Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1871-12-07
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.


Presidents Message, as we find it in our
exchanges:
~ OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The relations of the United States with
foreign powers continue to be friendly.
The year has been an eventful one, in wit
Messing two great nations, speaking one
language and having one lineage, settling,
by peaceful affiliations, disputes of long
standing, and liable, at any time, to bring
those nations into bloody conflicts. An
example has thus been set which, if sue
cessful in its final issue, may be followed
by other civilized nations, and be the final
means of returning to productive industry
millions of men now maintained to settle
the disputes of nations by the bayonet and
broadsWord. L transmit herewith a copy
of the treaty alluded to, which has been
concluded since the adjournment of Con-
gress, with her Britannia Majesty, and
copy of the protocol of the conferences of
the Commissioners by whom it was negO-
tiated This treaty provides methods for
adjusting the questions pending between
the two nations. The various questions
are to be adjusted by arbitratiOns.
THE NATIONAL DEBT
has been reduced to the extent of eighty
six millions fifty-seven thousand one hum
dred and twenty-six dollars and eighty
cents during the year, and by the negotia-
ton 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 the interest account is
nearly seventeen million dollars less than
on the first of March, 1859. TWAS highly
desirable that this rapid dimunitiOn should
take place, both to strengthen the credit
of the country, and convince its citizens
of their entire ability t9 meet every dollar
of liability without bankrupting them.
But in view of the accomplishment of
these desirable ends and of the rapid de-
yelopment of the resources of the country,
its Increasing ability to meet large de-
mands and the amount already paid, 1t is
not desirable that the present resources of
the country should continue to be taxed
in order tocontinue this rapid payment.
I therefore recommend modification of
both Ff
TABLE, AND INTERNAL PAX LAWS.
I would recommend that all taxes from
internal sources be abolished, except those
on spirituous, vinous and malt liquors,
and tobacco in its various forms from
stamps. In readiusting the tariff suggest
that q careful estimate be made OF the
amount of surplus revenue collected under
the preeent laws, after providing for the
current expenses OF the government, the
interest account and sinking fund, and
that this as a surplus be reduced in such
manner as to afford the greatest relief to
the greatest number. 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 uee, WI
such articles recommend to be placed on
the free list. Should further reduction
prove advisable, would then recommend
that it be made ON those articles which it
can without disturbing home production
or reducing,,the wages CT American labor.
I have not entered into figures, because to
do SO would be to repeat all that ls laid
before YOU in the report of the Secretary
of the Treasury,
T REyENUB COLLECTORS.
The present laws for collecting revenue
nav collectors of customs small salaries,
Int provide for shares in all seizures, which,
at the principal ports of entry, particular
ly. raise the compensation of these officials
to large sums. It has always seemed to
nae as if the system must at times work
perniciously. 1T holds out an inducement
to dishonest men, should such get posses
sion of those offices, to be lax in their scru-
tiny of goods entered, to enable them
finally to make large seizures. Your at
tention is respectfully invited to this sub
ject.
Continued fluctuations in the value of
cold. as compared with the national cur
Tency. has a most damaging effect upon
the Increase and development of the coun-