Weekly Trinity journal., 1871-12-09
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE,

acterlStlc OF the man. Our limited space VIII
not allow US to publish il in full. After referring
to the relations existing between the United
States and the various Foreign Powers, the Pres
idents deals with domestic affairs. Below we
give those portions of the message which refer
to the most prominent issues
THE NATIONAL DEBT AND FINANCE.
The national debt has been reduced to the ex-
tent of $s6, O57 ,l26 during the year. and by the
NEGOTIATIONS of national bonds at a lower rate of
interest the interest on the public debt has been
so far diminished that the sum to be raised
for interest account is nearly SIT 900 900 less
than on the lst of March, 1869. 1t was highly
desirable that this rapid diminution should take
place. both to strengthen the credit of the couu-
try and to convince its citizens of their entire
ability to meet every dollar of liability without
bankruptipg 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 the country should con-
tnue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid
payment.
THE TARIFF AND INTERNAL TAXES.
therefore recommend modification of both
the tariff and internal tax laws. ! recommend
that all taxes from internal sources be abolished
uOrs, tobacco in its various forms, and stamps.
In readjusing the tariff, suggest that a careful
estimate be made of the amount of surplus reve-
nue. collected under the present laws after pro-
ylding for the current expenses of the Govern
ment, the interest account, and a sinking fund I;
and that this surplus be reduced in such manner
as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest
number. There many articles not produced
at home, such as medicines compounded, from
which very little revenue is derived, but which
enter 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 on those articles
which can bear it without disturbing the home
production or reducing the wages of the Ameri-
can laborer. have not entered into figures, be-
cause to do SO would be to repeat all that will
be laid before you in the report of the Secretary
of the Treasury.
COLLECTING REVENUES.
The present laws for collecting the revenues
pay collectors Of customs small salaries, but pro-
vide for shares in all seizures which, at the prn-
cipal ports OF entry particularly, raise the COM
pensation to a large sum. 1t has always seemed
to me that this system must at times work per-
niciousy. 1t holds out inducements to disbon-
est men, should such get possession Of those Of
fees, to be lax in their scrutiny of the goods
entered so to enable them finally to make
money out of the seizures. Your attention is
respectfully invited to this subject
POSTAL AFFAIRS.
The enlarged receipts of the Postofice, as is
shown by the accompanying report of the Post
master-General, exhibits gratifying increase in
that branch of public service. 1t is an index of
the growth Of education and of the prosperity of
the people-two elements highly conducive to
the vigor and stability of republic. With a
vast territory like ours, much of it sparsely pop
ulated, but all requiring the services of the mail
it is not at present to be expected that this de-
partment can be made selfsusaniug, but grad
ual approach to this end, from year to year, is
confidently relied on, and the day is not far dis
tant when the Postofice Department of the Gov
ernnent will prove a much greater blessing to
the people than it is now. The suggestions of
the Postmaster-Genera for improvements in the
department presided over by him are earnestly
recommended to your special attention especial
ly documents favorable to the plan for uniting
the telegraph system of the United States with
the postal system. 1t is believed that by such a
course the cost of telegrapbing could he much
reduced and the service as well if not better rem
dered. 1t would secure a further advantage
by extending the telegraph through portions of
the country where private enterprise will not
construct it, to commerce, trade, and above all, ,
the efforts to bring a people widely separated
into community of interests, always benefited
by rapid intercOmmunication. Education the
groundwork of republican institutions, is en-
couraged by increasing the mail facilities, to-
gether with speedy news from all parts of the
country. The desire to reap the benefits of such
Improvements will stimulate education.
AFFAIRS IN UTAH.
In Utah there still remains remnant of bar
barism, repugnant to civilization, decency and
the laws of the United States. Territorial off
GERS, however, have been found who are willing
st,as,
with due sense of sustaining the majesty of the
law Neither pOlygamy nor any other violation
OF existing statutes will be permitted within any
Territory of the United States. 1t is not with
the religion Of the selfstyled saints that we are
now dealing, but their practices They will be
protected in the worship of God according to
the dictates of their own consciences, but they
will not be permitted to violate laws under the
cloak of religion. Il
PUBLIC LANDS.
renew my recommendation that the public
lands shall be regarded as heritage to our
children, to be disposed of only as required for
occupation and to actual settlers.
GENERAL AMNESTY.
More than six years have elapsed since the last
hostile gun was fired between the armies then
arrayed against each other-one for the perpetu-
alton, the other for the destruction of the Union
it may we'll be considered whether it is not
now time the disabilities imposed by the four
teenth amendment should be removed.
THE SOUTHERN STATES.
The condition Of the Southern States is, un-
happily, not suck as all true, patriotic citizens
would like to see. Social ostracism for opn-
ions sake, personal violence or threats toward
persons entertaining politica! views opposed to
those entertained by the majority of the citizens
prevent immigration and the flow ofmuch needed
capital into the States lately in rebellion. 1t
will be happy condition of the country when
the old citizens of these States will take an in
terest in public affairs, tolerate an idea honestly
entertained, vote for men representing their
views, and permit the freedom of expression and
ballot in those entertaining different political
convictions.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
1t has been the aim of the administration to
enforce honesty and efficiency in pnhlic serYants