Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-12-11

nose is now on his way TO Siberia bearing
the testimonials voted by Congress TO those
who generously succored the survivors OF the
unfortunate jeanette expedition.
II is gratifying to advert TO the cordially
of our intercourse with Spain. The long.
pending claim OF the owners of the ship Ma
sonic for loss suffered through the admitted
dereliction Of the Spanish authorities in the
Philippine islands has been adjusted by arbi-
tration, and an indemnity awarded The
principle of arbitration in such cases to
which the United States have long and con.
sstently adhered thus receives fresh and
gratifying confirmation.
CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION.
The inadequscy of existing legislation
touching citizenship and naturalization de-
mands our consideration. While recogniz-
ing the right of expattiation, no statutory
provision exists providing means for renounc-
ing citiz snshp by an American citizen, native
born or naturazsd or for terminating and
vacating an improper acquisition OF citizen
ship. Even fraudulent decree Of naturali-
cation cannot now be Cancelled The PRIV
leRe and franchise of American citizenship
should be granted with care, and extend to
those only who intend in good faith to assume
its duties and responsibilities when attaining
its privileges and benefits II should be with
held from those who merely 60 through the
forms Of naturalization, with the intent OF
escaping the duties OF their original allegiance
without taking upon themselves those OF
their new states, or who may acquire the right
OF American citizenship for no other than
hostile purpose toward their original govern
ments These evils have had many higrant
illustrations.
RECIPROCITY WITH THE WEST INDIES.
On taking Office 1 withdrew for re examina-
~ iii C,,ns -, aud Gnntn
Domingo, then pending before the senate.
The result has been to satisfy me OF the mex
pediency of entering into engagements OF this
character not covering the entire trathc.
These treaties contemplated the surrender by
the United States of large revenues for made
quate considerations. Upon sugar alone du-
ties were surrendered to an amount far eX-
ceeding all the advantages offered in each
case. Even were it intended to relieve our
consumers, il was evident so long as the K
emption but partially covered our importa-
tons, that such relief would be illusory. 70
relinquish a revenue so essential seemed high
ly improvident at a time when new and large
drains upon the treasury we're contemplated.
Moreover, embarrassing questions would have
arisen under the favored nation clauses OF the
treaties with other nations.
THE CONSULAR AND DIPLOMATIC SERVICE.
l earnestly urge that Congress recast the
appropriations for the maintenance of the
diplomatic and consular service on footing
commensurate with the importance OF our
national interests. At every post where a
representative is necessary, the salary should
be 80 graded as to permit him to live with
comfort With the assignment of adequate
salaries, the so called notaral extra-official
fees which our officers abroad are now per
mitted to treat as personal perquisites should
be done away with. Every act requiring the
certific atom and seal of Office should be taxa
BILE at schedule rates, and the fee therefor re-
turned to the treasury. By restoring these
revenues to the public use, the consular ser
vice would be self-supporting, even with q
liberal increase of the present low salaries
In further prevention of abuses, system Of
consular inspection should be instituted.
THE FINANCES.
The report of the secretary u y exhibit
the condition of the public finances and o
ths several branches of the government con
nected with his department. the ordnar!
receipts from all sources for the fiscal yea
ended June 80 1885 we're, 1922 600 706 o
this sum $1Sl, All 939 was received from
customs, and $l12, 49S, 725 from internal rev
enue The total receipts, as given above
were S24 500, 1853 less than those for the yea
ended June 80 1884. This diminution em
braces a falling of of $l3, 800, $50 in the re
ceipts from customs and 50 6S7 BAG in tn
receipts from internal revenue. The total or
binary expenditures of the government TO
the f cal year were $500, 22G, 935, l. aving
surplus in the treasury at the close of th
year of 500, 4G3 III. This is $40 929, 50
less than the plus re ported at the close o
the previous year.
The amount paid on the public debt dur
ing the fiscal year ended June 80, 1885, wa
$45, 993, 235, and there has been paid sine
that date and up to November l, 1885, tn
sum of 1860, 1928, leaving the amount OF deb
at the last named date 81, 5l4, AS, $50. Their
was, however at that time, in the treasur
applicable to the general purposes of tn
government, the sum of $6G 8lS 292.
The value of the exports from the Unite
States to foreign countri IS during the las
fi1oal year was as folio VS.; Domestic mer
chandise. $726 Gs2 ,9iG; foreign merchan
disc, $l5, SOC 500; total, $742, 1879, 75j gold
$s,477, 500; silver, S33, 753, 633; total, S7si
42l,2S
OF the entire amount of duties collected
20 per cent was collected from the folowin
articles of import Sugar and molasses q
wool and its manufactures Is, silk and il
manufactures s, iron and steel and their mai
ufactures Z, cotton manufactures g. fl u
hemp and jute and their manufactures 3.
REDUCTION OF REVENUE
The fact that our revenues are in excess {
the actual needs of an economical admin
tration of the government justifies redut
ton in tue amount exacted from the peop
for its support. Our government is but th
means established by the will of free pee
pie by which certain principles are applied
which they have adopted for Fir benet
and protection, aud it is never better admir-
istered and its true spirit is never better oil
served than when the peoples taxation fo
its support is scrupulously limited to the Al
tual necessity of expenditure, aud distribute
according to a Just aud equitable plan. Th
proposition with which we have to deal
the reduction of the revenue received by th
government and indirectly paid by the pee
pie from customs duties. The question {
free trade is not involved nor is there no
any occasion for the general discussion of th
wisdom or expediency of a protective system
Justice and fairness dictate that in any moo
iication Of our present laws relating to rev'
nue., the industries and interests which hay
been encouraged by such law and in whic
our citizens have large investments, shoul
not be ruthlessly injured or destroyed. W
should also deal with the subject in such
manner as to protect the interests of Amer
can labor which is the capital of our worl
ingmen. Its stability and proper remunert
ton furnish the most justifable pretext for
protective policy. Within these limitations
certain reduction should be made in OF
customs revenue The amount of such r,
duction having been determined, the inquir
follows, where can it best be RENTED, an
what articles can best be released from dut
in the interest of our citizens? l think th
reduction should be made in the revenue d,
rived from tax upon the imported nece
saries of life. We thus directly lessen II
cost of living in every family of the land an
release to the people in every humble hou
larger measure of the rewards of frugal il
dustry.
THE NATIONAL BANKS.
During the year ending November !, 1SS
l45 national banks were organized, with a
aggregate capital of SIG, 938 900, and CT
culating notes have been issued to the
amounting to $4,274, $40. The whole nun
Der of these banks in existence on the d.
above mentioned was 2727. Nothing mo
important than the present condition of OF
currency and coinage can claim your atte
ton.
THE SILVER COINAGE.
Since February, 1878, the government ha
under the compulsory provisions of law, pu
chased silver bullion aud coined the same
the rate of more than 80 600 600 eVei