Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 9 December 1869 — Page 9

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PRESIDENT! MESSAGE.

WASHINGTON, December 6.

The following is the Message of the President of the Unitod States, delivered to Congress at noon to-day.

In coming before yon for the first time as Chief Magistrate of this nation, it is with gratitude to the Giver oT All Good for the many benefits we enjoy. We'are blessed with' peace at home, and are withoat entangling alliances abroad to forbode trouble. With a territory unsurpassed in fertility, of an area equal to the abundant support of'five hundred millions of people, and abounding in every variety of useful minerals, in quantity sufficient, to supply the world for generations with luxuriant crops, with a variety of climate adapted to the production of every species of earth'* riches, and sui ed to the habits, tastes and requirements of every living thing, with a population of forty millions of free people, all speamngoue language with facilities for every mortal to acquire aneducation with institutions closii to nono the avenues to fame or any blessing of fortune that may be coveted with freedom ot the pulpit, the press and the echools with a revenue flowing Into the National Treasury beyond the requirements of the Government supply harmony is being rapidly restored within our own borders. Manufactures hitherto unknown in our country are springing up in aU directions, producing a degree of national' Iriae* pendcnce unequaled by that of any other -power. These blessings and countless others are entrusted to your care, and mine, and for the safe keeping for the brief period of our tenure-of-office. In a short time we must, each of us, return to the ranks of the people who have conferred upon us our honors, and account to them for otir stewardship. I earnestly desiro that neither you nor I may be condemned by afrce and enlightened constituency, nor ty our own consciences.

Emorgirg irom a rebellion of gigantic magnitude, aided, as it wa«, hy the sympathy and assistance of nations with whom we were at peace, eleven S'ates of the Uuion were, four years ago, lett without legal Stxte Governments a debt had been contracted American commerce wasalmoet driven from the eeas the Industry of one-half the country had been taken from the control of the capitalist, and placed where ail-labor- rightfully belongs, in the keeping of the laborer. The work of restoriogthe State Governments loyal to thi Union, of protecting and fostering free labor and providing means for p«ying the interest on the public debt, is received: ample attention from Congress. Although your efforts have not nivt with the success in all particulars that might have boin desired, yet, on the whole, they have been more sutcetsful than could have been reasonably anticipated. Seven States which passed ordinances of secessioo, have been fully restored to their places in the Union. The eighth (Georgia) h-j)d an election at which she ratified her Constitu ion, republican in form, elected a Governor, members of Cougross. a

State

Legislature,

and nil oner officers required. The Governor was du'v iustalled, and the Legislature met and performed all the acts required of ihem by the reconstruction acts of Congress. Subsequently, however, in violation of the constitution which they had just ratified, as since decided by ttie Supreme Court of the State, they unseated the colored members of the Legislature and admitted 10 seals some numbers who*Wre disqutlifi'jd by the third clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution—an article which thoy themselves had contributed to ratify. Under these circumstances I would submit to you whether it would not be wise, without delay, to enact a law authorizing the Governor of Gjorgi to convene the members originally elected to the Legislature, requiring each number to tike the oa proscribed oy tho Heconstruction act, and none to be admitted who are inelligiblc und .^r me third clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The freedmen, under the protection which they have received, are maslng rapid progress in learning, and no complaints are heard ofa lack of industry on their part when they receive fair remuneration for their laoor.

The means provided for paying the interest on the public debt, with all the other expenses, of the Government, are more than ample. The loss of our commerce is the only result ot the late reboliion which has not received sufficient attention from you. To this subject I call your earnest attention. I will not now suggest plans by which this object may be effected, but will, if necessary, make it the subject of a special message during the session of Congress.

At tho March term, Congress, by joint resolution, authorized the Executive to order an election in the States of Virginia, Mississippi and.Texas jub-

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to be made of the bonds so purchased. The bonds now held by the Treasury amount to about $75,600,000, including those twlonging to the

Sinking fund.

