Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1871-12-08

cure to the United States it's share
of it's commerce destined to flow be-
tween those nations and the bal
ance Of the commercial world, I re-
commend an appropriation be made
to support at least four American
Youths in each Of those countries,
to serve as a part of the official
family Of our representatives there.
Our representatives would then be
placed on an equality with the rep
resentatives of Great Britain and
other powers. AS now situated,
our representatives in Japan and
China have to depend for lnterpre-
tiers and translators upon the ma
tives eli those countries, who know
our language imperfectly, or pro-
cure for the occasion the services
of employees in foreign business
houses, or the interpreters Of other
foreign ministers.
STEAMSHIP SUBSIDIES.
would recommend liberal meas
ures for the purpose of supporting
the American lines of steamers now
plying between San Francisco and
Japan and China, and the Austria
liam linc-now our only remaining
lines of ocean steamers-and of in
creasing their service.
NATIONAL DEBT.
The national debt has been re-
duced to the extent of eighty-six
million fifty-scven thousand one
hundred and twenty six dollars and
eighty cents during the year; and
by the negotiation of the national
bonds at a lower rate Of interest,
the interest on the public debt has
been so far diminished that now
the amount to be raised for interest
account is nearly seventeen million
dollars less than on the lst of
March, 1869.
TARIFF AND REVENUE.
It was highly desirable that this
rapid diminution 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 bankrupt
ing them. But in view of the ac-
complishment of those desirable
ends, of the rapid development OF
the country, its increasing ability
to meet the large demands, and the
amount already paid, tits not desira-
Bile that the present resources OF
the country should continue to be
taxed in order to continue this rapid
payment. l therefore recommend
the modification Of both the tariff
and internal tax laws, and recon.
mend that all taxes from internal
sources be abolished, except those
on spirituous, vinous and malt
liquors, and tobacco in its various
forms and from stamps.
In re-adjusting the tariff sug.
gest that a careful estimate be made
of the amount Of surplus revenue
collected under the present laws
after providing for the current ex.
penses of the Government, the in
terest account and sinking fund
and that this surplus be reduced in
such manner as to afford the great
est relief to the greatest number
There are many articles not pro
duced at home, such as medicines
compounded, from which very lit.
tie revenue is derived, and which
enter into general use. All such
articles l recommend to be placed
on the Free List, and should a fur.
ther reduction prove advisable, ]
would then recommend that it be
made upon those articles which can
bear it without disturbing home
production OF reducing the wages
of American labor.
l have not entered into figures
because, to do so would be to repeat
all that laid before you in the re-
port of the Secretary of the Treas
ury. The present laws for collect.
ing revenues pay the collectors
of customs small salaries, but pro.
vide for shares in all seizures.
which, at the principal ports Of en-
try, particularly, raise the compen'
sation Of these officials to large
sum. 1t has always seemed to me
as if this system must at times
work perniciously. 1t holds out an
inducement to dishonest men, should
such get possession of these Offices.
to be lax in their scrutiny Of the
goods entered, to enable them final.
| ly to make large seizures. Your
attention is respectfully invited to
this subject.
GOLD FLUCTUATIONS.
The continued fluctuations in the
value of gold, compared with the
national currency, has most dam
aging effect upon the increase and
development Of the country. In
keeping up prices Of all articles nee
essary in everyday life it fosters a
spirit of gambling, prejudicial to
our national finances. If the ques-
ton can be met-as to how to get
the fixed value to our curren-
cy, that value constantly and uni
formly approaching par with specie
"a very desirable object will be
gained.
THE ARMY AND NAVY.
For the operations of the army in
the past year and the expenses OF
maintaining it, the estimates for
the ensuing year, and for continu-
ing sea coast and other improve
ments conducted under the super
vision of the war department, re-
fer you the accompanying report of
the Secretary Of War, and call your
attention to the provisions of the
act of Congress, approved March
Sd, 1860, which discontinued pro-
motions in the staff corps Of the
army until provided for by law. l
recommend that the number of Of
ficers in each grade of the staff
corps be fixed, and whenever the
number in any one grade falls be-
low the number so fixed, that the
vacancy may be filled by promotion
from the grade below. | also rec
ommend that when the office OF
q In