The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-12-12

commercial world, | earnestly recommend
that an appropriation be made to support
at least four American youths in each oil
those countries to serve as part OF the
official families Of our Ministers there.
Our representatives would not even then
be placed upon an equality with the rep
rescntativcs of Great Britain and some
other powers AS now situated, our rep
rescntatves in Japan and China have to
depend for inter prctors, and translators
upon the natives Of those countries, who
know our language imperfectly, or pro-
cure for the occasion the services Of en-
ployees in foreign business houses or the
interpreters to the other foreign Minis
tiers.
| would also recommend liberal meas
ures for the purpose of aiding the Ameri-
can lines Of steamers now plying between
San Francisco and Japan and China and
the Australian lines, almost our only re-
naming lines of ocean steamers, and of
increasing their services.
The national debt has been reduced to
the extent of ss6,O57 1860 during the
year, and by the negotiation of national
bonds at lower rate of interest, the in
tcrest on the public debt has been so far
diminished that now the sum to be raised
for the interest account is nearly ST. 900
600 less than on the first of March, 1869.
1t was highly desirable that this rapid
diminution should take place, both to
strengthen the credit Of the country and
to convince its citizens Of their entire abil-
ity to meet every dollar of the liability
without bankrupting them. But in view
ends, Of the rapid development of the re-
sources of the country, its increasing abil-
ity to meet the 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
| therefore recommend a modification
Of both the tariff and internal tax laws. |
recommend that all taxes from the inter-
nal service be abolished, except those COL
lected from spirituous, vinous and malt
liquors in their various forms, and from
stamps. In readjusting the tariff sug-
gest that careful estimate be made Of
the amount of surplus revenue collected
under the present laws, after providing
for the current expenses of the Govern
ment; that the interest account, and the
surplus fund, and the business surplus be
reduced in such manner as offers the
greatest relief to the greatest number.
There are many articles not produced at
home, but which enter largely into gener-
al consumption, through articles which
are manufactured at home, such as medi-
cines, etc., ETC., from which very little
revenue is derived, but which enter into
general use. All such articles | recon-
be placed on the free list.
If further reduction should prove ad-
visablc would then recommend that it
be made upon those articles which can
best bear it without disturbing home pro-
duction or reducing the wages Of Ameri-
can labor. | have not entered into fig
ures, because to do so would be to repeat
what will be laid before you in the report
of the Secretary of the Treasury.
The present laws for collecting the
revenues, pay collectors of customs small
salaries, but provide for moieties and
shares in all seizures, which at the princ:-
pal ports of entry practically raise the
compensation of those officials to large
sum. 1t has always seemed to me as if
this system must at times work pernic-
iously. 1t holds out an inducement to
dishonest men, should such get possession
Of these offices, to be lax in their scrutiny
Of goods entered, to enable them finally
Is respectfully invited to this subject
For the operations Of the army in the
past!year, the, expense of maintaining it the
estimates for the ensuing year and for con-
tinuing sea coast and other improvements
conducted under the supervision of the
War Department, refer you to the ac-
companying report Of the Secretary of
War.
| call your attention to the provisions
Of the act of Congress approved March 3,
1860, which discontinues promotions in
the Staff Corps of the army until provid-
ed for by law. recommend 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 filed by promotion from the grade be-
low. | also recommend that when the
Office Of chief Of a corps becomes vacant,
the place may be filled by selection from
the corps in which the vacancy exists.
THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
The enlarged receipts fthe Post Office
Department, as shown by the accompany
ing report of the Postmaster. General, ex-
hibits gratifying increase in that branch
of the public service. 1t is an index of
the growth Of education, and of the pros.
perity of the people, two elements highly
conducive to the vigor and stability Of
republics, with a vast territory like ours,
much of it sparsely populated, but all re-
quiring the service of the mail. 1t is not
at present to be expected that this depart
ment can be made sclf-sustaining, but
gradual approach to this end, from year
to year, is confidently relied on, and the
day is not far distant when the Post
Office Department Of the Government
will prove much greater blessing to the
whole people than it is now. The sug-
gestions Of the Postmaster General for
improvements in the Department presid-
ed over by him, are earnestly recommend
ed to your especial attention. Especial
ly do | recommend favorable considera-
ton of the plan for uniting the telegraph
system of the United States with the
postal system. 1t is believed that by
such course the cost Of telegraphing
could be much reduced and The service
as WELL if not better rendered. 1t would
secure the further advantage of extend
ing the telegraph through portions of the
country where private enterprise will not
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