I recommend that the whole placed toi the credit of the sinking fund. Yoor attention is respectfully invited to the recommendations of the Secretary or tho Treasury for tho creating of the office of Commissioner of Customs Revenue for the increase of salary to certaiu classes of officials and the substitution of increased national bond circulation to replace the outstanding 3 per cent, certificates, and more especially to his recommendation for the repeal of laws allowing shares or fines, penalties, forfeitures, etc., to officers of the govemmant., or to informers.

The office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue is ono of the most arduous and responsible under the government, It tells but little- if any, short of a CaDinet position, in its importance and responsibilities. I would ask for it, therefore, such legislation as, in your judgment, will place the office on a footing or dignity commensurate with its importance. and with a character and qualifications of the class of men required to fill it properly.

As the United Stales is ilie ireest of allnatlms, so, too, its people symuathiee with *11 people struggling for liberty ana te!f government but while so sympath sing, it ie dne to our honor that we should abstain from enforcing our views upon unwilling nations, and from taking an interested part, without invitation, in the quarrels between difl'erent nations or between govern mentsand their subjects. Our course should always be in conformity with strict justice and law, international and local. Such has been the policy of the atihlnistratlen in dealing with these questions. For more than a year a valuable province of Spain and a near neighbor of ours, in whom ail our people cannot but feel a deep interest, has been struggling for independence and freedom.

The people and government of the United States entertain the same warm feelings and sympathies for the people of Cub* in their pending struggle tbat they manifested throughout the pre vious struggles between Spain and former colonies in behalf of the latter: but the contest.at no time assumed this conditions which amount to war in the sense or fnleMmt i(fcal'Iiw, jor ,whtih would show the cxist^iMgf Clfe jtibto pbllUou. organization of the insurgents, sufficient to justify a recognition of -belligerency^- The principle is maintained, however, tnat thiS nation is its own judge "When1 to accord the rights of belligerency either to people struggling to irea. themselves from a government that they believe to.be oppressive, or to independent nations at war with each other. The United States have no disposition to interfere with the existing relations of Spain to her colonial possessions on this continent. They believe that in due time Spain and other European Powers will find their interest,in terminating those relations and establishing their present dependencies as independent Powers—members of the family of nations. These dependencies are no longer regarded as subject to transfer from one European power to another. When the present relation of colonies cease, they arc to become independent powers, exercising the right of choice and of self-control In the. determination ot their future condition and relations with other powers. The United States in order to pnt a stop tojbloodstecl in Cuba, and in the interest of neighboring people, proffered their good offices to bring the existing contest to a termination, The ofi'er not being accepted by Spain on a basis which we believed could be received by Cuba, it was withdrawn. It is hoped that the good offices of the United States may yet prove*advantageous for the settlemeat of this unhappy strife. Meanwhile a number of illegal expeditions against Cuba- have been broken up. It has beon the^endeavor of the Administration to execute the neutrality laws in good, faith, no matter how unpleasant tha task, made so by the suffering we have endured from a lack of like good faith toward us by other nations. The United States schooner Lizzie Major was arrested on the high seas by a Spanish frigate, and twopassengers taken from it and carried as prisoners to Cuba. Representation Of these facts were made to the Spanish Government as soon as official Information or them reached Washington. The two passengers wefe set at liberty, and toe Spanish Government' assured the United States that the Captain of the frigate, in making the capture, had acted without law—that he had been reprimanded for the irregularity of his conduct, and that the Spanish authorities in Cuba would not sanction any act that would violate the right or treat with disrespect the sovereignty of this nation.

The question of the seizure of the brig Mary Lowell, at one of the Bahama Islands, by the Spanish authorities. Is now the subject of correspondence between this Government and those of Spain and Great Britain. The Captain General of Cuba, about May last, issned a proclamation authorizing search to be made of vessels on the high seas. Immediate remonstrance was made against this, whereupon the Captain General issned anew proclamation, limiting the right of search of vessels belonging to the United States so far as authorized under the treaty of 1795. This proclamation, however, was iramediaitely withdrawn.

I have always felt tbat the most Intimate relations should be cultivated between the Republic of the United States and all independent nations on this continent. It may be well worth considering whether the treaties between the United States and them may not be profitably entered into, to secure more intimate- relations, friendly commercial intercourse, and otherwise.

