The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-12-05

affairs of other powers, naturally de- !
ire to see every country in the undsturbed
enjoyment of peace, liberty, and the bless
ngs of free Institutions.
Our naval commanders in Cuban waters
have been instructed, in case it should be-
come necessary, to spare no effort to protect
the lives and property of bona tide Ameri-
can citizens, and to maintain the dignity Of
the flag. .r.s .--.
1t is hoped that all pending questions
with Spain, growing out of the affairs
in Cuba, may be adjusted in
the spirit Of peace and Cancellation which
has hitherto guided the two powers in
their treatment of such questions.
To give importance and to add TO the |
efficiency of our diplomatic relations with |
Japan and China, and to further aid in re-
tanning the good opinion of those peoples,
and to secure to the United States its
share of the commerce destined to flow be-
tween those nations and the balance of the
commercial world. earnestly recommend
that an appropriation be made to support
at least four American youths in each OF
those countries, to serve as q part OF the
official family of our ministers there. Our
representatives would not even then be
placed upon an equality with the represen-
tatives of Great Britain and of some other
powers. AS now situated, our representa-
tives in Japan and China have to depend for
interpreters and translators upon natives of
those countries who know our languase inn
perfectly, or procure, for the occasion, the
services Of employees in foreign business
houses or the interpreters to other foreign
ministers. ... ID.
would also recommend liberal measures
for the purpose of supporting the Ameri-
can lines of steamers now plying between
San Francisco and Japan and China, and
the Australian line-almost our only re-
naming lines of ocean stesmers-and Of in
creasingStheir services.
The national debthas been reduced TO the
extent of eighty-six millions, fifty-seyen
thousand one hundred and twenty-six dol
lars and eighty cents during the year, and
by the negotiation of national bonds, at a
lower rate of interest the interest on the
public debt has been so far diminished, that
now the sum to be raised for the interest
account is nearly seventy millions Of dol
lars less than on the LIST of March, 1869.
1t was highly desirable that this rapid
dimunition 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 liability without bank
rupting them. But in view of the accom-
plishment of these desirable ends Of the
rapid development of the resources of the
country, its increasing ability to meet large
demands, and the amount already paid, it
is not desirable that the present resources
Of the country should continue to be taxed
! | - >,.Io rftu Mt
/. therefore recommend modification Of
both the tariff and internal tax laws. re.
commend that all taxes from internal
!, sources be abolished except those collected
, from spirituous, vinous and malt liquors
. tobacco in its various forms, and from
stamps. .g., .
In readjusting the tariff, suggest that :
careful estimate be made of the amount o
{ surplus revenue collected under the presen
| laws, after providing for the current ex
i penses of the government, the interest ac
; count and sinking fund, and that this sur
, plus be reduced in such manner as to al
f ford the greatest relief to the greatest mum
e Der.
There are many articles not produced a
D home, but which enter largely into the gen
d eral consump ton through articles whicl
are manufactured at home, such as medl
: cines compounded, &C., &C., from whic
q very little revenue is derived, but whic
q enter into general use. All such articles
recommend to be placed on the Stree list.
o Should further reduction prove advisable
d | would then recommend that it be mad
d upon those articles which can best bear il
l. without disturbing home production OF re
& ducing the wages of American labor.
b have not entered into figures, becaus
d to do SO, would be to repeat what will b
o laid before ysu in the report Of the Secrt
r tary of the Treasury. ~
e The present laws for collecting reyenu
s. pay Collectors of Customs small salaries
N but provide for moities, Shares in a
t. seizures) which, at principal ports of entr
!. particularly, raise the compensation
d those officials to large sum.
le 1t has always seemed to me Us If tn
ID system must, at times, work perniciousl,
]. 1t holds out an inducement to dishone
ID men. Should such get possession OF tho
re offices, to be tax in their scrutiny OF goot
h entered to enable them finally to maj
lie large seizures. Your attention is respec
sr fully invited to this subject.
e. Continued fluctuations in the value
,r gold, as compared with the national Gu
TO rency, has most damaging effect upon Il
increase and development of the COUNT
e. in keeping up prices of all articles necess
b. ry in everyday life. It fosters spirit
!" gambling. predjudicial alike to nation
is morals and the national finances. If Il
10 question can be met as to how to give
m fixed value to our currency, that vail
IS constantly and uniformly approaching p
at with specie, very desirable object will
70 gained.
Il For the operations of the army for Il
past year, the expense of maintaining
cs the estimates for the ensuing year, and
e, continuing seacoast and other improy
I'd ments conducted under the supervision
the War Department, | refer you to t
SIS accompanying report of the Secretary
er War.
NJ call your attention to the provisions
rs the act of Congress, approved March
n, 1869, which discontinues promotions IN Il
III staff corps Of the army until provided t
by law. / recommend that the number
ty officers in each grade in the staff corps
fixed, and that whenever the number
at any one grade falls below the number
ne fixed, that the vacancy may be filled /
OF promotion from the grade below. l al
c, recommend that when the office of chief
lie corps becomes vacant, the place may
III flied by selection from the corps in WIN
~ tho xyacopru oyiatQ