The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1871-12-16

OF ocean steamers, ana OF Increasing
their service.
MEXICO AND SOUTH AMERICA REPUB-
IICS.
The Republic of Mexico has not yet
recalled the very Objectionable laws,
what is known as the free
zone'' OH the frontier of the Unlted
States. 1t is hoped that this may yet
be done, and also that stringent meas
ures may be taken by the Republic, re-
lawless persons on its FROM
tier. l hope that Mexico, by its own
action. will soon relieve this Govern
ment ofthe difficulties experienced from
these causes.
Our relations with various Republics,
Continental and South American, con-
tinue, with one exception, to be coi1lial
and friendly. | recommend some ac-
tion by Congress regarding the over
due installments under the award OF
the Venezuela Claims Commission OF
1865. The internal dissentions of that
Government present no justification
for the absence of effort to meet their
solemn obligations. The ratification
ofan extrs,dition treaty with Nicaragua
has been exchanged.
BRAZIL AND SLAVERY.
1t is a subject of congratulation that
the great Empire of Brazil has taken
the initiatory steps toward the abolition
ofslavery. Our relations with that EN-
pire, alway cordial, will naturally be
more so by this act. 1t is not too much
to hope that the Government OF Brazil
may hereafter find it for its interest as
well us internationally right to advance
toward entire emancipation more rap
idly than the present act contemplates.
The true PROSPERITY and greatness of a
nation is to be found in the elevation
and education of its laborers. 1t is a
subject for regret that the reforms in
this direction which were voluntarily
promised by the statesman of Spain
have not been carried out i'll the East
India colonies. The laws and regula-
tions for apparent abolition of slavery
in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of
the laborers III bondage with no hope
of release until their lives become a
burden to their employers. 1 direct
your attention to the fact that citizens
of the United States are large holders
in foreign lands OF this species of pl OPP
erty forbidden by the fundamental law
of their country. l recommend to Con-
gress to provide by stringent legisla-
ton a suitable remedy against the hold
ing interested in slave property in for
eign lands, either as owners, hirers or
mortgag gers, by citizens OF the United
States.
CUBA
1t is to be regretted that the disturbed
condition of the island of Cuba contin-
ues to be a source of annoyance and
anxiety. The existence of a protracted
struggle i'm such a cause in close prox-
unity to our own territory, without
apparent prospect of an early termin-
alton, cannot be other than an object
of concern to a people who, while ali
staining from interference i'll the aE
fairs of other Powers, naturally desire
to see every country i'll the undisturbed
enjoyment of peace, liberty and the
blessings 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
fide American citizens, and to main
tain the dignity of the flag. 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
conciliation which has heretofore gov
erned the two Powers in their treat
HlellI Oh SUCH questions.
THE NATIONAL DEBT AND FINANCE.
The national debt has been reduced
to the extent of $S6, ,057, 126 during the
year; and by the negotiations of ma
tiOnal 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 interest account is
nearly $17, 900, 600 less than ON the 1st
of March, 1869. 1t was highly desir-
able that this rapid dirninutfon should
take place, both to strengthen the cred
it of the country and to convince its
citizens of their entire ability to meet
every dollar of liability without bank
rupting them. But i'll view of the ac-
compli>hment of these desirable ends.
of the rapid development of the resour-
ces 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 coun-
try should continue to be taxed in order
to continue this rapid payment.
THE TARIFF AND INTERNAL. TAXES.
therefore recommend a modifica-
ton of both the tariff and internal tax
laws. L recommend that all taxes
from internal sources be abolished. ex-
SOtt GhoSO oiA SGi1ACAOuss VLIOuS anu
malt liquors, tobacco in its variou.
forms, and stamps. In readjustino
the tariff, L suggest that careful
estimate beFmade 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 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 produced
at home, such as medicines compound
ed, from which very little revenue i
derived, but which enter into general
use. All such articles l recommend
to be placed on the free list. Should
further reduction prove advisable |
would then recommend that it be made
on those articles which can bear il
without disturbing the home produc.
ton or reducing the wages of the
American laborer. have not enter
ed into figures, because to do so would
f1x,t 10 Ill II.