The subject of an intcr-oceanic canal to connect the Atlan ic and Pacific Oceans through the Isthmus of Darien is one in which commerce is greatly interested. Instructions have been given to our Minister to the Republic of the United

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The deeds for the property of the company 'have been received. AB appropriation by Congress to meet this sum is asked.

The Commissioners for determining the Northwestern land boundary between the United States and the British Possessions, under the tieaty of 18S(, have completed their labors, and the Commission has dissolved. In conformity with the recommendation of Congress, a proposition was early made to the British Government to abolish tho .mixed courts creatcd under tho treaty pf April 7, 1862. for the suppression of the slave trade. Tho subject is still under negotiation.

It having come to my knowledge, that a corporate company, organized under British laws, proposed to: land1 upon the shores of the United States, and to opera to there, a submarine cab'e. under a concession from Bis Majesty, the Emperor of the French, of an exclusive right for 30 years of telegraphic communication between the shores of France and the Unlted States. with the very objectionable feature or subjecting all messages conveyed thereby to the sovereignty and control of the French Gove .-nnifiit. I canted the French and British Legations at Washington to he made acquainted with the probable policy of Congress on the subject, as foreshadowed by the bill whicli passed the Senate in March last. This drew from the reptepentatives of the company an agreement, to accebt, as the basis of their operations, the provisions Of the bill, or of such other enactment of the subject as might be passed during the approaching session of Congress also to use their influence to, secure from the French Government a modification of their concession, so astopermittlie landing'upon French soil 0~f any cable belonging to any company incorporated by the authority of the United States, or of any State in the Union, and on their part not to oppose the laying of any-such cable. In consideration of this agreement, I directed the withdrawal of all opposition by the United States authorities to tho landing of the cable and to the working of it until the meeting of Congress. I regtiet to say that there has been no modification made in the company's concession,' nor, so far as I can learn, have they attempted to secure one. Their concession excludes the capital and the citizens of the United States from competition nponSthe shores of France. I recommend legislation to. protect the citizens of the United States, as well as the dignity and sovereignity of the nation, against such an assrfmption. It should also endeavor to secure, by negotiation, an abandonment of the principle of monopolies in ocean telegraphic cables. Copies of this correspondence is herewith fttrnished.

The unsettled political condition of other coun tries less fortunate than our own sometimes induces their citizens to come to the United States for the sole purpose of becoming naturalized. Having secured this they return to their native country and reside there without disclosing their change of allegiance. They accept official positions of trust or honor which can only be held by citi/ons of their native land. They journey under passports describing, them as such citizens, and it Is only when civil discord, after, perhaps, years of quiet, threatens them, or threatens tlieir persons or their property, or when their native State drafts them into its military service, that the fact of theirchange of allegiance is made knowu. They reside permanently from the United .States. They contribute nothing to its resources. Thev avoid the duties of its citizenship, and they only make themselves known by a claim of protection. I have directed diplomatic and consular officers of the United States to scrutinize carefully all such claims of protection. The citizen of the Unitca States, whether native or adopted, who discharges his duty to his country, is entitled to its complete protection. While I have a voice in t.he direction of affairs, I shall not consent to infringe the sacred right by conferring it upon fictitious or fraudulent claimants.

On the accession of the present Administration, it was found that the Minister for North Germany had made propositions for the negotiation of a convention for tho protection of emigrant passengers, to which no response bad been given. It was concluded that, to be effectual, all the maritime powers engaged in the trade should join in such a measure. Invitations have been extended to the Cabinets.ofLondon, Paris, Florence, Berliu, Brussels, the Hague, Copenhagen and Stockholm, to empower their representatives at Washington to simultaneously enter into negotiations and to conclude with the United States a convention, identical in form, making uniform regulations as to the construction of the parts of vessels to be devoted to the use or immigant passengers as to the quality and quantity of food as to the medical treat ment of theslck as to the rules to be observed during the voyage, in order to secure ventilation, promote health, and provent intrusion, and to protect the females, and providing for the establishment of tribunals in the several countries for enforcing such regulations by summary process.

