Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1871-12-14

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COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN OFFICIALS.
The subject Of compensation to the heads
OF bureaus, and officials holding positions OF
responsibility, and requiring ability and char
acter 10 ill properly, is one TO which your at
tention is invited. But few of the officials
receive compensation equal TO the respecta-
bic support of family, while their duties
are such as to involve millions OF interest.
In private life, services demand eompensa-
ton equal 10 the services rendered a wise
economy would dictate the same rule IN the
government service.
ESTIMATES.
! have not given the estimates for the sup
port Of the government for the ensuing year,
nor comparative statement for the year
just passed, and the one just passing, be-
cause all these figures are contained in the
accompanying report, or in those presented
directly to Congress. These estimates have
my approval.
REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES.
More than six years having elapsed since
the last hostile gun was fired between the
armies then arrayed against each other, the
one for the perpetuation the other for the
destruction, Of the Union, it may well be
considered whether it is not now time that
the disabilities imposed by the Fourteenth
Amendment should be removed. That
amendment does not exclude the ballot, but
only requires the disability to hold Office of
certain classes. When the purity of the bal
lot isl secure, maiorities are sure to elect
officers rejecting the views of the majority.
do not see the advantage or propriety OF
excluding men from Office merely because
they were, before the rebellion, of standing
and character sufficient to be elected to posi-
tons requiring them to take an oath 10 sup
port the Constitution and admitting the
eligibility OF those entertaining precisely the
same views, but Of less standing in their
communities. 1t NAV be said that the former
violated an oath, while the latter did not.
The latter did not have 1t in their power TO
do SO. II they had taken this oath, it can
not be doubted that would have broken it,
as did the former class. If there are any
great criminal distinguished above all Others
for the part they took in opposition to the
government, they might, in the judgment of
Congress, be excluded from such an amnesty.
This subject is submitted for your careful
consideration.
happily, not such as all true patriotic citizens
would like to see. Social ostracism for opin-
ions sake, personal violence, or threats to-
ward persons entertaining political views OPP
posed to those entertained by the majority of
the citizens, prevent immigration and the flow
OF Dslch-needed capital into the States lately
in rebellion. 1t will be happy condition Of
the country WUcn the clIlZPHS Oh tHeSc
States will take an interest in public affairs,
promulgate their ideas honestly entertained,
vote for men representing their views, and
permit the same freedom of expression and
ballot in those entertaining different political
convictions.
IMMIGRANTS.
The number Of immigrants, ignorant of
our laws and habits, coming into our coun-
try annually, has become so great, and the
impesitions practiced upon them so numer-
Gus and fragrant, that suggest Congression-
al action for their protection. 1t seems to
me a fair subject Of legislation by Congress-
cannot now state as fully as | desire the
nature Of the complaints made by cmigrants
of the treatment they receive, but will en-
deavor to do so during the session of Con
gress, particularly if the subject should
receive your attention.
NATIONAL FINANCES AND TAXATION:
The national debt has been reduced to the
extent ct $50, 057, 1860 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 interest account
is nearly 81 900, 900 less than on the LIST of
March, 1860. 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
bankrupting them; but in view of the accom-
plishment OF these desirable ends and the
rapid development Of the resources OF the
country, its increasing ability to meet the
large demands and the amount already paid,
it is not desirable that the present resources
OF the country should continue to be taxed
in order to continue this rapid payment. Il
therefore recommend a modification of both
the tarlff and internal tax laws. / recon-
mend that all taxes from internal sources
be abolished, except those on spirituous
vlnous and malt liquors, tobacco In its vari-
Gus forms, and from stamps. In readjusting
the tarlff suggest that careful estimate be
made OF the amount of surplus revenue col
lcctcd under the present law after providing
for the current expenses of the Government
the interest account, and a sinking fund, and
that this surplus be reduced in such man
ncr as to afford the greatest relief
to the greatest number. There are many
articles not produced At home, such as medi-
cines and compounded essences, from which
very little revenue is derived, out which en-
ter into general use. All such articles rec
ommend to be placed on the free list
Should further reduction prove advisable
would then recommend that it be made up
on those articles which can bear it without
disturbing home production or reducing the
wages OF American labor. have not enter
ed into figures, because to do so would be to
repeat all that is laid before you in the re-
port OF the Secretary of the Treasury.
COLLECTORS OF CUSTOMS.
The present laws for collecting the rev.
enues pay the Collectors of Customs small
salaries, but provide for shares i'm all seizures,
which, ut the principal ports of entry par
tlcularly, raise the compensation of these
officials to a large sum. 1t has always seem
ed to me as if this system must at times
work pcrniciOusly IL holds ont ipduce
ment to dishonest men, should such get
possession of those offices, to be lax i'm their
scrutiny of goods entered, to enable them
finally TO make large seizures. Your atten-
ton Is respectfully invited to this subject.
GOLD AND CURRENCY
Continued fluctuations in the value of
gold, compared with the national currency,
has most damaging effect upon the in.
crease and development of the country in
keeping up prices of all articles necessary in
every day life. 1t fosters a spirit of gam.
bling prejudicial alike to national morals
and the national finances. II the question
can be met as to how to get fixed value 10
our currency, that value const antly and uni
formly approaching par with specie, a very
desirable object will be gained
THE ARMY.
For the operations of the army in the
past year. the expense of maintaining it. the
estimates for the ensuing year, and for con-
tinuing sea coast and other improvements
conducted under the supervision of the War
Department, refer you to the accompany.