Ellsworth American., 1877-12-13

to excite feelings of annoyance, suspicion
and resentment which are greatly to be
deprecated between the respective subjects
and citizens of two friendly powers.
THE VENEZUELAN AWARD.
Much delay consequent upon accusa-
lions of fraud in ssme OF the awards has
occurred In respect to the distribution Of
the limited amounts received from Venez-
uels. and under provisions OF the treaty Of
April 25, 1866, applicable to the awards OF
the joint commission created by that treaty.
So long as these matters are pending In
Congress the executive cannot assume
either to pass upon the questions presented
or TO distribute the funds received. IL is
emlnently desirable that definite legisla-
tive action should be taken either APPROX
ing the awards to be tinsl, or providing
some mode for re-exanination OF the
claims.
AND SOUTH AMERICA.
Our relations with the Republics OF Cen
trail and South America, and with the En-
pire OF Brazil have continued without Sc
rious change further than the temporary
interruption of diplomatic intercourse
with Venezuela and with Gustauala. Am
HhNt aIItAuN pttu Iuliy
restored with Venezuela. and Il is not
doubted that all grounds of misunderstand
Ing with Guatamala will speedily be re-
moved with all these countries. There
are favorable Indications OF disposition
on the part OF their governments aud peo-
pie 10 reeiprocate our efforts In the direc-
ton of increased commercial intercourse
THE SAMOAN ISLANDS.
The Governments of the Samoan Islands
have sent All envoy In the person OF It's Sec
retary Of State To invite the Government of
the United States 10 encourage and pro-
tect their independence, TO establish COM
mercial relations, with their people. and
To assist them In their steps toward re-
sponsiole and regulated Government. The
inhabitants OF these Islands having made
considerable progress IN Christian civiliza-
ton. and the development OF trade are
doubtful OF their ability to maintain peace
aud Independence without the aid Of some
stronger power The subject il deemed
worthy OF respectful atteuiios. aud the
claims upon our assistance by this distant
comTunty viii be carefully considered.
TRADE RELATIONS
The long Commercial! depression In the
United States has directed attention TO the
eign trade and the methods for its develop
meut, not oiay with Europe but with 9TH
cr countries. and especially With the States
aud Sovcrgeuties of the Western Htmis-
phctc. Instructions from the Department
OF State we're issued u the variou. diplo-
uaiic and consular Offices OF the Govern
ment asking them to devote attention 10
the Question OF methods by which trade
between the respective countries OF their
official residence aud the United States
could be most judiciously fo.ierci. In ODE
d.encc 10 these Instructions. examinations
sud reports upon this subject have been
made by many OF these officers and trans
nitted 10 the Department, and the same
are submitted for the consideration OF
Congress.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES.
Ths annual report OF the Secretary OF
the Treasury on the state o: the finances
presents important questions for the action
OF Congress. upon some OF which have
already remarked. The revenues OF the
government daring the fiscal year. ending
June 30, 1877, were s269, 600 $50 g. The
total expenditures for the same period
were s23s $50 ,00s %. leaving a-urpius OF
$50 $40 ,577.6 %. -Ihls las substantially
supplied The requirements OF the sinking
ahilI ltA AuAk year. ut Akfl TeFfi4-
ue, Of the current fiscal year are s265 900
600 and the estimated expenditures Tor the
same periods are s232, ,430. .643.72. II these
estimates prove 10 be correct there will be
surplus revenue OF s33 O69 1856 2S, at
amount nearly sufficient for the sinking
fund Tor that year. The estimated rrve-
nues Tor the next fiscal year are $3.50 30
90. IL sppears from the report that dur
ins the last fiscal year the revenues OF the
government compared with the previous
year have largely decreased This de-
crease. amounting 10 SIS, las 4j2, was
mainly In customs duties, caused partly By
large falling on Of the amount of imported
dutiable goods and partly by the general
fall OF prices In the markets OF production
OF such articles as pay al yaloren taxes.
OUR EXPORTS.
While this Is frlt iniuriou.lv 10 the dim
mutton oi the revenue II has been accom-
panied with a very large Increase OF eX-
portations The total exports during the last
fiscal year, including coin, have been $685.
b31, ,t5I and the Imports have been si92,-
O9I $40. leaving balance OF trade In favor
OF the United States amounting TO the sum
Of sl66,ji9 ,9lT, the beneficial effects of
which extend 10 all branches of business.
The estimated revenue for the next fiscal
year will impose upon Congre-. the duty
OF strictly limiting appropriations, luclud-
ing the requisite sun Tor the maintenance
OF the sinking fund. within the aggregate
estimate OF the receipts while the aggre.
gate oftaxes should not BE- increased.
AMENDMENTS TO TIE REVENUE LAWS.
Amendments might be made to the reve-
nue. laws that would. without diminishing
the revenue. relieve the people from unnec
essary burdens. a tax on tea and coffee
Is shown by the experience, not only OF
our own country, but Of other countries to
be easily collected without loss BY under
valuation or fraud and largely borne in the
country oi production. A tax OF 10 cents
pound on tea and cents Il pound OF cof-
fee. would produce q revenue exceeding
el2 900 900 and thus enable Congress to
repeal q multitude OF annoying take. yield
Ing a revenue not exceeding that sum.
The Internal rg;a..-- system grew out OF
the necessities OF the war aud most of the
legislation imposing taxes upon domestic
products under the system has been re-
pealed by the substitution of a tax on tea
and coffee. All forms of Internal taxation
may be repealed, except that on whishey,
spirits, tobacco and beer.
MORE VIGOROUS LAWS.
Attention Is also called To the necessity
of making more vigorous laws for the pro-
lection OF the revenue and for the punish
ment of frauds and smuggling, This can
best be done by judi':ious provisions that
will induce the disclosure OF attempted
fraud by under valuation and smuggling.
All revenue laws should be simple ia their
provisions and easily understood. So far
AS practicable the rates of taxation should
be in the form OF specific duties and NOT ad
valorem requiring the judgment of exper-
fenced men 10 ascertain value, and expos
ing the revenue TO the temptation of frauds
THE COLLECTION OF CUSTOMS.
Ny attention has been called during the
recess OF Congress to abuses existing in the
collection of Customs and strenuous efforts
have been made tor their correction by ex-
ecutive orders. and the recommendations
submitted to the Secretary OF the Treasury
by commission appointed to examine into
the collections OF customs duties at the
port OF New York, containing many sug-
Qestious.fOr the modification OF the Gu ustoms