Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-12-05

peClally IS UnlS tno case with france,
Italy. Russia and Turkey, and to a less
extent with Switzerland. From time to
time earnest efforts have been made to
regulate this subject by conventions
with those countries. An improper use
of naturalization should not be permit
ted, but it is most important that those
who have been duly naturalized should
everywhere be accorded recognition of
the rights pertaining to the citizenship
of the country of their adoption. The
appropriateness of special conventions
for that purpose is recognized in treaties
which the government has concluded
with number of European states, and
it Is advisable that the difficulties which
now arise in our relations with other
countries on the same subject should be
similarly adjusted.
Brazil Satis factory.
The recent revolution in Brazil in favor
of the establishment of republican form
of government, is an event of great in
terest to the United States. Our minis
ter at Rio De Janeiro was at once in
structed to maintain friendly diplomatic
relations with the provisional govern
ment. and the Brazilian representatives
at this capital were instructed by the
provisional government to continue
their functions. Our friendly inter-
course with Brazil has, therefore. suf-
fered no interruption.
Our ministers have been further in
structed to extend on the part of this
government, a formal and cordial recog-
milton of the new republic so soon as the
majority of the people of Brazil shall
have signified their assent to Its estab-
ishment and maintenance.
Again the Surplus
The treasurers report presents with
clearness the fiscal operations of the
government, and | avail myself of it to
obtain some facts for use here. The ag-
gregate receipts from all sources for the
year were 1881, ,050, ,05S "a. Derived as
follows: From customs, S223, ,S32, IA. SO;
from international revenue. $780, $751;
513.92; from miscellaneous sources, $32,-
335, ,S03. %.
The ordinary expenditures for the
same period were S251, ,996, ,615, and the
total expenditures, including the sinking
fund, were 1929, SIS, ,S69.25 The excess
of receipts over expenditures were, after
providing for the sinking fund, S57, ,4T0,-
1888. For the current fiscal year the
total revenues, actual and estimated, are
$685., ,0O0, 900, and the ordinary expendi-
lures, actual and estimated, are $685.
600, 900, making, with the sinking fund.
total expenditure of S,41 1921, ZIG. 90,
leaving an estimated surplus of S43, ,67S,-
3S3.91.
During the fiscal year there was ap-
piled to the purchase of bonds, in addi-
ton to those for thesinking fund, 800, 1885,
172.35, and during the first quarter Of
the current year the sum of S37, ,S38, ,g37.-
~ oil Of xx-hfoh -
sinking fund. The revenues for the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1891, are
estimated by the treasury department at
$3.50 200, 900, and the expenditures for
the same perioo, including the sinking
fund, at S341. .430, 477.70. This shows an
estimated surplus for that year of S43,-
369. .522. 80, which Is more likely to be
increased than reduced when the actual
transactions are written up.
The existence of so large an actual
and anticipated surplus should have the
immediate attention of congress, with a
view to reducing the receipts of the
treasury to the needs of the government
as closely as may be. The collection of
money not needed for public uses i'm
poses an unnecessary burden upon our
people. and the presence of so large a
surplus in the public vaults is a disturb
ing element in the conduct of private
business. 1t has called into use expedi-
ents for putting it into circulation of
very questionable propriety. We should
not collect revenue for the purpose Of
our bonds, beyond the re-
quirements of the sinking fund, but any
unappropriated surplus In the treasury
should be so used, as there is no other
lawful way of returning the money to
lafi on1 tha --aols-o1 -
the government offers a substantial ad-
vantage. The loaning of public funds
to the banks without interest, upon the
security of government bonds, regard
as an unauthorized and dangerous ex-
pedient. 1t results in a temporary and
increase of the banking capi-
tai of favored localities, and compels
cautious and gradual recall of the depos-
its to avoid injury to the commercial in
icrests. 1t is not to be expected that the
banks having these deposits will sell
their bonds to the treasury so long as the
present highly beneficial arrangement Is
continued. They now practically get
interest both upon the bonds and their
proceeds. No further use should be
made of this method of getting the sur
oIus into circulation, and the deposits
should be gradually with
irawn and applied to the purchase of
bonds. 1t is fortunate that such a use
;an be made of the existing surplus and
or some time to come of any casual sur
1ius that may exist after congress has
AIKEN the necessary step for reduction
If the revenue. Such legislation should
Ne promptly, but very considerably, en-
,cted.
Revision of the Tariff
j recommend a revision of our tariff
avg, both in its administrative features
al in the schedules. The need of the
sTUer is generally conceded. An agree
nent upon tbs evils and inconvenlences to
'e remedied and the best methods for their
will probably not be difficult.
Uniformity of value at all our ports is es-
ential. and effective measures should Be
AIKEN to secure it. 1t is equally desirable
hat questions affecting rates and clsssi-
ications should be promptly decided.
he preparation of a new schedule OF
ustoms duties is a matter of great deli
acy, because of it3 direct effect upon
he business of the country. and of great
Iifficultv by reason OF the wide divergence
# opinion as to the. objects that may
properly be promoted by such legislation.
.ome disturbance of business may per-
laps result from the consideration of this
ubject by congress. but this temporary
l-effect will be reduced to the minimum
" prompt action and by the assurance
which the country already enjoys that
ny necessary changes will be so made
S not to impair the just and reasonable
rotection of our home industries.
he tranquilities of the law should bs
djusted, but the protective principle
hould be maintained and fairly applied
0 the products of our farms as well as
ur shops. These duties necessarily have
elation to other things besides the pub
&c revenues. We cannot limit their
fleets by fixing our eyes on the public
alone. They have a direct val
ation to home production. to work. to
wages, and to the commercial independ-
nee of our country, and the wise and
atriotic legislator should enlarge the
eld of his vision to include all o. these.
he necessary reduction in our public
evenues can, | am sure, be made with
ut making the smaller burden more
nerous than the larger by reason OF the
liabilities and limitations which the
of reduction puts upon both
apital and labor. The free list can very
foI H. o.-k1.1aI br- rDlarfper fharunr.