The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1871-12-14

sures for the purpose of parting the Amer
lean line of steamers now plying between
San Francisco and Japan and China, and
the Australian line, at most our only re-
manning lines of ocean steamers, and of in
creAsing their service.
THE TARIFF ON TAXES.
I recommend that all taxes from internal
sources be abolished, except those on spir-
ituous, yinous and malt liquors, and t0bac-
co III its various forms, from stamps. In
readjusting the tariff, | suggest that a
careful estimate be made of the amount of
surplus revenue collected, under the pres
ent laws, after providing for the current
expenses Of the government, the internal
account, and sinking fund; and, that this
surplus be reduced in such manner as to
afford the greatest revenue.
There are many articles not produced at
home such as medicines and compounded
essences, from which but little revenue is
derived, but which enter into general use.
Such articles | recommend to be placed on
the free lists. Should further reduction
prove advisable, would then recommend
that it be made up on articles which can
bear it without disturbing home produc-
tons, or reducing the wages Of American
labor.
have not entered into figures because
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 revenues pay collectors too
small salaries, but provide for shares in all
seizures, which, at principal ports OF entry
particularly raise the compensation Of these
officials to a large sum. 1t has always
seemed to me as if this system must at
times work perniciously.
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 to make
! large seizures. Your attention is respect
| fully invited to this subject.
| TIE NATIONAL DEBT.
| The national debt has been reduced to
| the extent of S6,057, 1860 during the
year, and by the negotiation of national
l. bonds at lower rate of interest, the inter-
est of the public debt has been so far dimin-
| ished, that now the sum to be raised for
interest account is nearly Sl7,000,000 less
than on the lst of March, 1869
1t was highly desirable that this rapid
dimnutlon should take place, both to
strengthen the credit of the country and
convince its citizens of their entire ability
to meet every dollar of liability without
| bankruptcy; but in view of the accomplish
ment of these desirable ends, of the rapid
development of the resources Of the country
and its increasing ability 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 the modification of
both tariff and tax laws.
GOLD AND CURRENCY.
Continued fluctuation in the value of
gold, compared with the national currency,
has most damaging effect upon the increase
and development of the country, in keep
ing up prices of all the articles necessary
in every day life: it fosters spirit of
Gambling prejudicial alike to national NOR
ais and to national finances. If the qucs-
ton can be met as to how to get a fixed
value to our currency, that value constantly
and uniformly approaching par with specie,
a very desirable object will be gained.
THE ARMY.
For the operations Of the army in the
past year, the expense Of maintaining, csti-
mates for the ensuing year,and for continu-
ing sea coast and other improvements con-
Quoted under supervision Of the War De
partment | refer YOU to the accompanying
report Of the Secretary Of War.
| call your attention to the provisions Of
the act of Congress, approved March ID,
1869, which diScontinucs promotions in
staff corps Of the army until provided for
by law. | recommend that the number of
officers in each grade Of 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 below.
also recommend that when the office Of
chief of corps becomes vacant, the place
may be filled by selection from the corps
in which the vacancy exists. The report
Of the Secretary of the Navy shows i'm
provcment in the navy, and efficiency of
the naval force, without material increase
IN expense of supporting it. This is due
to the policy which has been adopted and
is being extended as fast as our material
| will admit of using smaller vessels as c.uis-
crs on the several stations. BY these
means we have been enabled to occupy at
Once a larger extent of cruising ground,
to visit more frequently the posts where
the presence of our flag is desirable and
generally to discharge more efficiently the
appropriate duties of the navy in time of
peace without exceeding the number of
men or the expenditures authorized by law
During the past year the navy has, in
addition to its regular service, supplied the
men and officers and the vessels of the
coast survey, and has completed the sur
veys authorized by Congress Of the 18th
mus Of Daricn and Tehauntepcc; and I'M
Ter like authority has sent ont an cxnedi-
ton completely furnished and equipped
to explore the unknown ocean Of the North
The suggestions of the report as to the
necessity for increasing and improving the
material of the navy, and the plan recon-
mendci for reducing the personnel Of the
service to Il peace standing by the gradual
| abolition of certain grades Of officers and
reduction Of others, and the employment Of
some in the service Of the commercial ma
rinc, are we'll considered, and deserve the
attention Of Congress.
| also recommend that all promotions in
the navy above the rank Of captain be lv
selection instead of by seniority. This
course will secure in the higher grades
greater efficiency and hold out an incentive
to your officers to improve themselves in
the knowledge Of their profession.
The present cost Of maintaining the
navy, and its cost compared with that of
preceding years, and estimates for the en-
suing year, are contained in the accompa-
nying report of the Secretary Of the Navy.
! TIE POST OFFICE.
The enlarged receipts of the 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 the index of
the growth of education and of the pros
perity of the people, two elements highly
conducive to the yigor and stability of re-
publlcS, with vast territory Ike ours.
much of it sparsely populated. bat all re-
| curing the services of the mail 1t is not