Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-12-08

HdN al III CuDan waters have
been instructed, in case it should become
necessary, to spare no effort to protect the
lives and property Of bona fide American
citizens, and 10 maintain the dignity of the
flag. 1t is hoped that all pending questions
with Spain, growing out of the affairs in
Cuba, may he adjusted in the spirit of peace
and Cancellation which has hitherto guided
the two powers in their treatment Of such
questions.
NATIONAL DEBT.
The national debt has been reduced TO
the extent Of $S6,O57, 12G so during the
year, and by the negotiation Of national
bonds at a lower rate of interest the inter-
est on the public debt has been so far di-
minished that now the sum to be raised for
the interest account is nearly $4,000, 900
less than on the 1st of March, 1869. 1t
was highly desirable that this rapid dimi-
mutton should take place, both to strength
en- the credit Of the country and to convince
its citizens Of their entire ability to meet
every dollar of liability without bankrupt
ing them. But, in view of the accomplish
nent of these desirable ends, of the rapid
development of the resources of the cOun-
try, its increasing ability to meet large de-
mandS, 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. l
therefore recommend Il modification of
both the tariff and internal tax laws.
REDUCTION OF TAXES.
recommend that all taxes from internal
sources be abolished, except those collected
from spirituous, vinous and malt liquors,
tobacco i'll 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 present
laws, after providing for the current eX-
penses CT the government, the interest &C
count and sinking fund, and that this sur
/ plus be reduced in such manner as to
afford the greatest relief to the greatest
number. There are many articles not pro-
duced at home, but Which enter largely into
! general consumption through articles which
! are manufactured at home-slIch as medi-
/ cineS compounded, &c, from which very
/ little revenue is derived, but which enter
into general use. All such articles recon-
mend to be placed on the free list.
/ Should further reduction prove advisa-
bic, l would then recommend that it be
made upon those articles which can best
bear it, without disturbing home produc-
, tons or reducing the wages of American
! labor. l have not entered into figures, be-
cause to do SO would be to repeat what will
be laid before you in the report of the Sec
rotary of the Treasury.
The present laws for collecting the reve-
nue. pay collectors of customs small salaries,
! but provide for notifies, (shares in all seiZ-
ures,) which at the principal ports of entry,
particularly, raise the compensation of those
officials to large sum. 1t has always
seemed to me that this system must at
, times work pcrnicOuSly. 1t holds out an
inducement to dishonest men, should such
get possession Of those offices, to be lax in
their scrutiny Of goods entered, to enable
them finally to make large seizures. Your
attention is respectfully invited to this
! subject.
FINANCIAL. FLUCTUATIONS.
Continued fluctuations in the value of
gold, as compared with the national curren-
cy, has most damaging effect upon the
increase and development of the country in
keeping up prices Of all articles necessary in
everyday life. 1t fosters a spirit of gam
bling preiudical alike to national morals and
the national finances. If the question can
be met as to how to give a fixed value to
our currency, the value constantly and uni
fOrmy approaching par with specie, very
desirable object will be gained.
POsT0FFICE DEPARTMENT.
Tie enlarged receipts of the Postoftice De
paltment, as shown by the accompanying
report Of the Postmaster General exhibits
a gratifying increase in that branch Of the
public service. 1t is the index of the
growth Of education, and of the prosperity
of the people, two elements highly condll
Sive to the vigOr and stability of republics
With a vast territory like ours, much of il
sparsely populated, but all requiring the
services Of mail, it is not at present expect.
ed that this department can be made self
sustaining, but gradual approach to this
end from is confidently relied
p on, and the day is not far distant when the
POstUi.ice Department Of the government
will Prove a much greater blessing to the
whole people than it is now. The sugges
gestiOns Of the Postmaster General for i'm
prOvements in the department presided Over
by him are earnestly recommended to YOU
special attention; and especially do l re-
commend a favorable consideration of the
plan for uniting the telegraph system of the
United States with the postal system. 1t is
believed that by such n 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
extending the telegraph through portions Of
the country where private enterprise viii
:, not construct it. Commerce, trade, and
above all, the efforts to bring people wide
ly separated into community, OF interest
are always Benefited by a rapid intercom
municatiOn.
Education, the ground work Of republi
can institutions, is encouraged by the III
creasing of the facilities to gather speedy
news from all parts Of the country, and the
desire to reap the benefits of such improve
ments will stimulate education, / refer
you to the report of the Postmaster Genera
, for full details Of the operations Of last year
and for comparative statements of result:
f with former years.
ALLEGED SOUTHERN oUTRAGEs.
There has been imposed upon the execu
, tive branch OF the government the execution
of the act Of CpIgre4s, APPROVED April 2Gth
1871 and cOlnMOnly known as the Kn-Klu2
law, in portion Of llle State Of South Car
, Dina. The necessity of the course pursued
: will be demonstrated by the report of the
colnmittee to investigate Southern out
rages.
Under the provisions Of the above act
issued proclamation calling the attention
of the people of the United States to tn,
same, and declaring my reluctance to exer
else any of the extraordinary powers there
by conferred upon me, except i'll cases O
! imperative necessity; but making known
my purpose to exercise such power when
ever it should become necessary to do SO fol
the purpose Of securing to all citizens of the
United States, the peaceful enjoyment o
, the rights guaranteed to them by the conSti
, tuition and the laws.
After the passage of this law information
was received from time to time that com
binations of the character referred to in th
, law existed and were powerful in many
parts of the Southern States, particularly il
certain counties Of the State Qf South Caro-