Your attention is respectfully called to the law regulating the tariff on Russian hemp, and to the question whether to fix tho charges on this article higher than they are fixed upon manilla, is not a violation of our treaty with Russia, placing her products upon the same footing with tliose of the most favoi ed nations.

Our manufactures arc increasing with wonder fnl rapidity, under the encouragement which they now receive, with the improvements in machinery already effected and still increasing, causing machinery to take the place of skilled labor to a large extent,. Our imports of many articles must fall oil'largely within a very few years. Fortunate'.y too many manufacturers are not confined to a few localities, as formerly, and it is to be hoped thev

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Indian and the establishment of permanent peace, to the end that some portion of his life may be spent withli the limits of a civilized section tne latter has no such personal interest Another reason is an economic one, and still another hold which the government has upon a life, officer to secure a faithful,,discharge of duties in carrying out a given policy. The building of railroads and the access thereby

matter what ought to be tne relations between such settlements and the aborigines, the fact is they do not harmonize well, and one or the other has to give way In tho end. A system which looks to the extermination of a race is too horrible for a nation to adopt without entailing upon itself the wrath of all Christendom and engendering in the citizen a disregard for human life and the rights of others dangerous to socictyl I see no substitute for such a system except in placiDg all the Indians on large reservations as rapidly as can be done, and giving them absolute protection thore as soon as they are fitted-for It. They should bo induced to take their lands in general and set up territorial governments for their own protection. For full details on this subject I call your special attention to the reports of the Secretary of Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

The report of the Secretary of War shows the expenditures Of the War Department for the year onding the 30th of June, 18(H), to be 180,645,042, of which $23,883,310 was disbursed in thd payment of debts contracted during the war, and is not chargeable to the current army exponses. The estimate Of $84,531,031 for the expenses of the army for the next fiscal- year is, as| low. as it is' believed can bo relied on. The estimates of Bureau officers have been carefully scrutinize^ and .reduced wherever it has been deemed practicable. If, however. the condition of the country should be such by the boginnieg of tho next fiscal year as to admit of a greater concentration of troops, the appropriation asked for will not be expended.

Tho appropriation estimate tor river and harbor improvements and for fortifications, aire submitted separately. Whatever amount Congress may deem proper to appropriate for these pur poses will DC expended. The recommendation of the General of the Army that appropriations be made for tbe forts of Boston, Portland, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco, if for no other, is concurred in. I also ask your special attention to the recommendation of the General commanding the military division ot the.

Pacific for tho sale ot all the seal islands ofSt. Paul and St. George, Alaska Territory, 'and suggest that it cither be complied with, or that legislation he had for the protection of the Beal fisheries, from which a revenue should be derived.

The report ol' the Secretary of War contains a synopsis of the heads of bureaus of the commanders of military divisions, and of the districts of Virginia, Mississippi and Texas, and the report of the General of the Army in full. The recommendations therein contained have been well-considered, aiidv are submitted for yonr action. I, however, cali special attention to the recommendation, of tbe Chief of Ordnance for the sale of arsenals and lands no. longer of use to the government also to the recommendation of the Secretary of War that the act of the 3d of' March, 18011, prohibiting the promotions and appointment of staff corps of the army, be repealed. The extent of country to be garrisoned and the number of military posts to bp occupied, is the same with a reduced army as witn: a large one. The number of staff'oflicers required is more dependent upon the latter than upon tne former condition.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy accompanying this shows the condition of the navy when this administration came into office, and the Changes made since

Strenuous efforts have been made to place as many vessels in commission or render t.hcm fit for service. If required, a» soon as possible, and to substitute the sail for steam while cruising, thns reducing the expenses of the navy and adding greatly to its efficiency, and looking to our future, I recommend a liberal though not extravagant policy toward this branch of the service.

