Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1883-12-12

1884, leaving surplus revenue of
$132,S79,44441.
Hitherto the surplus, as rapidly
as it has accumulated, has been de-
voted TO the reduction OF the nation
al debt As a result the only bonds
now outstanding which are redeema-
bic at the pleasure of the govern
ment are the 3 per cents, amounting
to S305, ,000,000. The Al per cents,
amounting to S250,000,000, and the
S737, 100000 of 4 per cents, are not
payable until 1891, and 1909, respec-
lively. If the surplus shall hereafter
be as large as the treasury estimates
now indicate, the 3 per cent. bonds
may all be redeemed at least four
years before any of the 4 per cents.
can be called in The latter, at the
same rate of accumulation of surplus,
can be paid at maturity and the mon
eys requisite for the redemption Of
the 4 per cents. will be in the treas
ury many years before those obliga-
tions become payable.
1t is only by excessive taxation that
the debt is SO rapidly reduced. 1t is
recommended that all excise taxes be
removed, except those on distilled
spirits, and that substantial reduc-
tions be made in therevenue from Gus
toms.
OF the S35O,O00,0O0 to support
the national bank circulation $780,
100000 are in 3 per cent. bonds and
these bonds are payable at the pleas
ure of government. If the surplus
revenue be kept up it viii be but a
few years till the 8 per cent. bonds
will be called in and the-calling in of
S200,000,000 of bank notes would
create tight money market. This
subject is recommended as acquiring
thoughtful consideration.
1t is recommended that the trade
dollar be redeemed
The revenue districts Of the coun-
try have been reduced in number to
SO.
There has only been one disturb
ance among the indians the past year.
Oar sescoasts are in an unsstisfac-
tory condition SO far as protection n
against a foreign foe goes.
The Militia of the respective States
are in a gratifying state of efficiency,
and national encouragement is sug-
gested-
The reconstruction of the navy is
recommended to the attention OF
Congress.
The reports of the working of the
Post Office Department is gratifying.
The establishment OF Postal Tel
egraphy Is discouraged, government
should, however, be clothed with
some sort of a supervision over tele
graph lines.
1t is suggested that the laws for
the payment OF Federal Court fees
be revived.
The attention of Congress is di-
rected to needed changes IN the pre-
emption laws, and the timber culture
act, also to the state of illiteracy in
certain parts of the country, and the
question Is raised as to whether some
aid is not needed from government
in the primary schools, of the respec-
tive States.
The Mormon problem should be
attached with the ''stoutest weapons
which constitutional legislation can
fashion"
The Department of Agriculture is
reported as working in a satisfactory
manner.
1t is earnestly recommended that
Alaska be put under the protection
Of law
Congress should exercise its con
stitutional power to protect the
States, when the States are power
less against oppressive dealings on
the part of railroad corporations.
1t is suggested that law be en-
acted for the establishment OF for
est preserve on the public lands.
Under an act of Congress foreign
governments have been invited to
participate in the centennial exposi-
ton to be held next year at New
Orleans, in commemoration of the
centuary of the first shipment of cot
ION from a port of the United States.
The civil service reform movement
has proven beneficial. The report of
the civil service reform commission
will afford the means of a more de
finite Judgment.
It is hoped that Congress will act
promptly in passing a resolution to
the question of the Presidential sue
cession in times of greet emergency
which have several times arisen.
Congress is asked to propose a
mendments to the constitution SO
that the President may have the pow
er 10 veto certain clauses in appro-
priation bills without vetoing the
whole bill.
In consideration of the fact that
the Supreme Court declared the Civ
il Rights Bill unconstitutional it is
suggested that Congress take some
constitutional steps to guarantee the
rights that the Civil Rights Act was
thought to cover.
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