Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-12-05
The Message.

President Arthur devotes about
One-ffth Of his long message to for
eign affairs, but as this country is at
peace with all nations, nothing impor-
tant is evolved or recommended. ex-
cept that he is in favsr Of the proposed
peace conference, and hopes that the
time is at hand when international
differences shall be settled by arbitra-
tion.
Considerable space is devoted to the
report Of the Secretary Of the Treas.
ury. The total ordinary receipts for
the fiscal year ended June Both,
amounted to $4O3, ,525 ,25O %; total or
binary expenses, $267, ,98l, ,43957.
During the year there have been or.
ganized III national banks making 2269
in operation, a greater number than
ever before. The value of their notes
July LIST were 1924 ,656, ,45S.
He thinks tie further coinage Of
silver not desirable. OF $l2S,OOO,OOO
thus far minted little more than s35,
100000 are now in circulation. The
vaults are overburdened with silver.
The President is ia favor of redu
cing taxation aud opposes the aocumu.
lation Of more revenues than are
necessary for the wise and economical
administration Of the government
Good Democratic doctrine. The sur
plus revenue for the year ending June
18th, was more than $l45,OOO,0OO.
The rapid e1tinguishment OF the
public debt is not a cause of congrat
ulation. Mr.. Arthur suggests that
all internal revenue taxes, except
these upon tobacco in its various
forms and upon distilled spirits and
fermented liquors, and except also
special tax upon the manufacturers
aud dealers in such articles, can be
dispensed with. The cost Of collec-
ton could be reduced $1,000, 900, AM
the services Of from 1900 to 1000 per-
sons dispensed with. A total abroga-
ton at once of internartaxes would
be unwise-for two reasons:
First-It is by no means clear that
the existing system of duties on i'm
ports, continued without modification,
will yield sufficient revenue for all the
needs Of the government. 1t is esti-
mated that $iOl,OQ9,Q00 will be re-
opire,la for pensions during the coming
Year, and It may well be doubted
whether the maximum snnual demand
for that object has yet been reached.
Uncertainty upon this question woul0
alone justify, in my Judgment, the re
tention for the present Of that portion
of the system ofintersal revenue which
is least Objectionable to the people.
Second-A total adoption Of exer
else taxes would almost inevitably
prove serious if not an insprmoun.
table, objection 10 thoroughrevision
of the tariff and to any considerable
execution in import duties. The
present tariff system is in many re
spects unjust. 1t makes unequal dis
tributions both Of its burdens and its
benefits. This fact was practically
recognized by a majority to each
House Of Congress in the passage OF
an act creating the Tariff Commits
sion.
The tariff question is discussed at
some length. The President favors a
modification, and is evidently trying
to place himself in harmony with the
great majority that undoubtedly Op-
poses the present system.
He makes one very sensible sugges
ton favoring the passage Of the i'm
portant items of appropriation bills as
separate aud independent measures,
thus forcing each one to stand upon
lis own merits. This would require a
constitutional amendment to carry
out his idea in full.
The time seems auspioious for the
reduction of the rates of postage, as
the department now more than pays
expenses.
Attention is called to the necessity
of enlarging the system Of Federal
jurisprudence as to meet the require
ments Of increasing litigation.
The Star Route case has been set
for retrial, and if any guilty persons
escape punishment it will not be for
want Of vigorous prosecution.
Allusion is made to the alarming
state of illiteraCy in some States and
Territories, and It is iptimated that
Congress should supplement the effort
of private bene6cence and State and
Territorial legislation in behalf of cd.
ucation.
Polygamy. il is believed, can be
suppressed underpresont laws without
resort to radical measures.
Life and property should be better
guarded in the Territories preparing
to become great States,
The forests Of the country should
be better protected, especially in tho
Western States and Territories. where
they are rapidly disappearing.
Some very pertinent remarks are
made in regard to civil service reform.
The President would favor the bill
now pending in the Senate, and hopes
that some decisive measures will be
adopted to correct the evils of the
present method of appointment. He
thinks appointment and tenure Of
Office should not be regulated entirely
by party zeal and services.
T.. III, ;rdcmant noiitiooi aaeaas