The report of the Postmaster General furnishes a clear and comprehensive exhibit of the operations of the postal service, and of the financial condition of this part of the Post-office department. The ordinaryfpostal revenues for the year ending the 30lh of June, 1869, amounted to $18,344,510, and the expenditures to $23,088,131, showing an excess of expenditures over receipts of ^5.352,020. The cxcess of expenditures over receipts for the previous year amounted to $0,437,992 tho increase of revenues for 1869 over those of 1868 was #2,t '51,009, and the increase of expenditures was $9ti7,53S. The increased revenue in 18K9 exceeds the increased revenue in 1868 by $1167,836, and the increase of expenditures in 186G was $2,527,570 lees than the increased expenditures in 1867,showing by comparison this gratifying feature, of improvement that, while the increase of expenditures over tho increase of receipts in 1808 was $2,439,535. the increase of receipts over the increase ol expenditures in 18G9 was $1,084,371.. Your attention is respectfuiiy Called to recommendations made hy the Postmaster General for authority to change the rate of compensation to the main trunk railroad lines for their services in carrying the mails, for having post route maps executed, for re organizing and increasing the efficiency of special agents, for an increase of the mail service on the Pacific, and for establishing mail service under the flag of the Union on the Atlantic and most especially do I call your attention to his recommendation for the total abolition of the franking privilege this is an

REPORT OF THE COMPTROLLER OF ,, THE CURRENCY.

According to the report of,the Comptroller of the Currency, nino National Banks have been organized within the year, of which eight are new assoclations. and one a. conversion from a State bank, making the total number organized up to October, 18(19, sixteen hundred and ninety-four. The number in active operation is Sixteen hundred and twenty.

The total amount or notes or all denominations outstanding, on the 30th of September, 1869, was $299,789,895.45. The amount of United States bonds held by tho Treasurer of the United States to secure the redemption of the circulating notes-of National Banks on the 30th day of September, 1869, was $342,475,100.

The Comptroller cites attention to the fact that, as.thelawnow stands, a bank may, by a vote of the shareholder owning two-thirds of its stock, go into liquidation and Close np its affairs. After the expiratiohof Ono year from the publication of notice to its bill-holders and creditors, as required by the statute, it may deposit with the Treasurer of the United States legal-tender notes for its outstanding circulation, and take np the bonds held as security therefor. This section was undoubtedly intended to provide for the winding up of blinks under the ordinary conditions incident to specie payments." But under existing circumstances, banks go into liquidation, and eall upon note holders to present their notes for redemption, by publishing notices,"as required by law, but, dnring the. whole year that follows, are not obliged to redeem anything except, now and then, a worn-out or defaced note. This facility of circulation, and the absence of ~all cost of redemptions, have probably induced some associations to take the legal steps- for going into liquidation, with the expectation of continuing to reap the benefit of that outstanding circulation, while they continue to do a banking business under State laws, or as private bankers. This is an abuse lhat could only be practised under a suspension of specie payments, and during the absence of all demand lor redemptions but for the time it is none the less an abuse that requires correction.- The Comptroller recommends tnat Congress should pass an act in one section, unconnected with any other subject, requiring all banks that go into liquidation to deposit legal-tender notes for their outstanding circulation, and take np their bonds deposited with the Treasurer or the United States as security for such circulation, within sixty days from the date of the vote of the shareholders to go into liquidation.

It is recommended that all taxes imposed on National Banks by the United States be made returnable and payable to the Treasurer of the United States, in the same manner lhat the larger portion of them now are.

The employment by the government of agents to examine into the affairs of National Banks, without previous notice has done more than any other one thing to promote the safety and sound managemet of the banks, and the good results brought about, directly and indirectly, by such examinations, have fully indicated' the wisdom of the provision. Congress is urged to make provision for au increase in the compensation of these examiners, as a matter of necessity as well as a matter of justice.

The salaries of the clerks employed in the Comptroller's office are inadequate to the abilities and integrity required, and the Comptroller recommends that they be increased. He recommends that the Deputy Comptroller be paid a salary of S3,500n the head of eacn division, $2,400 two correspondents, $2,200 each and tw.o bookkeepers, §2,000 each.

The recommendation contained in his last preceding annual report, looking to the establishment of an agency in the city of New York in the interest oi the National Banks, owned and controlled bjr them, for the redemption of all their business, is again submitted to the consideration of Congress.

