20 REPORT OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY.

ditures, and the passage of proper laws to enforce the pay-
ment of taxes already due, will enable the Direct Tax to
be repealed. This will be a great relief to the farming
interest, now groaning under the immense burdens imposed
by the General Government. The policy of the Federal
Government, in discriminating against the farming and
producing interests, for the benefit of manufacturers and
capitalists, is felt perhaps, more severely by the farmers of
Maryland, and the other Atlantic States, than those of the
great West.

Be this as it may, it is certain that those interests are
languishing and almost prostrate in this State, from its
effects.

While the Legislature of the State can in no way inter-
fere to screen our farmers from the effects of this policy,
yet much can be done, by an economical administration of
State affairs, and a reduction of public expenditures, to free
them from the burdens of State taxation. Nothing in the
power of the State Government will contribute so much
to enhance and revive the farming interests, (with which
the commercial interests of the State are also so intimately
connected,) as to relieve them from taxation by an eco-
nomical administration of State and county affairs. If
Maryland can be comparatively free from taxation, capi-
tal will instantly seek investment within her borders,
lands will increase in value in every part of the State,
the population of the counties will be increased, labor
will be rewarded and immigration ensue in consequence,
commerce will revive, and general prosperity may be con-
fidently expected in every portion of our beloved State.

Respectfully submitted,

LEVIN WOOLFORD,

Comptroller of the Treasury.