Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-12-12


gress to provide, by stringent legislation.
n suitable remedy against the holding,
owning or dealing in slave property in
foreign lands, either as owners, hirers or
mortgages, by citizens of the United
States.
1t is TO be regretted that the disturbed
condition Of the Island of Cuba contin.
ues 10 be II source OF annoyance and of
anxiety To our own territory. without any
apparent prospect OF IN early termna-
ton, cannot be other than an object of
concern TO people, who, while abstain.
ing from interference in the affairs of
other powers, naturally desire to see ev-
cry county in the undisturbed enjoyment
OF peace. liberty and the blessings OF free
institutions. Our naval commanders in
Cuban waters have been instructed. in
case it should become necessary. to spare
no effort to protect the lives and property
of bona fde American citizens and to
maintain the dignity of the flag. 1t is
hoped !hat all pending questions with
Spain. growing out OF affairs in Cuba,
may be adjusted in the spirit of peace
and conciliation which has hitherto guild.
ed the two powers in th0ir treatment of
such questions.
THE EDUCATION or YOUTH N DIPLOMATIC
DUTIES.
To give importance and TO add to the
efficiency OF our diplomatic relations with
Japan and China, and TO further aid in
retaining the good opinion of those peo'
Pile and To secure 10 the United States its
share of the commerce designed 60 flow
between these nations and the balance Of
the commercial world. earnestly recon-
mend that an appropriation be raade to
support, nj least. four American youths in
each ot those countries 10 serve rs i part
oi the o.licial families ot our ministers ;
there. Oar representatives would not
even then be placed upon mn equality
with the representatives oi Great Britain
and oi some other powers As now sit
uated, our representatives IN japan and
China have 10 depend Tor interpreters
aud lransttors upon the natives oi those
countries. who know our language im-
perfectly. or procure for the occasion, the
services of employees III foreign business
houses or the interpreters to other foreign
ministers Would also recommend lib
eral measures for the purpose of foster
ing the American lines oi steamers, now
plying between San Francisco aud Japan
mud China and the Australian lines al.
most our only remaining lines of ocean
steamers. and of increasing their services.
FINANCIAL MATTERS.
Tho national debt has been reduced to
the extent OF $50, ,057. 1860 during the
year, and, by the negotiations of national
bonds at a lower rate OF interest the in
tercst on the public debt has been so far
that now the SUN 10 be raised
for the interest account is Learly Sl7,-
600. 600 less than ON the first of March,
1869. II WAS highly desirable that this
rapid diminulion should take place, both
to strengthen the credit of the country
and to convince its citizens of their entire
ability to meet every dollar of the lia-
biIity without bankrupting them. But in
view of the accomplishment of these dc.
sirable ends. oi the rapid development Of
the resources OF the country, its increas.
ability to meet The large demands and
the amount of the debt already paid, il is
not desirable that the present resources
ol the country Seould continue this rapid
REDUCTION or TAXATION.
therefore recommend modification
OF both ihc tariff and internal tax laws.
INTERNAL TAXEs.
4 II. ~ ,nt
nal service be abolished. except those
collected from spirituous, yinouS and malt
liquors in the various forms and from
stamps.
MODIFICATION or TARIFF.
In rcadjusting the tariff, | suggest that
4 careful estimate be made of the amount
OF surplus revenue collected under the
present laws, after providing for the cur
terest account and the sinking fund and
the business surplus b, reduced in such n
manner as will afford the greatest relief
to the greatest number. There are many
articles, not produced at home, but which
enter largely iuto general consumption
through articles which are manufactured
at home. such as medicines, compounds,
etc. ETC., etc, from which very little
revenue is derived. but which enter into
general use. All such articles. | recom.
mend to be placed on the free list. Ii n
further reduction should prove advisable,
would recommend then, that it be made
upon those articles which can best bear it
without disturbing home production or
reducing the wages Of American Labor.
i have not entered into figures, because
10 do go, would be 10 repeat what will be
laid before you in the report Of the Sec
retary of the Treasury.
CHANGE RECOMMENDED IN THE MANNER
OF PAYING CUSTOM COLLECTORS.
The present laws for collecting the
revenues, pay Collectors small salaries
but provide for moieties, shares in all
seizures, which, at The principal port OF
entry practically raise the compensation
OF those officials to large sum. 1t has
always seemed 10 me rs if this system
must, at times, work perniciously. 1t
holds out an inducement 10 dishonest
men, should such get possession OF those
offices, to be lax in their scrutiny OF
goods entered to enable them finally to
make largo seizures Your attention is
respectfully invited 10 this subject.
SPECIE PAYMENT.
The continued fluctuation in the value
of gold rs compared with the national
currency, has 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 gambling, prejudicial
alike to national morals aud the national
finances. II the question can be met as
to how to get q fixed value TO our cur
rency that valpe constantly and Uniform
ly apr oaching par with specie,-a very
desirable object will be gained.
THE ARMY.
For the operations OF the Army in the
past year, expense of maintaining ii, the