Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1882-12-14
Presidents Message.

The document is business-like state
ment of the affairs of the country. 1t
treats of foreign affairs. the Chilli Peru
Wan war. proposed Peace Congress, for
elgn Diplomatic Corps, collisions at sea,
a common prime meridian, interchange
of official documents between govern
meats salaries of diplomatic officers,
Treasury reporfs foreign commer Ma
tional banks. silver coinage. reduction
of taxation, revenue from customs, mil
itary. compulsory retirement of army
officers, river and harbor repairs, mara-
time matters, loss of the Jeanette. the
Rogers expedition, available Naval
force, navy yards, Bureau transfers,
American shipping interests, postal
matters. reduction OF letter postage, De-
partment of Justice. Star route trial
National bankrupt law, Interior Depart;
ment, railroad land grants, illiteracyin
the Union. Interstate commerce, sup
preston of polygomy, needs of Terrific
ries, agricultural matters. civil service,
removals from office, political assess
ments, needs of the District. and the
Importance of legislation with reference
to Presidential Electors and powers and
duties of the Vice President in case of
disability of the President. ---...-e
The increase of travel and traffic. at
sea has become so great that the impor
tance of legislation with reference to sea
paths, to prevent collisions, demands
immediate and careful attention. and
should be pressed to the front for con-
sideration. ae 10
OF the s12s,0o0.Oeo of silver dollars
minted, but S35.eoO,OO0 are in circula-
tion. If certificates are to be issued for
circulation, based on coin, gold certifl-
Gates, it seems, should take the place Of
those based on silver. The outlook is
that they will
The reduction of taxation is popular
measure. Taxation has not been OPP
pressive to the extent of inficting upon
people serious 6nrncial burden. The
public debt was being wiped out rapid
ly, and current expenses were being
paid, besides large pension list, but too
many temptations existed in an over
flowing treasury hence the necessity of
reduction was added to the weight of
popularity. The cotemplated reduction
is at least S100,OOO,O0O, if not more
A total abrOgation of internal taxes
except those which relate to distilled
spirits. is recommended.
If the tax OH domestic spirits be re-
tanned, the President is of the opinion
that large reductions from the customs
revenue are entirely feasible. In making
this change he would afford protection
to domestic labor, but equalize the bur-
den among all classes and occupations.
He recommends "a simplitication of the
complex and inconsistent schedule
of duties upon certain manufactures.
particularly those of cotton, iron and
steel, and substantial reduction upon
those articles, and upon sugar, mOlasses,
silk, wool and weolen goods.
The recommendation that each apprO-
priatiop bill be passed and submitted to
the President upon its merits, has too
much business sense in it to meet with
much favor from the men who passed
the River and Harbor bill over the
Presidents veto.
The weakness of the Navy is apparent.
The bombardment of Alexandria is sug-
gestive. 1t is time, in the light of our
vast revenue and growth as "a nation.
that some steps were taken-not in |
haste-to put the Navy on more re-
spectacle footing.
The reduction of postage to two cents
is popular measure and proper meas-
ure. and should be done at the present |
session of Congress. The statement of |
the President shows that it can be done |
for less money, in excess of the postal
revenue, perhaps, than the Star route
stole from the Government. |
National help is invoked to aid wip |
ing cut the alarming state of illiteracy
developed by the census of 1880.
In his judgment. action upon civil
service should not be postponed.