Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-12-08

laws of the country, and tho manner in
which it palpably influences the question of
wages, should not be forgotten in the justi-
fable prominence given to the proper main
tenance ofthe supply and protection of WELL
paid labor. And these considerations sug-
gest such an arrangement Of Government
revenues as shall reduce the expense of liv-
ing, while it does not curtail the epportuni-
ty for work nor reduce the compensation Of
American labor and ipjuriously affect its
condition and the dignified place it should
have in the estimation of our people. But
eur farmers and agriculturists who
from the soil produce the things consumed
by all-are perhaps more directly and plain
ly concerned than any other of our citizens
in just and careful system of Federal taxa
ton. Those actually engaged in and nee
remotely connected with this kind of work,
number nearly one-half of our population.
Meme labor harder or more continuously
than they. Noenactments limit their hours
of toll and no interposition of the Govern
ment enhances to any great extent the value
of their products. And yet for many of the
necessaries and comforts of life which the
most scrupulous economy enables them to
bring into their homes and for their imple-
ments Of husbandry, they are obliged to
pay price largely increased by an unnat-
ural profit which by the action of the Gov
eminent is given to the more favored manu-
facturer,
recommend that, keeping in view all
these considerations, the increasing and IN
necessary surplus of national income an
nually accommodating be released to the peo-
pie by an amendment to our revenue laws
which shall cheaper the price of the neees-
saries Of life and give freer entrance to such
imported materials as by American labor
may be manufactured into marketable COM
modities. Nothing can be accomplished,
however, in the direction of this much-need
ed reform unless the subject is approached
in patriotic spirit of devotion to tho in
terests of the entire country and with
willingness to yield something for the pub
lie good. While on the subject of tariff and
revenue, the President especially directs the
attention of Congress to the recommenda-
tions of the Secretary of the Treasury
touching the simpli6cation and amendment
of the laws relating to the collection ofreve-
nue..
RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO OTHER SUBJECTS.
The President says he sees no reason to
change his views as given in his last mes
sage on the silver question. He urges bet
ter coast defences. He says Congress
should consider the condition of the Army
and Navy; favors the erection of National
penitentiary; favors a change in the Federal
court system SO as to avoid present delays;
Improvement of the condition of the Indians
by commission of six-three from the
Army to supplement the work of the agents;
speaks warmly in behalf Of tho ex-Federal
soldiers; advocates consideration of the SUBJ
ject Of inter. State commence; thinks ar
bitration in labor troubles would be bene-
fcial; recommends the payment of the ST.
250, 600 still due the creditors of the Freed
mans Savings Bank; says the operation of
the civil service reform regulation has shown
its utility and proposes to keep it up. This
is the last subject Of importance treated Of
in the message.