The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-12-09


with propriety, he repealed, and the law also
by which banks and bankers are assessed upon
their capital and deposits. There seems To be
a general sentiment in favor OF this course In
the present condition of our revenues the
tax upon the deposits is especially unjust. Ii
was never imposed in this country until 1t was
demanded by the necessities OF war, was never
exacted, believe in any other country even
in it's greatest exigencies. Bankers are re-
auired to secure their circulation by pledglng
with the Treasurer of the United States
bonds of the general Government. The in
terest upon these bonds, which at the
time when the tax was imposed was
6 per cent, il now in most in
stances 81 per cent, and besides, the entire
circulation was originally limited by law, and
no increase was allowable. When the existing
banks had practically monopoly OF the bust
ness there was force in the suggestion that Tor
the franchise TO the favored grantees the Gov
eminent might very properly exact tax on
circulation, but for years the system has
been free and the amount of clrcula-
ton regulated by the public demand.
The retention of this tax has been suggested
as means of reimbursing the Government for
the expense Of printing and furnishing the
circulating notes LII the tax should be re-
pealed IL would certainly be proper to require
the national banks TO pay the amount OF such
expense TO the Comptroller of the Currency.
1t is perhaps doubtful whether the immedi-
ate reduction of the rate of
TAXATION UPON LIQUORS AND TOBACCO
is advisable, i'll view of the drain upon the
treasury which must attend the payment OF ar
rears Of pensions. comparison. however, OF
the amount OF taxes collected under the vary
ing rates of taxation which have at different
times prevailed suggests the intimation that
some reduction may soon be made without dim
mutton OF the revenue.
THE TARIFF LAWS
also need revision, but that a due regard may
be paid to the conflicting interests of our citi-
zens, important changes should be made with
caution. If a careful revision cannot be made
at this session, O commission, such as was
lately approved by the Senate and ID now recon-
mended by the Secretary of the Treasury,
would doubtless tighten the labors Of Congress
whenever this subject shall be brought to its
consideration.
SECRETARY OF WAR.
The accompanying report of the Secretary OF
War will make known the operations Of that
department for the past year. He suggests
measures for promoting the efficiency of the
army by adding to the number OF its officers
and recommends the legislation necessary to
increase the number Of enlisted men TO 80, 00O
the maximum allowed by law. This he deems
necessary TO maintain quietness on our ever
shifting frontier,t to preserve peace and suppress
disorder and maraudlng IN the new settlements
to protect settlers and their property against
Indians, and Indians against the encroach-
ments Of intruders; and to enable peaceable
immigrants to establish homes In the most
remote parts of our country. The army is
now necessarily scattered over such vast
extent of territory, that whenever an out
break occurs, relnforcements must be hurried
from many quarters over great distances
and always at heavy cost for transportation
Of men, horses, wagons and sup
of the Secretary for increasing the
army to the strength Of $4,000 enlisted men.
1t appears by the Secretary's report that in the
absence of disturbances on the frontier the
troops have been actively employed in collect
ing Indians hitherto hostile and locating them
on their proper reservations that Sitting Bull
and his adherents are now prisoners at Fort
Randall that the Utes have been moved
to their new reservation in Utah; that
during the recent outbreak OF the Apa-
ches it was necessary 10 reinforce the
garrison in Arizona by troops withdrawn
from New Mexico, and that some Apaches
are now held prisoners for trial, while some
have escaped and the majority of the tribe are
now OH their reservations. There is need of
legislation TO prevent intrusion upon the lands
set apart for the Indians. A large military
force, at great expense, Is required to patrol
the boundary line between Kansas and the
Indian Territory. The only punishment that
at present can be inflicted is the forcible re-
moval Of the intruders. and the imposition of a
pecunlary fine which. IN most cases, it is inn
possible to collect. There should be penalty
by imprisonment in such cases.
SIGNAL SERVICE.
The separate organization of the Signal Ser
vice is used by the Secretary Of War, and full
statemsnt of the advantages of such perma-
nent organization Is presented in the report of
the Chief Signal Officer. A detailed account
OF the useful work performed by the Signal
Corps and the Weather Bureau are also given
in thatTeport.
THE INDIAN BUREAU.
L ask your attention TO the statements of the
Secretary of War regarding the acquisitions
frequently made by the Indian Bureau upon
the Subsistence Department of the army for
the casual support OF bands or tribes of In
dams for which appropriation are exhausted.
The War Department should not be left by
reason OF inadequate provision for the Indian
Bureau to contribute for the maintenance Of
the Indians.
COAST DEFENsEs
The report of the Chief Of Engineers fur
nishes detailed account OF the operations for
the Improvement OF rivers and harbors. L
commend TO your attention the suggestions
contained in this report in regard to the con-
ditlon OF our Notifications, especially our coast
defenses, and recommend an increase of the
strength of the engineer battalion, by which
the efficiency OF our torpedo system would be
improved.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
l also call your attention to the remarks upon
the improvement Of the South Pass OF the
Mississippi river, the proposed free bridge at
Georgetown over the Potomac river the inn
portance OF completing at an early day the
north wing of the War Department building, and
other recommends tons Of the Secretary of War
which appear in his report The actual ex-
pendtures OF this department for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1881, were S42 122, POI. 80.
The appropriations for the year 1882 were
ga, 1888, 725.42. The estimates for 1883 are
$44, 541, 276.91.
The report Of the Secretary Of the Navy ex-
hibts the condition of that branch OF the SER
vice, and presents valuable suggestions for its
improvement. L call your especial attention
also to the appended report of the Advisory
Board which he convened to devise suitable
measures for increasing the efficiency of the
navy, and particularly 10 report as TO the char
acter and number of vessels necessary to place
1t upon footing commensurate with
the necessities of the Government. I
cannot too strongly urge upon you my con-
ylction that every consideration of national
safety, economy and honor imperatvely de-
mands thorough rehabilitation of our
navy, with just appreciation of the
fact that compliance with the suggestion of
the head Of that department and of the
Advisory Board, must involve large ex-
of tho p1,b1ic ,,,,Davs n oo.r