Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1874-12-12
DEPARTMENT REPORTS.

the general reader.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
The report of the Secretary of the
Treasury recapiiulates the transac
tons attending the retnnding OF TIN
debt, and states that the successful
hid lers have taken all former bids
and hold the option for the rest til
FeD. /. The sinking fund is over
$40, 0OO, 900 behind. The Secretary
not only takes strong ground in
favor of specie payments, but sets
forth ~ definite plan for reaching
the same. He recommends the re-
peal of the legaltender act at q fix
ell day, rs to contracts thereafter
made, and except as to official sala-
ries and ordinary expenditures of the
Government under the existing ap
preparations. The Secretary recon
meNdS that authority be given fol
the immediate issue OF convertible
bonds bearing a low rate of interest
He asks that IA day may be fixed fol
the resumption of specie payment,
not more limited than three years
at the end of that time, the Secre-
tary to be authorized to raise gold
by selling bonds in such amounts as
may become necessary from time to
time to keep the Treasury in con,
dition to redeem greenbaeks as pre-
scented. The Secretary recommends
free banking as a part of the plan
for the resumption of specie pay
ment, but this branch of the subject
is not elaborated.
In regard to printing all varieties
Of Government notes, bonds and
stamps, the Secretary recommends
that the whole be done exclusively
at the Treasury Department. The
Government has all the necessary
machinery, obtained at great cost,
and all the needed facilities. 1t can
perform the work at the same or less
cost than private firms, when the
cost of transportation by express is
considered.
Concerning the internal revenue,
the Secretary recommends that the
tax be taken off bank checks: watch
rs, cosmetics and drugs, and to meet
this loss that an additional tax of
ten cents per gallon be imposed on
whiskey. This will raise the reven-
lie u little more than the amount
now received from the articles emu.
merated. The practical workings
Of putting tea and coffee OH the free
list have been fully examined by the
treasury Department. Carefully
prepared tables Of prices in foreign
markets, and prices to consumers
Tor the period subsequent to taking
off the tax, show that, while the
country lost from $4,000, 900 to sl2,-
100000 from the decrease of reve-
nue on this account, the removal of
the tax simply added to the price in
the foreign markets and has not
benefited the consumer here in the
least. The Secretary recommends
the restoration Of this tax.
Upon the question of tariff. the
Secretary, without entering upon
discussion, says that at present it is
only necessary to treat it purely as
aquestion of revenue, and moi either
of protection or free trade. In the
interest Of business, he does not
think any changes should DO hastily
made. and if Congress desires to re.
wise the present rates, he recon-
nlemds that Commission be APP,
pointed to take the whole subject
into consideration, with instructions
to report to the next Congress.
Great economy is recommended
in the expenditures for public build
ings. The Secretary recommends
that Congress 60 over the appropri
ations and estimates for these works
with great care. with a view of re-
ducing some and wholly suspending
others He expresses the belief that
the needs Of the Government do not
require such elaborate and costly |
structures as have Of late been erect
ed, but that palmer. and at the
same time substantial, buildings
will answer every purpose and save
many millions. He thinks there is
needless extravaganza in the fnr-
nishing of public buildings, and that
much greater economy should be
practised in all directions. As to
all plans for increasing the public
by aiding private en-
of any kind, the Secreta
~ does not believe that the present
condition of the Government justi-
fies extending aid in any form.
The Report of the Hon. Column
bus Delan0, Secretary of the Interi-
or, gives an interesting and exhaus.
tive account of the condition of af-
fairs in the various departments I'M
der his control. The Secretary be-
gins with the consideration of the
Indian question.
Mr.. DelanO says that the opera
ions of the Indian Bureau during
he past year, are highly gratifying.
They furnish conclusive evidence of
he justice, wisdom and practically.
ty of the policy inaugurated by the
PRESENT administration. The sue.
'ess of this policy is no longer "a
problem. We may reasonably ex.
'ect, Mr.. DelanO thinks, occasional s
disturbances in the future, caused ,
y individual or hy disorderly bod.
rs Of Indians; but, with iudici.