Concerning the interest on deposits and call loans, the Comptroller says that the law for the organization of National Blinks defines their power with precision. They are empowered to exercise under the acti "all such incidental powers as shall be neces=ary to carry on the business of banking, by discounting and negotiating promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, and other evidences of debt by receiving deposits by buying and sel ing exchange, coin, and Dullion by loaning money on personal security by obtaining, issuing, and circulating notes,' from whicn it will be seen that National Banks are authorized, among other things, to receive de posittthat is when money is brought to them they are authorized to receive it. They are not, however, authorized to hire, deposits, and the law docs not contemplate that they should solicit loans, undcr. the guise of deposits, by the offer to pay interest on them. This practice, however, prevails extensively and nlthough by implication, the la*" forbids it, the prohibition is not sufficiently explior positive to prevent it. If bauks pay interest ou these deposits, they must, of course, use them and, as they are payable on demand, they must be loaned on call. Call loans, as a rule, are made to brokers and operators in stocks ond gold. Men engaged in trade cannot ordinarily afford to borrow money which they may be called upon to refund at an hour's notice. The facility with which large loans can be effected, payable on call, at low rates of interest, while commercial paper is only done at high rates, or is declined altogether, fosters speculation.

The delegation by the government to banking associations of the power to issue notes to circulate as money, has a tendency to lower the rate of interest, and so to furnish cheap money to the business community. The incorporated bank, doing businees and issuing circulation under theauthority_or

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facilities for die legitimate demands of business, the necessity for banks and currency would justify the increase of bank Circulation^ notwithstanding the fact that by *nch increase the burden of its, redemption would also be enhanced.

The entire South and many portions of the West are very much in need of the facilities and advantages to be derived from properly organized ^banking institutions, and their necessities would justify them in deliberately adopting measures to supply their wants, the direct tendency of which would be to hasten the return of spccic payments in the manner indicated, to-wit, by the increase of bank notes, and the absorption of the legal-tender notes. As the former increased',: the latter would diminish. As lawful money became scarce, its value would be enhanced, and would gradually approximate to par with gold. Thus specie payment may be. reached through the agency of the National Banks, and by the operation of natural causes. The process will not be rapid or FpasniOdic, because it will in all its stages, and in all its details, be governed by sound principles and conform to established laws. At the same time, the benefits and advantages of the National Banking system would gradually become more equally diffused, Until all sections would at length get their just and equal share, apportioned beyond cavil or objection because regulated by the actual requirmedts of business. .'

While free banking may thus be established with safety, anterior to specie payments, conditioned only upon the withdrawal and cancellation of a legal tender dollar for every dollar of bank currency issued, free banking upon a specie basis may also be permitted, with equal safety, and without delay. With details properly adjusted, banks may be established with authority to issue and put ID circulation gold notes—limiting the amount only by the abilitty of tbe banks to comply with the necessary conditions, and to redeem their issues. Some provision of this kind is probably necessary in order to supply the Pacific and gola producing States with a paper currency. A circulating medium, cheaper and more convenient than coin, has long been a.nccesslty in those States, and would Undoubtedly do much to promote activity, enterprise, and development. Experience has demonstrated to them that a currency composed exclusively of, specie is not exempt from the fluctuations to which money and trade everywhere are subject, which may Jead to the introduction of paper moneys if the opportunity is offered.

By the establishment of banks on a spccic basis, the resumption of specie payments is Only anticipated and familiarity with gold values will do much to relieve tho, subject of the mystery with which it is associated in the mind of many. Looking forward to the day when uniform values shall again prevail, it may be by wise legislation now a banking system can be established, truly national in its character and scope, which will furnish a sound currency of uniform value in every .State of the Union. Respectfully submitted. '"'I. HILAND R. HUIBURD,

Comptroller of the Currency.

Gen. Sherman's Report.

