furnish employment to the navigation only of the countries connected, by their reciprocal wants. Our concern does not arise from, nor can it be increased by, the limitation which our navigation and trade will have prescribed to them, by the peace and apparent repose of Europe. ries inflicted, the reparation that is due? Industry, in every ramnification of society will feel the shock, and generations will, as they suceeed each other, feel the effects of its undulations. Dissatisfaction will be visible every where, and the lost confidence and affections of the citizens will not be the least of the evils the government will have to deplore But Our apprehensions arise from causes that should the national government, pursuing an cannot animate by their effects. Look whereenlightened and liberal policy, sustain and fos- soever the eye can glance, and what are the obter the manufacturing establishments, a fewjects that strike the vision? On the continent years would place them in a condition to bid of Europe, industry, deprived of its motive and defiance to foreign competition, and would en incitement, is paralised; the accumulated wealth able them to increase the industry, wealth, and of ages, seized by the hand of military despotprosperity of the nation; and to afford to theism, is appropriated to and squandered on obgovernment, in times of difficulty and distress,jects of ambition; the order of things unsettled, whatever it may require to support public cie- and confidence between man and man annihidit, while maintaining the rights of the nation.lated. Every moment is looked for, with treProvidence, in bountifully placing within mulous, anxious, and increased solicitude; our reach whatever can minister to happiness hope languishes; and commercial enterprize and comfort, indicates plainly to us our duty- stiffens with fear. The political horizon apand what we owe to ourselves. Our resources pears to be calm, but many of no ordinary saare abundant and inexhaustible. gacity think they behold signs portentious of a violent tempest which will again rage, and des The stand that Archimedes wanted, is given to the national and state governments-andolate that devoted region. labor-saving machinery tenders the lever-the power of bringing those resourses into use. This power imparts incalculable advantages to a nation whose population is'not full. The United States require the use of this power, because they do not abound in population. The diminution of manual labor, by means of machinery, in the cotton manufacture of Great Britain, was, in the year 1810, as two hundred to one. Our manufacturers have already availed themselves of this power, and have profited by it. A little more experience in making machines, and in managing them with skill, will enable our manufacturers to supply more fabrics than are necessary for the home demand. Competition will make the prices of the articles low, and the extension of the cotton manufactories will produce that competition. Should this prediction fail, no change for the better, under existing circumstances, can ake place. Where despotism-military despotism reigns-silence and fearful stillness must pre vail. Such is the prospect which continental Europe exhibits to the enterprise of American merchants. Can it be possible for them to find in that region, sources which will supply them with more than seventeen millions of dollars, the balance due for British manufactures imported; this balance being over and above the value of all the exports to foreign countries from the United States. The view which is given to the dreary prospect of commercial advantages accruing to the United States by an intercourse with continental Europe, is believed to be just. The statement made of the great balance in favor of Great Britain due from the United States, is founded on matter of fact. One striking and important advantage which labor saving machines bestow, is this, that in all their operations they require few men, as a In the hands of Great Britain, are gathered reference to another part of this report will together and held, many powers, which they shew. No apprehensions can then be serious-have not been accustomed hitherto to feel and ly entertained, that agriculture will be in danger of having its efficient laborers withdrawn from its service. On the contrary, the manufacturing establishments increasing the demand for raw ma terials, will give to agriculture new life and expansion. The committee, after having, with great deference and respect, presented to the house this important subject, in various points of view, feel themselves constrained, before concluding this report, to offer a few more observations which they consider as being immediately connected with it, and not less so, with the present and future prosperity of this na tion. The prospects of an enlarged commerce are not flattering. Every nation in times of peace will supply its own wants from its own resources, or from those of other nations. When supplies are drawn from foreign countries, the intercourse which will ensue will to exercise. No improper motives are intended to be imputed to that government. But does not experience teach a lesson that should never be forgotten, that governments, like individuals, are apt to feel power and forget right." It is not inconsistent with national decorum to become circumspect and prudent. May not the government of Great Britain be inclined, in analysing the basis of her political power, to consider and regard the United States as her rival, and to indulge an improper jealousy, the enemy of peace and repose? Can it be politic, in any point of view, to make the United States dependent on any nation for supplies absolutely necessary for defence, for comfort, and for accommodation. Will not the strength, the political energies of this nation be materially impaired at any time, but fatally so in those of difficulty and distress, by such dependence? Do not the suggestions of wisdom plainly shew, that the security, the peace, and the happiness of this nation depend on opening and enlarging