456
TEXAS STATE LIBR.\RY
ingly, the agent appointed in New Orleans, 'rhomas Toby, Esq., a gentleman who had already made considerable advances on account of the government, and had manifested a wnrm sympathy in our behalf, was authorised to issue scrip, to the amount of five hundred thousand ael'es of lan<l, to be• located on the public domain of Texas; and to dispose of it, at the established minimum price of fifty cents per acre. Ile has subsequently been empowered to extend his issues to one million of acres. The finances of the country is a subject of vast importance, and will commend itself to the early and serious attention of congress. The adoption of a plan for a permanent and certain reve1rne, is indis- pensable; and I trust your combined intelligence, will suggest such a system, as ,dU answer the great pm·(loses intended; and will afford a general satisfaction to your constituents. The principal points to be observed, in clra\\'ing contributions from the people, for the support of the government, are equality of burden, and facility and cheapness of collection. Unequal taxation is one of the most odious features of despotism. A number of patriotic citizens have voluntarily executed their bonds for various sums, and tendered them to the government, with a view to relieve the present exigencies of the country. These bonds, amount- ing in the aggregate to one hundred and twenty thousand dollars, ha,·c been transmitted to the agents, l\Iessrs. T. Toby and brother, by the quartermaster general, and a. hope is entertained that they wrn prove a present convenience. . Duties on imports and in some cases on exports, constitute a con- venient and economical mode of supplying the public necessities; and are less onerous to individuals, than almost any ether impost. They therefore form a part of the finandal resources of all countries. The idea of a free international commerce, is a modern improvement, that reflects great credit on the philanthropy of the present age; and it is much to be rcgfctted that the entanglements of ancient institutions, and the inveteracy of confirmed habitudes, have prevented its adoption by the principle nations of the earth. While these oppose it, by cor- dons of enstom houses and ponderous codes of. reYenuc laws, it wonld be vain and ineffective, for a nation just springing into existeuce, to attempt its practical establishment. When the abundant intrinsic resources of our country, shall be fully developed, then it may be the peculiar glory of Texas, to invite the kindred 11ations of the earth, to an unembarrassed intercommunion of their diversified prodncts. The effect of snch a system, on the peace and happiness of nations, and on the comforts and enjoyments of individnals, would trtUlscend all thnt has heretofore been accomplished, by the straightened and selfish spirit of commerce; and that spirit, parsimonious nnd jealous as it is, has done much to meliorate the eonclition of man, by dis- pensing tile munificent and various benefactions of PrYoidence, to and from the remotest climes. 'l'he institution of n Tariff, is a matter of great delicacy, requiring a minute attention to the smallest concerns of' domestic life. An excessive or disproportionate charge, upon one necessary article of mcrchandize, would violate tl1e grand principle of equalization; and I trust you will be enabled, so to order the assess-
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