United States Revenue Cutter Diligence, Marker C-67
Posted by: 
showbizkid
N 35° 06.251 W 077° 02.179
18S E 314405 N 3886493
The U.S. Revenue Cutter Service was founded in 1789 perform three functions. First, to ensure that the tariffs were not avoided. Second, to protect shipping from pirates and any other unlawful interdiction. Third, to intercept material and human contraband. The USRC Diligence was built in North Carolina in 1791 and was one of the first Revenue Cutters commissioned.
Waymark Code: WMGZB
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 07/10/2006
Views: 19
Today tariffs hardly seem controversial. But for the first Congress under the Constitution (1789), the imposition of these taxes was a bold act since such taxes had been a primary catalyst for the War of Independence. The young government's need for money was urgent. Trade revenue had to be the lifeblood of the treasury if the new nation was to survive. During colonial days and the War of Independence, smuggling had been a patriotic duty of maritime America. Seamen were admired who circumvented King George's trade laws, and later outran his fleet during the war. In 1789, a new respect for tariffs was needed.
Congress, guided by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, created a fleet of ten cutters whose responsibilities would be enforcement of the tariff laws. The spirit of the maritime service was captured in Hamilton's insistence upon thrift and responsibility to the public. Hamilton's creation collected money and did not spend it. Seven of the ten cutters were built for the allotted $1,000 each.
During the cutters' first ten years of service, the imports and exports of the nation rose from $52 million to $205 million. Along with financial responsibility, Hamilton demanded that the officers be servants of the people.
The United States Coast Guard absorbed the Revenue Cutter Service, along with several others and is now responsible for all aspects of coastal security.
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