Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-12-10

our people to demand that. by a revision
of our revenue laws, the receipts of the
government shall be reduced to the nee
esSary expense of its economical admin
iStration: and this demand should he
recognized and obeyed by the peoples
representatives in the legislative branch
of the government. In readiusting the
burdens of federal taxation, a sound pub
lie policy requires that such of our citi
zens as have built up large and impor-
tant industries under present conditions
should not he suddenly and to their in
Jury deprived of advantages To which
they have adapted their business: but if
the public good requires ii. they should
he content with such consideration ~
shall deal fairly and cautiously with
their interests. while the Just demand of
the people for relief from needless taxa
tiOn is honestly answered. \ reasonable
and timely submission to such Il demand
should certainly be possible without dis
astrouS shock to any interest. and a
cheerful concession sometimes aVert>
abrupt. needless action. often the out
growth of impatiencc and delayed Justice
Due regard should be also accorded. in
any proposed readiusunent, to the inter
estS of American labor. so far as they are
involved. recommend that. keep
ing in view all these considerations. the
increasing and unnecessary surplus of
national income annually accumulating
be released to the people by an amend
ment to our revenue laws. which shall
cheaper the price of the neccssares of
life and give freer entrance to such i'm
ported materials as by American labor
may be manufactured into marketable
commodities. Nothing can be accom-
plished. however, in the direction of this
much-needed reform, unless the subject
Is approached III patriotic spirit of de-
votion to the interest of the entire coun-
try, and with Il willingness to yield some
thing for the public good.
During the fiscal year ended June 30,
lSSG, the public debt was reduced S44.-
55l, ,Gi3.3G. During the year ended on
the same date 29,S3S, ,9O5 silver dollars
were coined: the total coinage of these
dollars to December |. 1SSG, was 9247.-
l31, ,j49. In 1873 the intrinsic value of
these dollars was % II cents each; now
it is 7G cents. On the 27th of November
the people held of these dollars. or certit-
icates representing them. SlGG.S13.O4l.
and there were almost eighty millions of
them in the vaults of the treasury, The
President. therefore. recommends that
the coinage of silver dollars be d>cou-
continued
He refers to the defencees> condition
of our coasts and says: "Ihe absolute
necessity. judged by all standards of pru-
dence and foresight. of our preparation
for an etlcctual resistance against the ar.
mored ships and steel guns and mortar,
of modern construction which may threat
en the cities on our coast j. so apparent
that hope effective steps will be takel
in that direction immediately
Speaking of the navy. he rehcarse,
what has often been said of the worth
lessness of the ships which compose it
| The affairs of the post Office department
show marked improvement. The Presi
dent believes that before very long til,
/ present rate of postage will be sutlicien
to make the department self-Supporting.
The remainder of the message is occu
/ ll'u Will til' department reports, ant
contains little of general interest. II
closing Nr. Cleveland discourses at som,
length on civil-servce reform, saying
among other things;
Our civil-scrvicc reform may be i'm
perfect in some of its details; it may b,
misunderstood and opposed; it may no
always be faithfully applied; its designs
may sometimes miscarry, through mis-
take or wilful intents; it may sometimes
tremble under the assaults of its enemies
or languish under the misguided zeal o
impracticable friends. But if the people
of this country ever submit to the ban
ishment of its underlying principle from
the operation of their government, the.
will abandon the surest guarantee of TIN
safety and success of American inStitu
tiOnS. | invite for the reform the cheer
full and ungrudging support of Con
gress.
Why IT WAS VETOED.