all our resources, and drawing from them whatever shall be required for public use or private accommodation? From these duties and the outstanding balances on the 31st Dec. 1814, it is computed that there will be received by the collectors during the year 1815, the amount of 5,000,000 Computing the expenses of collection at 6 per cent. Leaving a balance outstanding on 300,000 $3,413,946 In the estimate rendered on the 16th of Dec. 1814, it was computed that the whole accruing internal duties, including those contemplated The committee, from the views which they have taken, consider the situation of manufacturing establishments to be perilous. Some have decreased and others have suspended busi-There will remain a nett revenue of 4,700,000 ness. A liberal encouragement will put them again into operation with increased powers; but should it be withheld, they will be prostra ted. Thousands will be reduced to want and wretchedness. A capital of near sixty millions of dollars will become inactive, the greater part of which will be a dead loss to the manufactu-in pending bills to be imposed for an entire rers. Our improvidence may lead to fatal con sequences; the powers, jealous of our growth and prosperity, will acquire the resources and strength which this government neglects to im prove. It requires no prophet to foretell the use that foreign powers will make of them. The committee, from all the considerations which they have given to this subject, are deep ly impressed with a conviction that the manu facturing establishments of cotton wool are of real utility to the agricultural interest, and that they contribute much of the prosperity of the union. Under the influence of this conviction, the committee beg leave to tender, respectfully, with this report, the following resolution: on Resolved, That from and after the 30th day of June next, in lieu of the duties now author ized by law, there be laid, levied, and collected cotton goods, imported into the United States, and territories thereof, from any foreign country whatever, per centum ad valorem, being not less cents per square yard. year, after they should be in full operation, would amount to 10,379,000 dollars. The preceding estimate falis considerably short of this sum. This difference arises from the omission of duties on the postage of letters: from several of the new duties not being in operation during a considerable portion of 1815, some of the acts imposing them not having been passed as early as was contemplated; from the entire rejection of some, and radical changes in other of the proposed duties; from the modifications of several of the suggested provisions for their collection, and from the effects of peace. For instance, the duties on lotteries, and on horses, which it was calculated would produce 220,000 dollars, were not imposed; the proposed duty on leather was reduced one half, by which its estimated proceeds would be diminished 300,000 dollars; that on candles was so limited as to except candles of spermaceti and all tallow candles other than mould, while the duties on hats, paper, and playing cards were considerably diminished. In the case of carriages, the proposed rates of duty were not only greatly reduced, but provisions rejected that were viewed as necessary to its fair collection. But the greatest effect has probably eusued from the state of peace, by which the quantity of spirits distilled, as well as of various other dutiable objects of manufacture, has been considerably diminished, especially from the substracted war demand for the former by the army, and generalTreasury Department, Dec. 26, 1815ly from the apprehension of foreign competition. SIR-In answer to your letter, which was received on the 23d inst. I have the honor to subjoin an estimate of the probable amount of the internal duties accruing in the year 1815, as stated by the commissioners of the revenue I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, A. J. DALLAS. Hon. Wm Lowndes, INTERNAL TAXES. Letter from the secretary of the treasury and commissioner of the revenue, to the chairman of the committee of ways and means, containing estimates of the probable amount of the internal du ties which have accrued, and will accrue, in the year 1815. Chairman of the com. of ways and means. Carriages, Licenses to retailers, TREASURY DEPARTMENT— Revenue office, Jan 15, 1816. SIR-I have the honor, agreeably to your request, to make the following statements and estimates: The duties on household furniture and gold and silver watches, according to lists received from eighty-nine districts, amount, on hoasehold furniture to 29,271 dollars, and on gold and silver watches to 90,352 dollars. It may be estimated that the amounts of these duties, in all the districts of the United States, 2,500,000 will be, on household furniture, 75,000 dollars, 175,000 and on gold and silver watches, 225,000 dol900,000 lars. $50,000 The duties on various goods, wares and mer50,000 chandize manufactured in the United States, 400,000 which have accrued to the 30th September 300,000 || last, so far as returns have been received, are, On Iron, 874,000 Nails, brads, and sprigs, $7,049,000 Hats, caps, and bonnets, $25,767 81 46,602 53 456 43 69,690 13 67,206 00 18,564 56 $420,893 25 Umbrellas and parasols, Paper, 14,494 71 Playing and visiting cards, 8 32 Saddles and bridles, 36,066 61 Boots and bootees, 16,042 95 Beer, ale, and porter, 7,373 72 Tobacco, segars, and snuff, 114,428 35 Leather, Gold, silver, and plated ware, and jewelry and paste work, Total, It may be estimated that the respective amounts of these duties for an The funds out of which the appropriation for the year 1816 may be discharged, are the following: 1. The sum of 600,000 dollars, annu lly reserved by the act of the 4th of August, 1790, out of the duties of customs, towards the expenses of government. 2. The proceeds of the stamp duties and the duty on sugar refined within the United States. 3. The surplus which may remain of the cus97,914 toms, the direct tax, and the internal duties, 177,083 (other than those on refined sugar and on 1,479 stamps) after satisfying the payments for which 264,822 they are pledged and appropriated. 