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IN his report as General of the Army, Gen. Sherman opposes any further reduction of the army. He says the entire army is on duty, and he has constant calls for more troops, which cannot he granted. He calls the President's earnest attention to the matter, so that Congress may be appealed to not to diminish the military pgtfl.hlisTimp.Tit because of the great extent of country the] unsettled character of large region, measured' north, south, east and west by thousands of miles the acts of Indians who inliabit this region, and the growing necessities of affording greater protection totheroadsthat traverse this region, and the mining and agricultural interest therein. While the na tion at large is at peace, a state of quasi war continues to exist over one-half its extent, and troops therein are exposed to labors, marches, fights, and dangers that amount to war withdrawing, or largely diminishing the troops, in Texas, the Indian country, Arizona, ]Sfew Mexico, Montana, Idaho, or Alaska, as well as in some parts of the Southern States, would he believes, result in a condition of things amounting to anarchy. He refers to the labors and exposures of officers and men, and hopes that they will rcceive the assurances to which they are fairly entitled, that their labors are appreciated. Officers have been required to perlorm the duties of Indian agents, governors, sheriffs, &c., foreign to their military training, and have done this duty without a murmur and with marked intelligence. Never, he says, has he known the army officers so poor, but they hope that by the appreciation of currency their compensation will soon become more satisfactory. Auy

783 gallons of spirits, which, with 16,653,838 gallons remaining in bond, shows a total product for the eleven months of 54,239,621 gallons, equal to nearly 60,000,000 for the whole year. This, however, the Commissioner does not believe includes all the spirits actually distilled.

Hitherto, in surveying distilleries, the average fermenting penod was seventynine hours. Under this rule 864 distilleries have been operated, having a total mashing and fermenting capacity of 150,155 bushels of grain in twenty-four hourp, and a spirit producing capacity of 473,666 gallons for the same time. Four hundred and forty-four of the distilferies are now in operation and the others are temporarily suspended. Having become convinced that seventy-nine hours was too long for a fermenting period, and that frauds were perpetrated, forty-eight hours has been fixed as a basis, and, by this resurvey, the present capacity of 864 distilleries is 677.942 gallons every twenty-four hours. This change will not only increase the revenue, but prevent frauds. The repealof all deductions on account of leakage on spirits on bond is regarded as a wholesome reform. The Commissioner estimates the annual production of spirits at 80,000,000 gallons a year, which ought to produce $52,000,000 of revenue. lie thinks it possible to so execute the law as to secure $50,000,000 of tax annually. He advises against any essential change in thp law, until its provisions have had a forther practical test.

The number of cigars returned for taxation in 1869, at an average tax of $5 per 1,000, was 991,535,934, against 347,443,894 in 1866, when the tax was $10 per 1,000. The Commissioner advises that no change be made in the law respecting tax on tobacco.

The receipts for stamps since March, 1869, exceed by nearly a million of dollars the receipts for the same period of last year.

The Commissioner regrets his inability to recommend any satisfactory plan to prevent frauds and evasions in the use of stamps.

The receipts from income tax for the year 1869 are $26,000,000, against 23,390,000 for the preceding year. The Commissioner is of tbe opinion that, as long as a large revenue is needed, the income tax ought to be continued, and as it expires by limitation next year he recommends that it be renewed by Congress at the approaching session.

He advises that the appointments of supervisors of the revenue be vested in the President, that an increase of salary be given and that the office of Revenue Dctect.ve be changed to that of Assistant Supervisor. He says that where honest and efficient officers have been placed the taxes have been promptly assessed and collected.

The Commissioner is of the opinion that, as 90 per cent, of the entire receipts was collected from a few objects, all of which may be classed fis luxuries or as the acccumulated and associated wealth of the country, the Revenue law is not unjust or burdensome and he thinks that, fairly administered, $173,000,000 may be collected annually from spirits, tobacco, fermented liquors, incomes, salaries, stamps, banks, legacies, and gas companies.

He is of the opinion that the Tice meters in distilleries have failed toaccomplish the desired end, but has appointed a commission to practically test their sufficiency.

The expense of collecting the revenue for the year was $6,785,47 ?, a reduction of of $1,991,337 from the expense of the preceding year. The number of officers employed, reporting to the bureau, is 6,003.

—Associations for the insurance of lives are to be ranked among the very noblest institutions of civilized society, and their usefulness can be attested by thousands of hgippy and icdependent families,