The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-12-09

a
SO far diminished that now ths sam To he
raised for the interest account is nearly SlT,-
coo GOO less than on the lst Of March, 1869.
1t was highly desirable that this rapid dim
mutton should take place both 10 strengthen
the credit of the country and to convince Its
citizens of their entire ability to meet every
dollar of liability without bankruptipg them.
But in view of the accomplishment OF these
desirable ends, Of tie rapid develop ement OF
the resoui ccs of the country, its Increasing
ability to meet large demands and the amount
already paid, it is not desirable that the pre-
sent resources of the country should continue
this rapid payment. and l therefore recom>
mend a modification Of both the tariff and
internal tax laws, and recon- mend that all
taxes from internal sources be abolished eX-
cept those collected from sprituous, vinous
and malt liquors, tobacco in its various forms,
and from stamps. In read juSting the tariff
| suggest that a careful estimate be made of
the amount of surplus revenue collected
under the present laws after providing for
the current expenses Of the government. the
! interest account and sinking fund that
this surplus be reduced in such a manner as
to afford the greatest relief to the greatest
number There are many articles not pros
duced at home, but which enter largely into
general consum 1ton. through articles which.
/ are m al ufactured at home such as medicines.
/ com pounds, ETC.. from which very little rev
enue is derived but which enter into gene
/ raj use. All such articles | recommend to
/ be placed on the free list. Should a further
/ reduction prove advisable | would then rec
I onmend that it DO made upon those articles
which will best bear it without disturbing
home production or reducing the wages OF
American labor. | have not entered into
7 figures because TO do so would be to repeat
!
the secretary of the treasury. The present
/ laws for collecting the revenue pay collectors
! of customs small salaries, but provide for mole
( tics, shares n ali Sc zures. hich. at priucp pal
ports Of entry particularly. raise the COM
pensations Of those officials to large sum.
/ It has always seemed 10 me as if this system
must. at times. work perDciously ; it holds
cut an inducement to Gishoneat men, should
such get possession Of those Cffices to be lax
/ 10 their scrutiny of 9ooda entered. to enable
them finally to make large seizures. Your
attention is respectfully Invited to this sub
Jet Continued flu uatioLs in the value Of
gold as compared with the rational 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. 1t fosters spirit Of gambling pre-
judicial alike to national morals and the ua>
tional finances. If the question can be met
as TO how to give fixed value to cur cur
/ Eency, that value constantly and uniformly
approaching par with specie, very desira-
bio object will be gained.
For the operation Of the army in the past
year. the expense CT maintaining it. the esti
mates for the ensuing year, aud for contiuu
ing sea coast aud other improvements con>
Quoted under the supervision Of the war de
partment, | refer you to the accompanying
report Of the secretary Of war.
( | call your attention to the provisions Of
the act # congress, approved March ;, 1869.
/ which discontinues promotions in the staff
corps Of tie army until provided for by law
| recon mend that the lumber 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, thai the Va
cancy may be filled ~ promotion from the
grade below. l also recommend that when
| the flee Of chief OF corps becomes vacant e,
the pace may be filed by selection from the
corps in which She vacancy exists. The
port Of the secretary e the nsyy shows an
improvement in the number and efficiency
of the naval force without material increags
in the expense Of supTo ting it. This is due
to the policy which has been adopted and is
being extended as fast as our material will
admit OF using smaller vesssls as cruisers on
the several stations. By this measure we
have been enabled to occupy at once a larger
ex ent of cruising ground, to visit more fFe
quently to posts where the presence Of our
flag is desirable, and generally to discharge
more efficiently the appropriate duties Of the
navy in time Of peace, without exceeding
the number Of men or the expenditure an
thorizrd by law. During tho past year the
navy has. in addition to is regular service.
supplied the men and officers for the vessels
of the coast survey, and has completed the
surveys authorized hy congress of the Isth>
mus of Darion and Tehuanteree, aud under
like authority has sent out an expedition
completely furnished aud equipped. 20 ex-
plOre 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 recon msHded for re-
fucing the personnel If the service to peace
standard by the gradual abolition Of certain
grades Of Cfficers, the reduction Cf othe,s
and he employment cf some in the service
of the commercial marine. are we'll cousid>
cred, and de=srve the thoughtful attention
of congress. [ also recommend that all pro,
motions in the navy. above the rank Ct cap-
tain. be by selection Instead of by seniority.
This course will secure in the higher
grades create: efficiency and hold out an in
centive to young officers to improve them
selves in the knowledge Of their profession
The present cost of maintaining the navy,
as compared with that Of tho preceding
year. is contained in the accompanying re-
port of the secretary cf The navy.
The enlarged receipts Of the post>o ffics
department. as shown by the accompanying
report of the postmaster general. exhibits a
gratifying increase in this branch Of the pnb-
lie service. It is the index Of the growth OF
education and of the prosperity Of the peo-
pie; two clements highly conducive to the
vigor aud stability of republics. With vast
territory like ours, much Of it sparse!y pop
Mated, but all requiring the services Of the
mail. it is not at present to ba expected that
this department csn be made sof sustaining.
but gradual approach to this end from
q Is 6. .lnr.t tlu reLisl WIZ