Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-12-13
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.

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 arbitrations, 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. transmit herewith n copy
of the treaty alluded to, which has been
concluded since the adjournment of Con-
gress, with her Britannia Majesty, and n
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 hun
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, 1869. 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 to meet every dollar
of liability without bankrupting them.
But in view of the accomplishment of
these desirable ends and of the rapid de-
velopment of the resources of the country,
its increasing ability to meet large de
mands 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.
| therefore recommend Il modification of
both
TARIFF AND INTERNAL TAX LAWS.
| would recommend that all taxes from
internal sources he abolished, except those
ON spirituous, vinous and malt liquors,
and tobacco in its various forms from
stamps. In readiusting the tariff | suggest
that a careful estimate be made of the
amount of surplus revenue collected under
the present laws, after providing for the
current expenses of the government, the
interest account and Il 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 use. All
such articles | recommend to be placed on
the free list. Should u further reduction
prove advisable, | would then recommend
that it be made on those articles which il
can without disturbing home production
or reducing the wages of American labor
l have not entered into figures, because tC
do so would be to repeat all that is laid
before you in the report of the Secretary
OF the Treasury
H REVENUE COLLECTORS.
III. - ,,,, 60
pay collectors of customs small salaries
but provide for shares in all seizures, which
at the principal ports of entry, particular.
ly, raise the compensation of these officials
to large sums. 1t has always seemed tC
me 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 then
finally to make large seizures. Your at
tention is respectfully invited to this sub
ject. ..... .......r. ... .
PAPER AND GOLD.
Continued fluctuations in the value o.
gold, as compared with the national eur.
rency, has a most damaging effect upon
the increase and development of the coun
try in keeping up prices of all articles nee
essary in everyday life. 1t fosters a spirit
of grumbling, and the national finances
if the question can be met as to how to ge
constantly and uniformly approaching pal
with specie, a very desirable object will b(
gained.
Et THE KURLUN LAW.
There has been imposed upon the Exc
cutive branch of the Government the exc
cutiOn of the act of Congress, approved
April Goth, 1871, and commonly known al
the KukluX law. In a portion of the Stat,
of South Carolina the necessity of tn,
course pursued will be demonstrated by
the report of the committee to investigate
Southern outrages. Under the provisions
ofthe above act 7 issued proclamation
calling the attention of the people of TIN
United States to the same and declaring
my reluctance to exercise any of the ex
traordinary powers thereby conferred upOI
me except in case of Imperative necessity
by making known my purpose to eXercis
such powers whenever it should become
necessary to do so for the purpose of Sc
curing to all citizensof the United State
the peaceful enjoyment of the rights guar
ranteed to them by the Constitution ant
the laws. After the passage of this law in
formation was received from time TO time
that a combination of the character re
ferred to in this law existed and were pow
erful i'll many parts of the Southern States
particularly in certain counties in til
State of South Carolina.
a careful investigation was made, and i
was ascertained that in nine counties Q
that State such combinations were activ