The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-12-07

from Venezuela, under the treaty Of April 49, 1885,
created by that treaty. 30 long these matters
pending In Congress the Executive cannot assume
either 70 pass upon the questions presented or 70
II Il sminsntiy desirable Inst definite legislative
action should be taken, either deciding the awards
70 BE- hnal, or providing some method for rock
animation OF The claims .s'.r-ss>.s--ss~Sks.s..
- Southern American Nations. VIZ
Our relations with the republics of Central and
continued without serious change further than the
temporary interruption Of diplomatic intercourse
with vsnexusls and with Guatemala. Amicable re-
esusls, and Il IL mot doubted that all grounds Of
with Guatemala VIII speedily be
removed. From all these countries there are
their Governments and people to reciprocste our
efforts In the direction OF increased commercial In
'eroour'e' ~ samoa. s-s-..ss sss.
The Government OF the Samoan islands has sent
an envoy, in the person Of its Secretary Of STATE
TO invite the Government Of the United States to i'd
wise and protect thar Independence, to estabiish
commercial relations with their people, and 70
sist them In their steps towards responsible ana
regular government The inhabitants of these
islAnds, having made considerable progress In
Christian civilization and the development Of
trade are doubtful Of their ability TO main tain
peace and Independence without the aid OF some
stronger power. The subject II deemed worthy Of
respectful attention, and the claims upon our e.
sistsnce by this distant community viii be carefully
Foreign Commerce.
The long commercial depression in the United
States has directed attention to the subject of the
possible increase Of our foreign trade and the
method for its development, not only with Europe.
but with other countries, and especially with the
states and sovcreignties Of the Western hemisphere
Instructions from the Department Of State were
issued to the various diplomatic and Consular ON
GERS Of the Government, ssking them to devote At
tention 70 the question Of methods by which trade
between the respective countries Of their ofhcial
residences and the United States could he most ju-
diciously forwarded. In obedience to the instruc-
tons, examinations and reports upon this subject
have been made by many Of these officers and trans
mitted to the department, and the same submit
ted TO the consideration OF Congress.
National Finances.
The annual report Of the Secretary Of the Treas.
ury on the state Of the finances presents mportan,
questions for the action Of Congress, upon some OF
which have already remarked. The revenues OF
So 1877, were $3.50 600, $500. The total eIpendi
lures for the same period a238 $50 2O8 9S eav
ing surplus revenue Of $50, ,577.69. This hss
ing fund for that year. The estimated revenues Of
the current fiscal year e265 500 000 and the est
mated expenditures for the same period are S232
ness @ g
amount nearly sufacient for the sinking fund fol
this year. 80.
The estimated revenues for the next fiscal yea,
are $3.50, 100000. 1t appears from the report tina
during the last fiscal year the revenues Of the Gov
eminent, compared with the previous year. hav,
largely decreased. This decrease, amounting 4
the sum Of sls 4sl ,4S2.54, was mainly in customs
amount of imported dutiable goods. and partly b,
the general fall Of prices in the markets Of produo
49, - .tt,lAa
While this 10 felt injurious in the diminuon Of tn
revenue, IL has been accompanied with Q very arg
increase Of expectations. The total export
have been 1888 637 l57, and the imports have beer
S492 O97, $40 leaving balance Of trade In favor
the United States amounting to the sum Of $l66,
$50 917 the beneficial effects Of which extend TO al
branches Of business.
The estimated revenue for the ner ascal yea
will impose upon Congress the duty Of strctly linn
iting appropriations, including the requisite sun
aggregate estimate Of the receipts while the assre
| gate Of taxes should not be increased. Amend
| ments might be made to the Revenue laws tina
would, without diminishing the revenue, relieve tn
people from unnecessary burdens. tax on tea an,
coffee In shown by the experience, not only OF on
| own country, but of other countries, 10 be essi
collected without loss by differentiation or fraud
| and largely borne in the country OF production.
tax Of 10 cents pound on tea and cents per poun
| on coffee would produce revenue exceeding $l2,
600 900, and thus enable Congress to repeal multi
tude Of annoying taxes yielding revenue not ex
ceeding that sum. The internal-revenue system
grew out Of the necessities Of the war, and most
the legislation imposing taxes upon domestic pro
| ducts under this system has been repealed. b
| the substitution OF tax on Tea and coffee, O.
forms Of internal taxation may be repealed, excep
that on whisky, spirits, tobacco and beer. Atten
ton Is also called to the necessity Of enscting
vigorous laws for the punishment Of frauds an
| smuggling. This be best done by judiciou
provisions that viii induce the disclosure Of n
4 IA
| All revenue laws should be simple in their prov
sions, and easily understood. 30 far PRACTICABLE
the rates Of taxation shoud be In the form Of spec
hc duties, and not I'D valorem, requiring the judf
ment of experienced men to ascertain values an
exposing the revenue to the temptation Of fraud.
Customs Abuses.
| Ny attention hiss been called, during the recess
Congress, to the abuses existing In the collection
| the customs, and strenuous efforts have been mad
for their correction by Executive orders. The ye<
concentrations submitted to the Secretary Of th
Treasury by commission appointed to examin
into the collection of customs duties at the port
cation of the customs laws TO which the attention
Congress Is invited.
Public Credit.
II is o matter of congratulation that, notwitl
standing the severe burdens caused by the war, th
public faith with all creditors has been preserved
and the result Of this policy the public credit ha
continuously advanced, and public securities are n
garded with the highest favor in the markets Of tn
cast shadow upon its credit.
The Public Debt.
| The progress Of reminding the public debt ha
| been rapid and satisfactory. Under the contras
existing when entered upon the discharge Of ID
duties Of my Office, bonds bearing interest at tn
| rate Of ~ per cent were being rapidly sold, an
within three months the aggregate sales Of thes
| bonds had reached the sum Of 5000, 100000.
With my sanction, the Secretary of the Treasur
entered into new contract for the sale Of 4-pei
cent. bonds, and within thirty days after the pops
scriptons were had amounting to $75 $50, whic
were paid for within ninety days after the date G
| subscription. By this process, within but nttl
more than one year, the annual interest on the pub
lie debt was reduced in the sum Of 80. 200.
Savings Funds.
recommend that suitable provision be made I
enable the people to easily convert their saving
| into Government securities, as the best mode l
| which small savings may be well-secured and yel
| o moderate interest.
1t is an object of public policy TO retain anon
our own people the securities Of the United State
| In this way our country IL guarded against the
| sudden return from countries, caused by war {
other disturbances, beyond our limits.
American shipping.
The commerce Of the United States with foreig
nations, and especially the export OF domestic prt
auctions, has OF late years largely increased but Ii
| vessels. The importance Of charging our foreig
trade, and especially by direct and speedy int
change with countries on this continent cannot I
over-estmated, and IL il q matter Of great momer
| that our own shipping interest should receive,
the utmost practical extent the beneht Of OF
commerce with other lands. These consideration
are forcibly urged by all the large commercial ci
| nd m to