South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-12-08
The Presidents Message.


| WAsHINSroS, Dec. 5.-The Presi-
dents message was read in both uou-
sea OF Congress to-day. 1t makes Elk
columns OF the Star paper. The Presi.
dent renews his recommendation of
last year for extensive reductions in
the annual revenue OF the govern
ment TO relieve the industry and en-.
terprlse OF the country from the pres
sure of the unnecessary taxation, In
view of the lessons taught by the re-
cent elections it is likely that the Re-
publican majority in Congress will
pay more attention to his recommen-
dations this year than they did last.
The Republican party has paid pret-
~ dearly for the rejection OF his wise
advice. President Arthur in his last
message recommended the abolition
OF all internal revenue taxes except
those upon tobacco in its various
forms, and upon distilled spirits and
fermented liquors. lie goes step
further now, and advises the ahroga-
ton OF all internal taxes save those
which relate TO distilled spirits. lie
also urges u revision OF the tariff,
which shall include an enlargement.
CT the free list. simphtication OF the
complex and inconsistent schedule OF
duties npon certain manufactures,
particularly those of cotton, iron, and
steel, and substantial reduction of
the duties upon those articles, and mp.
on sugar. molasses, silk, wool ard
wooden goods.
lie takes wholesome ground i'm re-
gard to the river aud hal Dor bill e.
normlty, and suggests that grants of
considerable SUMS of money for III.
verse and independent schemes oil in,
terna! improvement should ne made
The subjects ot separate enactmeuts;
or us an alternative proposition the
adoption or the provision in force in
fourteen of the States that the eXe-
eutive may disapprove any lien, or
items OF bill arpropriatimg money;
whereupon the part only oil the Jill
approved shall become lav.
In the line of rcdact.on also, tic
President recommends reducing the
rates of postage. lie says: The lie
port OF the Postmaster General gives
| evidence OF the satisfactory con diti0n
OF that department and contains ma
| ny valuable data ami ACCOMPANYING
suggestions which cannot fail to be OF
interest. TIE information which it
affords, that The receipts Cor TIE fiscal
year have exceeded the eSpcn, iltuges,
must be very gratifying to Congress
aud To the people o! the country. As
matters which may fairly claim yoar
| attention. | refer YOU To his o6serva-
tons ia reference to the alvis,bi!ity
Of changing The present basis tor fix.
ing salaries and allowances. oil extend
ing the money order sl stem, OF Ell.
larging the functions 81 the postal es-
adjustment SO as To PIT under its
control the telegraph system OF the
country, though from ..ls last and
most important recommendation |
must withhold my concu renee.
Al the last ses sion ot Congress Sc
veral bills were introduced into the
House of Represe thtlves for the re-
ductlon of letter postage to the rate
Of two cents per half ounce. l have
given much study and reflection 10
this subject and arm thoroughly per-
suaded that sucl re iuciiOn would
be for the best Interests OF the pnbilc
II has been the policy of ibe Govern
Incnt FROM lis foundation TO deiray
as far rs possible the expenses OF car
l,x., III - IN t,..
form of postage 1t has never been
claimed, ho3ever, that this service
should be productive OF net reven-
ne. am confident that
the receipts under the diminished
rates would equal tho expenditures
after the lapse OF three or four years.
President Arthur takes 40 back
ward stel in regard to- the prosecu-
ton of the star route thieves. Refer
ring to- his instructions last year to-
the Attorney General to prosecute
tie star route cases with the utmost
vIgor of the law aud to the zeal and
ability with which the late trial was
conducted, he says with emphasis in
regard to- the new trial /:
III any guilty persons shall fiually
escape punishment for their oifeuses it
will not be for lack OF dilgent anG
earnest efforts on the part of the pro-
secutiOn.'
The President, in treating the qncs-
ton of political contributions, gives
q quiet but effective rebuke to the
IIubbeI stl Ie Of levying assessments.
Such contributions, he says, are not
voluntary, and in his Judgment
their collection shoull be Prohibited
by law.
In concluding his message the
President has good word to say IN
behalf OF District interests aud OF the
duty Of Congress, having exclusive