12,889 4. The proceeds of such loans as may be 55,077 made under the unexecuted authority, contain30 ed in the acts of the 14th of March, 1812; the 137,055 24th of March and 15th November, 1814, and 64,379 the 3d March, 1815; and of the issues of treas28,017 ury notes, under the unexecuted authority con434,560 tained in the act of the 24th of February, 1815. $1,598,840 TREASURY ESTIMATES FOR 1816. Copy of a letter from the secretary of the treasury to the speaker of the house of representatives: Treasury Department, Jan. 2, 1816. SIR-I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of the house of representatives, an estimate of the appropriation proposed for the service of the year 1816, amounting in the whole, to the sum of nineteen millions nine hundred and fifteen thousand four hundred and thirty-one dollars and forty-five cents. There having been already appropriated, by the act of the 21st of December last, the sum of nine mil lions eight hundred and eighty-five thousand three hundred and seventy-two dollars, for certain military expenses, there will be left the sum of ten millions and thirty thousand and fifty-nine dollars forty-five cents, under the following heads, viz: Letter from the secretary of the treasury to the chairman of the committee of ways and means, containing an estimate of the whole amount of the duties on merchandize imported, which accrued in the year 1815. Treasury Department, Jan. 20, 1816. Sir-I have received your note, requesting a statement of the whole amount of bonds given for duties on importations which accrued in 1815. The portion of the duties on merchandize imported, for which no bonds are given, is probably not more than one per cent. of the whole amount, and cannot, without difficulty, be distinguished from that portion for which bonds are given. It is so small that I have not thought it necessary to make any separate estimate of it, and shall, therefore, give in answer to your note an estimate of the whole amount of duties on merchandize imported, which accrued in the year 1815. The estimate contained in the annual report was made in the month of November, before returns for any part of the fourth quarter of the 261,000 00 year, except from the smallest and most inconsiderable districts, had been received, and before the large importations ofthat quarter were known at the treasury to have taken place. At the present moment the returns from the larger districts, for the third quarter of the year, are not complete, and for the fourth quarter of the year are still more deficient. The great pressure of business in the custom houses has, 4,656,305 00 doubtless, occasioned this unusual delay. The consequence is, that it is only for the first and second quarters of the year 1815, that a cor rect statement can be given. For the third quarter an estimate can be given nearly correct; but for the fourth quarter, it can be for. med only by comparison with the preceding, the returns of bonds taken being defficient from some of the most considerable districts for the whole quarter, and from nearly all the most considerable districts for the two last months of the quarter. After making this explanation, I have to And during the second quarter of fourth quarter are so 10,700,000 -21,400,000 Estimated amount of duties on During the third and fourth quar- Gross proceeds of the customs, as estimated for the year 1815, The drawbacks, bounties, allowances and expenses of collection, are to be deducted from this sum in order to ascertain the nett amount which will be receivable into the treasury. The debentures for drawbacks, issued during the first quarter ter of the year 1815, amounted to 32,697,120 83 And during the second quarter of During that period the re-expor- As the markets became glutted And will leave for the nett amount sum of 323,086 39 3,500,000 100,000 900,000 4,899,360 8Q 28,348,897 02 This exceeds the sum stated in the annual report, by an amount ef $3,348,897 02; an excess produced by the extraordinary importations during the fourth quarter of the year, beyond what had been anticipated; and in relation to which it may not be improper to remark, that as those importations have surcharged the market with many articles, a proportionate diminution in the importation of those articles, and consequently of the duties upon which importations during the ensuing year, may be expected. It ought also to be observed, that this excess will be wholly absorbed by the deficit, as stated in the annual report of the monies receivable into the treasury during the year 1816; and, indeed, still be insufficient to meet the whole of 251,136 99 that deficit. But it will relieve the treasury from the necessity of borrowing money, or of issuing treasury notes, or of leaving treasury notes already issued in circulation, for making good that deficit to an extent equal to the sum of $3,348,897 02, above stated. 300,000 33,248,257 82 76,274 41 I have the honor to be, very respecfully, sir, your most obedient servant, Hon. Wm. Lowndes, A. J. DALLAS. Chairman of the Com. of ways and means WAYS AND MEANS. Report of the Committee of Ways and Means, in the House of Representatives, to whom was committed so much of the President's message as relates to revenue. January 9, 1816.