Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1871-12-06

report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
The present laws for collecting the reve-
nues pay collectors of customs small salaries,
but provide for moieties, shares in all seiz-
ures which at the principal ports OF eli
try practically raise the compensation of
those officials to a large sum. 1t has always
seemed TO me as If the system must at times
work perniciously. 1t holds out an induce
ment to dishonest men, should such get pos
session of those Offices, to be lax in their
scrutiny Of goods entered, to enable them
finally to make large seizures. Your atten-
ton is respectfully invited to the subject.
The continued fuctuation in the value of
gold 5 compared with the 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 life. 1t fosters a spirit of gam
bling, prejudicial alike TO national morals
and the national finances. 1t the question
can be met as t. how to get fixed value to
our currency, that value constantly and uni
iormly approaching par with specie, a very
desirable object viii be gained.
TIE ARMY.
For the operations of the army in the past
year, the expense of maintaining the esti-
mates for tue ensuing year md for c0ntinu-
ing SEA coast and otler Improvements con-
Quoted under the supervision Of the War
Department, | refer you TO the accompany
lng report of the Secretary of War.
| call your attention 10 the provisions of
the act Of Congress approved March 3. 1869,
which disconunues promotions in the Staff
. Corps OF the army autil provided for by law.
| recommend that the number Of officers in
each grade of the staff Corps he fixed. and
that whenever the number in any one grade
falls below the number SO fixed, the vacancy
la nv,
below | also recommend that when the of
fee Of chief Of corps becomes vacant, the
place may lie filled by selection from the
corps IN which the vacancy exists.
THE NAVY.
The report OF tie Secretary of the Navy
shows au H. provement in tie number and
+ efficiency the naval force without material
Increase IN the expense of supporting II.
Euis l. due To the policy which has been
adopted, aud is being extended as fast our
material viii admit, Of using smaller vessels
as cru : rs On the several stations. BY tins
means we are enabled To occupy ut once a
large. extent OF cruising ground, 10 visit more
frequently the ports where the presence OF
our dag is desirable, and generally 70 dis
charge more efficiently the appropriate duties
/ OF the navy in time OF peace, without exceed
ing the number of men or the expenditures
authorized by law
During he past year the Navy has, in adj
dtion To is regular service, supplied the
men and Ulcers iOy the vessels 1T tie coast
survey. which completed the surveys author
zei hy Congress on the Isthmus OF Dlrien
and lehuantepec, and under ike authority
has sent our an expedition, completely fur
Ais-c1 .t"- et-IFPed' 20 explore 'ae uhAho"h
"ett" % 'Ne -N.Il..
AUS '--'7 nuns '' @"I :, P'is % - 1l-e
4
material D the navy, uud tho plan recon-
menlea iar reducing tile persone, OF the ser
Fie" g. peace standard by the era. uaI aoJll-
zion '. certain grades oi officers, Tue reduction
OF Others. ana the euplovment ot some IN the
e3uuereial marine. are well considered, and
deserve the thoughtful attention % Congress
.-.-' recommend that all PROMOTION IN
the Navy above the rank 81 captain oe 10y
eet-ctiaH instead 81 hy seniority Inns eourse
Wal -.stFe r. tae -isher grades greater el
eieI-y, ana E'-- ONT an incentive % young
.'#e.7 iAa iasil---'s7 - TIE kuo"l-
'--s VT ,-'t. PROFESSION. Inc present cost
~ .-..' ---'.''. ,-s navy ~ tl9-7 com par ca
"-st s.". s. '5e preceding y e--F' ana the
- '.' '-- ensuing wear. ".' cont 'ie-
IF -- -t..- i.i "i.al q. secretary
-t'E
4uf lo-l. etrt.E DEPARTMENT.
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