Page:Memoir upon the negotiations between Spain and the United States of America which led to the treaty of 1819.djvu/109

 did not equal the high expectations of the government, they nevertheless produced very considerable sums, for the voluntary loans on interest produced alone in the year 1813, the sum of 20,089,635 dollars—in 1814, 15,030,546 dollars—and in 1815, 20,406,897. A part of these loans was realized to anticipate the produce of the direct tax, and to enable the government promptly to meet the publick exigencies, and fulfil its engagements.

When we examine the branches of which the ordinary revenue of the United States consists, and their annual product, it seems to be matter of astonishment, that this product should be more than sufficient to cover all the publick expenditures, and leave a considerable surplus every year in the treasury, notwithstanding all the functionaries and officers of the republick enjoy considerable salaries, and are paid with the greatest punctuality. But this astonishment will cease, if we observe the simplicity, good order, and exactitude, which prevail in the plan of the revenue of the United States. Its collection in the the States costs less, I will be bold to say, than that of the revenues of the Spanish crown in a single province: the duty is assigned to few officers, but these are of known integrity, and respectability of character. The plan is perfectly simple, and is accomplished in all its parts with inviolable regularity, and punctual performance. The expenses of the publick service, are