National Republican., 1882-12-05
TIhc rlrrsi,1rnf,s NTcasn,er.

mind.
Our ncople do not dwell very long on any
ono class of themes, and they are less excited
ROW than they were II year ago concerning the
tlayton-Bulwer treaty, the South American
struggle, and the peace conference, which the
late Secretary Blaine was so earnest in
advocating when he was not too busy letting
of helligerent dispatches at Chilli and Great
Britain. These topics take their places, how
ever, in the message. The President calmly
assures Congress that the claim of the United
States to the supervision and control of any
intcroceanic canal has continued to be the
subject of conference. He does not appear to
think that the modification of the Clayton
Bulwer treaty can be fastened or made easier
Peru troubles that Chill is fully aware of our
opinion as to the taking of territory for
indemnity if the payment of money
can be secured. So far as the moral
influence of this government can lparate
it has been exercised faithfully Ninst
Chili's harsh demands. There is no way for
the United States to compel Chill to follow its
advice except at the cannons mouth, and we
have no cause for war. The peace conference
has been abandoned, as by its terms it was
never to be held until all our South American
neighbors were at peace. The President
recommends legislation under which the Ex-
ecutive may be authorized to appoint delegates
to conferences of nations for whatever pur-
pose convened.
The most important part of the message is
that in which the subject of taxation is dealt
with. To relieve the people Of the unneces-
sary burden of taxation under which a sur
plus of $145,000,000 was accumulated last year,
it is recommended that all internal tdreS eG-
Cept those upon spirits be abolished The Prosi-
dent also favors the abolition of the excise
tax, when it shall no longer bo needed to sup
plement the income from duties, but CON
siders it unsafe to do away With it now, in
view of the demands of the increased pension
list. The readers of THE REPUBLICAN, will
remember that those views have been repeat
edly urged in these columns.
Upon the subject of the tariff, the recon-
mendations Of the President are more radical
and positive than many anticipated. He is
explicit in declaring for aid and protection
to domestic labor" as an element in our tariff
system. He would enlarge the free list, and
make substantial reductions in the duties on
cotton, iron, steel, sugar, molasscs, silk, wool
and wooden goods.
The message deprecates any appropriation at
this session for the Improvement of rivers and
,,I nc mt Of bn ipbt
millions last appropriated are still unoX,
pended, and as burnt children dread the fire
we rather think this recommendation will be
needed. An exception is made in the case O
the improvement Of the Mississippi, if it shall
he found dangerous to delay such an appro
priation.
The President recommends that if it is no
deemed practicable to lcgislate separately fol
different objects of internal Improvement, t.
the end that the friends of q wise measure
may support It without voting against theil
Judgment on other measures, then the Consti
tuition be so amended as to allow the EXccu
tive to veto any item of appropriation which
may not be by him approved. This plan ha'
already been adopted in fourteen of tn,
States
Of the Navy the President says of it dubi
ously with such ships as we possess" He call
attention approvingly to the recommendation
of the Secretary of the Navy for the cOnstruc
| tion of two additional cruisers and q dispatcl
boat. He dwclls upon the near relation be
! tween the Navy and the commercial marine
and says that the disadvantages which Amer
lean shipbuilders and shipowners labor unde
| should be in some way overcome.
The PostmGster-Gc General says his depart
ment has received more than it has paid OIL
| during the year. The President recommend
| the reduction of letter postage to two cents
and sustuins the proposition by very earnes
and convincing argument.
He alludcs to the star-route prosecutions
and reasscrts that if any guilty person shal
escape il will not be for lack of earnestnes
and fidelity in the prosecution.
Among other recommendations are thos
for national bankrupt law, government al
to States 90 enable them to reduce the fearful
ratio of illiteracy developed by the census
and some measure for forest preservation an
| cultivation.
Upon the subject of appointments to ofic
the President is plain and outspoken. II
fayors the pending Senate bill, or a simila
one, by which definite term and stabl
tenure may be assured for subordinates. A
to the offices filed by appointment by tn
President, he corrects the prevalent impre'
sion as to the exercise by him of the power {
removal. He gives the figures to show thg
the percentage of removals to the number
appointments made by him has bee
but rs, while under President Hayt
it was o, and under President CARTEL
22.7. The latter removed eighty-nine person
in four months; President Arthur has T,
moved exactly the same number in fourtee
months. Upon the subject of political asses
ments, so-callcd, the President declares thG
while contributions really voluntary could nC
be reasonably objected to, the system shoul
be abolished Of calling upon oAice-holdCrs fo
money, for the reason that many are believe
to give for fear of the consequences of relus
ing.
! Thus rapidly We have given mere inde;