of American labor. nave not entered
into figures, because to do so would be to re-
peat what will be laid before you in the re-
port of the Secretary of the Treasury. The
present laws for collecting the revenue pay
collectors of customs small salaries, but pro-
vide for moeties .of shares in all seizures,
which, at the principal ports of entry, lctieal
ly raise the compensation of those ofiicials
to a large sum. 1t has always seemed TO me as
if this system must at times work perniciousiy.
1t would put an inducement to dishonest
men, should such get possession of those of
fees to be lax in their scrutiny Of goods en-
tered, to enable them finally to make large
seizures. Your attention ia respectfully in
vited to this subject.
The continued tiuctuation in the value of
gold as compared with national currency has
a most damaging effect on the increase and
development of the country, in keeping up
the prices of all articles necessary IN every
day lite. 1t fosters spirit OF gambling pre-
judicial alike TO national morals and the ma
tional finances. If the question can be met
as to how to get a fixed value - our carfen-
cy, that value constantly and uniformly APP
preaching par with specie, very desirable
object will be gained.
WAR DEPARTMENT.
For the operations of the army in the
past year, the expense OF maintaining the
forces for the ensuing year, and for eontlDu-
ing sea coast and other Improvements con-
parment, | refer you to the accompanying
report OF the Secretary of War. / call your
attention to the provisions of the act of
Congress approved March Sd, 1863, which
diseontinues promotions in the staff corps OF
the army till provided for by law. / recon-
mend that the number Of officers in each
grade of the staff corps be fixed, and that
whenever the number in any one grade falls
below the number so fixed, that.the vacancy
may be filled by promotion from the grade
below. | also recommend that when the
office of chief of corps becomes vacant, the
place may be filled by selection from corps
in which the vacancy exists.
NAVY DEPARTMENT.
The report of the secretary of the navy
shows an improvement in the number and
efficiency of the naval force, without ma
terial increase in the expense of supporting
it, This is due TO the policy which has been
adopted. and is being extended as fast rs our
material will admit, of using smaller vessels
as cruisers on several stations. BY this
means we are enabled to occupy AZ once a
larger extent of cruising ground to visit
more frequently the ports " here the presence
of our flag is desirable, and generally to dis
charge more efficiently the appropriate duties
OF the navy N time OF peace. without exceed
ing the member of men or the expenditures
authorized by law. During the past year
the navy has, in addition 10 its regular SER
vice, supplied the men and officers for the
vessels of the coast survey, which completed
the survey authorized by Congress on the
Isthnus of Darien, and Tehuantepec, and
under like authority sent OUT an expedition,
completely furnished and equipped, to eN-
piore the unknown ocean OF the North. The
suggestion of the report as to the necessity
for increasing and Improving the material Of
the navy, and the plan recommended for re-
ducing the personnel OF the service 10 peace
standard by the gradual abolition of certain
grades OF officers, the reduction of others, and
the employment OF some in the commercial
marine, are well considered, and deserve the
thoughtful attention of Congress. | also
recommend that all promotions in the navy
above the rank Of captain be by selection, in
stead of by seniority. This course will Sc
cure in the higher grades greater efficiency
and hold out an inducemeut to young officers
to improve themselves in the know ledge of
their profession. The present cost OF main
tanning the navy, Its cost compared with that