Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-12-09

be taxed in order to continue this rapid pay
ment.
|, therefore recommend modification of
both the tariff and internal tax laws. ! re-
commend that all taxes from Internal revenue
sources be abolished, except those collected
from spirituous, vinous end malt liquors, to-
bacco in its various forms, aud from stamps.
In readjnsting the tariff suggest careful
estimate Of the amount Of surplus revenue
collected under the present laws, after prov-
ding for the current expenses of the Govern
meDt, the interest account and sinking fund,
and that this surplus be reduced in such man
ner as to afford the greatest relief to the great
est number.
There are many articles not produced at
home, but which either enter largely into gene
raj consumption through articles which are
manufactured at home, such as medicines, COM
pounds, &C., &C., from which very little reve
nue. is received, but which enter into general
use All such articles | recommend to be
placed on the free list.
Should further reduction prove advisable
would then recommend that it be made upon
those articles which can best bear it without
disturbing home production, or reducing the
wages of American labor. have not enter
ed into figures, because to do SO would be to
repeat what will be laid before you in the re-
port of the Secretary of the Treasury.
The present laws for collecting the revenue
pay collectors Of customs small salaries, but
provide for moieties' shares in all seizures,
which, at the principal ports of entry particu
larly, raise the compensation of those officials
to a large SUN.
1t has always seemed to me that this system
must at times work perniciously. 1t holds ont
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 large seizures. Your attention
is respectfully invited to this subject.
Continued fluctuations in the value of gold
as compared with the National currency has
most damaging effect upon the increase aud
development Of the country in keeping up
prices Of all articles necessary in every day
life
It fosters a spirit Of gambling prejudicial
alike to National morals and the National fl
nances If the question can be met as to how
to give fixed value to our currency, that value
constantly and uniformly approaching par with
specie, very desirable object will be gained.
For the operations Of the army in the past
year, the expense of maintaining it, the esti
mates for the ensuing year, and for continuing
sea coasts and other improvements conducted
under the supervision of the War Department,
refer you to the accompanying report of the
Secretary Of War.
call your attention to the provision Of the
act of Congress, approved March 8, 1869,
which discontinues promotions in the staff corps
of the army, until provided for by law. Ire
commend that the number Of officers in each
grade in 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 existed.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
shows an Improvement in the number and
efficiency Of the naval force, without materil
increase in the expense of supporting it.
This is due to the policy which has been
adopted and is being extended as fast as oul
marine will admit Of using smaller vessels a;
cruisers on the several stations. By this mean;
we have been enabled to occupy at once q
larger extent oferuising grounds, to visit more
frequently the posts where the presence o.
our flag is desirable, and generally to dis,
charge more efficiently the appropriate dutie:
of tue navy in time OF peace, without exceed
ing the number Of men or expenditure au'
thOrized by law.
During the past year the Navy has, in add
ton to its regular service, supplied the mer
aud officers for the vessels Of the coast survey
aud has completed the surveys authorized by
Congress of the Isthmus of Darieu aud Tehu
an;epec, and under like authority has sent
out an expedition completely furnished and
equipped to explore the unknown Ocean Of
the North.
The suggestion Of report as to the necessity
Of increasing and improving the material Of
the navy, and the plan recommended for re'
iuciDg the personnel of the service to peace
STANDARD by the gradual abolition of certain
grades of officers, the reduction of others, and
he employment of some 10 the service ofthe
marine are well considered, aud
deserve the thoughtful attention Of Congress.
also recommend that all promotions in the
navy, above the rank of captain, be by selec
ion, instead of by seniority This course
will secure in the higher grades greater eff,
,iency and hold out an incentive to young
,fficers to improve themselves in the knOwl-
,dge Of their profession.
The present cost of maintaining the Navy,
is cost compared with that Of the preceding
iear, and estimates for the ensuing year, are
contained in the accompanying report Of the
of the Navy.
The enlarged receipts of the Postofice De.
as shown by the accompanying re
port Of the Postmaster General, exhibits a
gratifying increase in that branch of the pub
&c service. 1t is the index Of the growth of
,ducation aud of the prosperity Of the people,
NO elements highly conducive to the vigor
md stability Of republics.
With vast territory like ours, much Of it
parsely populated but all requiring the SER
ices Of the mail, it is not at present expected
hat this Department can be made sef.sus-
lining but gradual approach to this end
rom year to year is confidently relied on, and
he day is not far distant when the Postofice
Department of the Government will prove a
uuch greater blessing to the whole people
han it is now.
The suggestions of the Postmaster General
or improvements In the DEPARTMENT pre-