The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-12-07

sentatlves IN Japan and emma have to de-
pen3 for interpreters mud translators upon
natives of those countries, who know our
language imperfectly or procure for the oc-
cason the services Of employees or foreign
business houses, or the interpreters to other
foreign ministers. would also recommend
liberal measures for the purpose of supper
ting the American lines of steamers now
plying between San Francisco and Japan
and China, and the Australian line, al
most our only remaining lines Of ocean
steamers. and Of increasing their services
The national debt has been reduced to the
extent Of $50, 1857, 1876 so during the year,
ard by the negotiations Of national bonds at
lower rate cf interest, the interest on tho
public debt has been go far diminished that
low the sum to be raised for the interest
account is nearly ST 900 600 less than on
the list Of March, 1869 1t was highly de-
sirable that this rapid diminu!ion should
take place, both to strengthen the credit of
the country and to convince it sc:tizens of
their entire ability to meet every dollar of
liability without bankrupting them; but. IN
view OF the accomplishment of these desira-
bic ends, Of the rapid development Of the
resources OF the country, its increasing abil
itY to meet large demands and the amount
already paid, it is not desirable that the
| present resources of the country should con-
tDue to be taxed in order to continue this
rapid payment | therefore recommend a
modification Of both the tariff and interna;
tax laws. recommend that ali taxes from
internal sources be abolished, except those
collected fsom spurious, vinous and malt
liquors, tobac eco in It's various forms, and
tom stamps.
In re-ad!us:ing the tariff, suggest that a.
| careful estimate he made Of the amount OF
surplus revenue collected uGder the present
laws after providing for the current expenses
of the government, the interest account and
sinking fund, and that this surplus be
reduced in such manner as to afford the
greatest relief to the greatest number
There are many articles not produced at
home, but which enter largely into general
consumption. Through articles which are
manufactured at ehtme, Ssueh as medicines
compounded, Sc, from which very little
revenue is derived, bat 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
I articles which can best bear it without dis.
turbing home production Or reducing the
wages of American labor. have not en-
tered into figures, because to do SO would
be to repeat what will be laid before you in
the report Of the Secretary Of the Treasury.
The present laws for collecting the revenue
pay coll. ctors Of customs small salaries, but
provide for moieties shares in all seizures,
which at principal ports Of entry particulars
ly raise the compensation Of these officials to
large SIM, it has always seemed to me as
if this system must at times work pernicious-
| ly. 1t holds out an inducement to dishon-
eat men, should such get possession of those
Offices, to be lax 10 their scrutiny OF goods
entered to auable them finally to make large
seizures. Your attention is respectfully in
viscd to this subject
Continued fluctuations in the value Of
gold as compared with the national currency
has most damaging effect upon the ln-
crease and development Of the county IN
keeping up prices Of all articles necessary.
in everyday life. 1t fosters spirit of gamb-
/ ling. prejudicial alike to national morals and
the national finances. II the question can
be met as to how to give Gxed value to
Our currency, that value constantly and un-
iformly 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 estimates for the ensuing year and for
continuing sea-coast and other improvements
conducted under the supervision Of the War
Department, | refer you to the accompany
ing report Of the Secretary Of War.
| call your attention to the provisions of
the act Of Congress approved March 3,
1869, which diseoniinues promotions in the
staff corps of the army until provided for by
law. recommend 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 below | also recommend
that when the Office of chief Of corps be-
comes vacant the place may be filed by
selection from the corps in which the va
cancy exists.
Tine report of the Secretary of the Navy
shows an improvement in the number and
efficiency of he naval force without maeri
al increase in the expense of supporting 1t.
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 cruisers on the several stations
By this means we have been enabled to oc-
cupy at once larger extent Of cruising
groupd-to visit more frequently the posts
where the presence Of our flag is desirable,
and generally to discharge more efficiently
the appropriate duties ofthe navy in time
of peace without exceeding the number Of
men or the expenditure authorized by law.
During the past year the navy has, in ad-
dtion to its regular service, supplied the
men and officers for the vessels Of the coast
survey, I'D has completed the surveys au-
thorized by Congress Of the Isthmus Of Da-
rien and Tehuantepec, and unaar like au-
thority has sent out an expedition COM
pletely furnished al 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 recommended Tor
reducing the personnel Of the service to .
peace standard by the gradual abolition Of
certain graoes Of officers, the reduction OF
others AMI the employment of some in the
service of tha commnrcial marine are we'll