The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1872-01-10

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Japan and China have to depend for interpreter
and translators upon the natives of those couu
tries, who know our language mperfectly, o
procure for the occasion the services of the EN-
ployees in foreign business houses or the inter
prefers to other foreign Ministers.
SUBSIDIES TO STEAMSHIP LINES.
would also recommend liberal measures TO
the purpose Of supporting the American lines o
steamers now plying between San Francisco ant
Japan and China, ard the Australian line, almos
our only remaining lines of ocean steamers, ant
Of increasing their service.
THE NATIONAL DEBT.
The National Debt has been reduced to the
extent Of eighty-six millions ffty-seven Thousand
one hundred and twenty-six dollars and eighty
cents during the year; and by negotiation of the
national bonds at lower rate Of interest, the
interest on the public debt has been so far di
minished that now the sum to be raised for in.
terest account is nearly seventeen millions oil
dollars less than on the LIST OF March, 1869 1t
was highly desirable that this rapid diminution
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
accomplishment of these desirable ends, of the
rapid development of the resources of the coun-
try, its increasing ability to meet the large de-
mands, and the amount already paid, it is not
desirable that the present resources of the coun-
try should continue to be taxed in order to con-
tinue this rapid payment.
MODIFICATION OF TAX AND TARIFF LAWS.
l therefore recommend a modification of both
the tariff and interest tax laws recommend
that all taxes from internal sources be abolished
except those on spirituous, vinous and malt
liquors, tobacco in its various forms, and from
stamps. In readjustng the tariff, suggest that
a careful estimate be made of the amount of sur
plus revenue collected under the present laws,
after providing for the current expenses of the
Government, the interest account and sinking
fund, and that this 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 compound
ed, from which little revenue is derived, but
which enter into general use. All such articles
| recommend to be placed on the free list
Should a further reduction prove advisable,
would then recommend that it be made upon
those articles which can bear it without disturb
ing home production, or reducing the wages of
American labor. l have not entered into figures.
because to do so would be to repeat all that will
be laid before you in the Report of the Secretary
of the Treasury. The present laws for collecting |
revenues pay collectors of customs small salaries,
but provide for shares in all seizures, which. at
the principal ports of entry particularly, raise the
compensation of those officials to a large sum. |
1t has always seemed to me as if this system
must at times work perniciOusly. 1t holds out
inducements to dishonest men, should such get
possession of these offices, to be lax in their
scrutiny of goods entered, to enable them finally
to make large seizures. Your attention is re-
specially invited to this subject.
THE CURRENCY.
The continued fluctuations in the value of gold
compared with the national currincy has most
damaging effect upon the increase and develop
ment of the country, in keeping up prices of all
articles necessary in everyday life 1t fosters a
spirit of gambling prejudcial alike to national
morals and national finances If the question
can be met as to how to get fixed value to our
that value constantly and uniformly
approaching par with specie, a very desirable
object will be gained.
THE ARMY.
For the operations of the army in the past
year, the expenses of maintaining it, the esti-
mates for the ensuing year, and for continuing
sea-coast and other Improvements conducted un-
der the supervision of the War Department, l re-
Ter you to the accompanying report of the Score
-ary Of War. l call your attention to the pro-
visions of the Act Of Congress, approved March
3D., 1869, which discontinues promotion in the
staff corps of the army until provided for BY law.
recommend that the number of officers in each ,
yrade of staff corps be fixed, and that whenever
he number in any one grade falls below the num-
Der SO fixed, that the vacancy may be filed by ,
promotion from the grade below. l also recon-
mend that when the Office OF Chief of Corps be-
'Omes vacant the place may be filed by selection
rom the corps in which the vacancy exists.
THE NAVY. T,
The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows 7
IN improvement in the number and efficiency of s
he naval force, without material increase in the q
Expense of supporting it. This is dne to the b
'olicy which has been adopted and is being ex- t
ended as far as our material will admit, Of using
mailer vessels as cruisers on the several stations.
y these means We have bean enabled to occupy
t once larger extent of cruising ground, and
o visit more frequently the ports where the pres
nee of our flag is desirable, and generally to dis
barge more efficiently the appropriate duties of Z
be Navy in times of peace, without exceeding v
he number of men or the expenditures author
zed by law. During the past year the Navy has
addition to its regular service, supplied the men
nd officers for the vessels of the Coast Survey.
nd has completed the surveys authorized by Con-
ress, of the Isthmus of Darien and Tehuapte-
&c, and under like authority has sent out an ex-
edition completely furnished and equipped. to
xplore the unknown ocean of the North. The
uggestiOu Of the report as to the necessity for G