-Read and committed to a committee of the whole house, The Committee of Ways and Means, to whom have been committed that part of the President's message which relates to the revenue, and the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury, excepting that part which relates to the establishment of a bank, ask leave to explain the general views which have induced them to submit to the House the propositions with which they shall conclude their report: "The arrangement of the finances with a view to the receipts and expenditures of a permanent peace establishment," has been the first subject after providing for the deficiency in the appropriations of 1815, which has engaged the attention of the committee. Whilst they recognise, with unmixed satisfaction, " that improvement in the condition of the public revenue, which will allow an immediate alleviation of the burthens imposed by the necessities of the war," they well know that such an alleviation can only be expected and wished to an extent "which shall leave to the government the means of maintaining its faith olate, and of prosecuting successfully the measures of a liberal" and provident policy. porting the seaman and the soldier. That government indeed does well, which, when forced into war, brings into the contest every resource which credit or revenue can furnish; but it neglects one of its first duties, when it allows the season of peace to pass away without an adequate provision for removing every incumbrance upon its effective revenue. The committee accordingly consider it as an indispensable requisite in any arrangement of revenue and expenditure in peace, that it shall provide for the rapid extinquishment of the public debt. To attain this object, a considerable revenue. will be required. In selecting the taxes which should compose it, the duties upon imported articles may be expected to furnish the principal supply. Cheap and easy in their collection, paid like all indirect taxes, when it is convenient to pay them, the, will be found, under a system of prudent moderation, to discourage no branch of national industry. Duties, indeed, either upor iminvi-portation or exportation, seem to be the natural resource of countries thinly peopled; which, exporting a large amount of their agricultural proIn forming an opinion upon the expenditures of ductions, receive, in return the manufactures of a permanent peace establishment, they have sup- older states. The distance too, of the states from posed it right that their attention should be direc- which our importations are made, renders it more ted, not only to the resources of the United difficult to evade the payment of duties here than States, but to the condition of other powers. In in countries which are separated from active and the perplexed system of European policy, the U-enterprising neighbours by a river or conventionnited States can have no disposition to interpose; al line. But as our agriculture obtains markets but their conduct must necessarily be affected at home, as wealth spreads itself over inland counby views connected with the military or financial tries, where commerce can but imperfectly follow, resources of those states with which their rela- our imports as well as our exports, must bear a tions are most interesting. It is impossible not continually lessening proportion to the wealth of to see that Europe is more military than ever, and the country. that, accustomed by twenty years of war to ex- And even now, while the principal source of ertions that were once thought impracticable, ordinary revenue in peace must be furnished by her governments have acquired a power which the customs, it is probable that they could not makes preparation more difficult and more neces- be continued or increased to an amount which sary, on the part of every state exposed to the the interest and reimbursement of our debt and chance of their hostility. It must be doubtful the provision for our security require without inwhat precise increase of expenditure these con-creasing too far the temptation to illicit importasiderations of foreign policy or views of inter- tion. The objections too, to an entire reliance nal improvement may induce congress eventual- upon them, have been too fully developed by rely to authorize; but even the measures now becent experience to allow the committee to recomfore them appear to require a considerable addi-mend that they should constitute the whole intion to the estimates of the annual peace expenditures. tion in which the zeal and bravery and resources of the nation can produce their natural effects but imperfectly. The committee therefore concur fully with the Secretary of the Treasury, in the opinion which he has expressed, that the esta biisment of revenue system, which shall not be exclusivel dependent upon the supplies of foreign commerce, appears, at this juncture, to claim come of the country. The liberal provision which they are capable of making in peace, disapears The only preparation against the dangers of in the moment when war requires larger contribuforeign aggression, which it falls within the du- tions. The government which is left at such a ties of the Committee of Ways and Means to re- time to explore new systems of internal taxation, commend, is that of a revenue; which in supply- to discover and draw into the public service the ing the wants of the government, shall not bur- men who are capable of filling the different dethen unnecessarily the industry of the citizen;partments of the revenue, is reduced to a condiwhich shall be capable of repairing, by an expansion of the powers of some of its parts, the injuries which war may inflict in others; and above all, shall be disencumbered from debt as soon as the resources of the country and the conditions of its contracts will permit. Public debts have indeed sometimes been considered as giving stability and order to a state, but the committee can never believe that a government which secures eve-particular attention." ry civil and political right to the great body of the people, can want that security which would be afforded by the distribution of any amount of annual interest upon its debt, which to be received by the few must be paid by the many. It may be true, that a public debt only makes a different distribution of the income of society, but it pays the stockholder what should be reserved for sup As a result of these general wiews, the com||mittee, with deference to the house, recommend the adoption of the plan of revenue contained in the report of the Secratary of the Treasury, with the exception of that part of it which proposes to continue the additional duties upon postage, and to repeal the additional duties on licenses to retailers of wines, spirituous liquors, and foreign |