The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-12-05
rHE ISLAND OF CUBA

l The INLAND OF CCoA
continues to be a source of annoyance
and anxiety. The existence OF . pro
longed struggle in such close proximity
to our territory without apparent pros
pect of early termination, cannot bs
other than an object of concern to q
people who, while abstaining from in
reference in the affairs Of other powers
naturally desire to see every country in
the undisturbed enjoyment of peace
liberty and the blessing Of free institu
tons. Our naval commanders in Cuban
waters have been instructed. in case il
should become necessary, to spare no
effort to protect the lives and property
of bona fde American citizens, and to
maintain the dignity of the flag. 1t is
to be hoped that all pending questions
with Spain growing out OF the affairs Of
Cuba may be adjusted in the spirit OF
peace and civilization which has hith'
erto guided the two powers in their
treatment Of such questions.
SCHOOLING FOR FOREIGN SERVICE.
TO give importance and to add to the
efficiency of our diplomatic affairs
with Japan and China and to further
aid in retaining the good opinion OF
these people, and to secure to the
United States its share of the commerce
destined to flow between these nations
and the balance Of the commercial
world, earnestly recommend that an
appropriation be made to support at
least four American youths in each OF
these countries to serve asa part OF the
official family of our Ministers
there. Our representatives would
not, even then, be placed upon
an equality with the representatives of
Great Britain and some other powers.
AS now situated, our representatives in
japan and China have to depend for
Interpreters and translators upon natives
of these countries who know our Ian
guage imperfectly, or procure for the
occasion the services Of the employees in
foreign business houses, or the inter
prefers of other foreign ministers.
SUBSIDIES TO STEAMERS.
Iwould also recommend liberal mea
sures for the purpose Of assisting the
American lines OF steamers now plying
between San Francisco, Japan and
China, and the Australian line, almost
our only remaining lines of ocean
steamers and Of increasing their service.
THE NATIONAL DEBT
has been reduced to the extent Of
$50, O57, 1880 during the year and by
the negotiation Of National bonds, at 8
lower rate OF interest. The interest on
the public debt has been 80 far
diminished that the sums to be raised
for the interest account is nearly
$751;, 100000 less than on the first of
March, 1869 1t was highly desirable
that this rapid diminution should take
place both to strengthen the credit oil
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 accomplish.
ments of these desirable results, OF
the rapid development oil the re-
sources Of the country, its increasing
ability to meet large demands, and the
amounts already paid, it is not desir-
able that the present resources OF the
country should continue to be 90 taxed,
in order to continue this rapid payment.
TAXES AND FINANCE
| there ore recommend a modification
OF both tariff and internal tax laws. Ire.
commend that all taxes from internal
sources be abolished, except those on
spiriiuous, vinous and malc liquors,
tobacco in its various forms. and for
stamps. In readjusting the tariff / sug-
gest that careful estimate be made OF
the amount of surplus revenue collected
under the present laws, after providing
for the current expenses Of the govern
ment, interest account and sinking
fund, and that this surplus be reduced
in such a manner as to afford the
greatest relief to the greatest num-
Der. There are many articles not
produced at home, such as medicines
and compounded essences, from which
very little revenue is derived, but which
enter into general use. All such arti-
Giles recommend to be placed on the
free list. Should a further reduction
prove advisable, l then recommend that
it be made on those articles which can
be reduced without disturbing home
production or reducing the wages OF
American labor. ] have not entered
into figures, because to do so would be
to repeat all that is laid before you Ia
the report of the Secretary of the
Treasury. The present laws for collect
ing the revenue pay the collectors of
customs small salaries but provide for
shares OF all seizures which, at the
principal ports Of entry particularly,
raises the compensation Of these Off
Gals to a large sum. 1t has always
seemed to me as if this
system must at times work perniciously
in holding out inducements to dishonest
men, should such get into possession Of
the offices, to be lax in their scrutiny Of
goods entered in order to enable them
finally to make large seizures. Your
attention is respectfully invited to this
subject. The continued fluctuation in
the value OF gold, as compared with the
National currency, has most damag-
ing effect upon the increase and devel-
opment Of the country, in keeping up the
prices Of all articles necessary in every
day life. 1t gives rise to spirit Of
gambling prejudicial alike to the Ma.
tional morals and the National finances.
The question to be met is how to get a
fixed value to our currency. That value
is constantly and uniformly approach
ing specie basis, for with specie every
desirable object will be gained.
FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY
in the past year, the expense of main
tanning it. the estimates for the ensuing