The Hawaiian gazette., 1872-01-10
ORIENTAL EDUCATION OF AMERICAN YOUTHS.

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 those countries,
to serve as part of the official family of our Min
listers there. Our representatives would not even
then be placed on an equality with the repre-
sentatives of Great Britain and some other
powers. As situated, our representatives in
Japan and China have to depend for interpreters
and translators upon the natives of those coun-
tries, who know our language imperfectly, or
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 for
the purpose of supporting the American lines of
steamers now plying between San Francisco and
japan and China, ard the Australian line, almost
our only remaining lines Of ocean steamers, and
of increasing their service.
THE NATIONAL DEBT.
The National Debt has been reduced to the
extent of eighty-six millions ifty-seven thousand
one hundred and twenty-six dollars and eighty
cents during the year; and by negotiation of the
national bonds at a 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 OF
dollars less than on the lst OF March, 1869. 1t
was highly desirable that this rapid dimlnution
rbnrl1 z 10 ,1ona hot 20 h.,
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 10 be taxed in order to con-
tinue this rapid payment.
MODIFICATION OF TAX AND TARIFF LAWS.
/ therefore recommend a modification of both
the tariff and interest tax laws. / recommend
that all taxes from internal sources be abolished,
except those on sprituous, ynous and malt
liquors. tobacco in its various forms, and from
stamps. In readjusting 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 |
1 recommend to be placed on the free list.
Should a further reduction prove advisable, l |
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
of those officials to a large sum.
1t has always seemed to me as if this system
must at times work pernicously. 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
o make large seizures. Your attention is re-
pectfully invited to this subject.
THE CURRENCY.
The continued fluctuations in the value of gold
with the national currincy has most
damaging effect upon the increase and develop
nent of the country, in keeping up prices of all
rticles necessary in everyday life. 1t fosters
pirit of gambling prejudiciaI alike to national
MORALS and national finances. If the question
an be met as to how to get fixed value to our
urrency, that value constantly and uniformly {
pproaching par with specie, very desirable !
bject will be gained.
THE ARMY
For the operations of the army in the past .
ear, the expenses of maintaining it, the esti-
lates for the ensuing year, and for continuing =
ea-coast and other improvements conducted un-
er the supervision of the War Department, re- ;,
II you to the accompanying report of the Secre-
Try of War. l call your attention to the pro- !
~'S'iS VI VIC NJ vi COusleSSf dpplONeu -hdICu
j, 1869, which discontinues promotion in the :
aft corps of the army until provided for by law. 9
recommend that the number of officers in each r.
'ade of staff corps be fixed, and that whenever ..
lie number in any one grade falls below the num- ),
er so fixed, that the vacancy may be filed by -
'omotion from the grade below. also recon- =
end that when the Office OF Chief of Corps be-
omes vacant the place may be filed by selection =
ON the corps in which the vacancy exists =,
THE NAVY. "a
The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows pr
/ improvement in the number and efficiency of ST
e naval force, without material increase in the OF
;pense of supporting it This is due to the hl
,licy which has been adopted and is being ex- to
nded as far as material will admit, of using
Mailer vessels as cruisers on the several stations
these means we have bean enabled to occupy
once larger extent of cruising ground, and u
visit more frequently the ports where the pres ~
ice of our flag is desirable and generally to dis u
arge more efficiently the appropriate duties of 70
e Navy in times of peace, without exceeding :"
e number of men or the expenditures author ID
ed by law. During the past year the Navy has e y
addition to its regular service supplied the men -
4 ofiica-s for Il a ,-assaI. sc 81, o.. re