The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-06-27
DUTIES VS. DUTIES

Ahe uedVy war OutleS which have been
imposed TOR years IN Great Britain, and the
new tariff that is levied on the import of some
OF our staple articles into her ports, calls up
Oh US to resort to certain means of redress. 1t
is an important question, which will of course
demand tie consideration of the iext con-
gress-ho7o far and IN zvhat zuay it is their
DUTY TO adopt countsrvailing measures
IL Us most seriously to be regretted that
they have not called on the Sec'ry of State to
prepare Report, similar to the luminous Re
port OF Mr.. Jefferson of the 10th of Decem
Der, 1873, "on the. privileges and restrict
ons OH the commerce of the United States
In foreign countries"-in the same manner
as they have directed the Secretary of the
treasury to prepare his Report on the ma
nufactures OF this country. These two docu-
ments would have been of essential utility
to the next Congress. The one would have
pointed out the nation. whose restrictions on
our commerce were principally to be resist
ed ny countervailing measures on our oart.
he other would have pointed out those
particular goods of the offending nation, ON
which the Furnishing condition of similar
manufactures III our own country, might
nave permitted us to lay these restrictions.
YIN this great Question, so deeply interest.
ing 10 the honour and prosperity of our coun-
try, we shall begin to collect and to dispense
all the tights within our reach.--The questi-
on is, IN what way may the. restrictions on
the commerce and navigation of the United
States be best removed, modified and coun-
teracted !' 1t is plain, that there are two
methods which may be resorted to-. II. By
friendly arrangements with the several natl
ons with whom these restrictions exist-2.
BY the separate acts of our own legislatures
for countervailing their effects"
We agree with the illustrious author of
the Report of '93, that " friendly arrange
mene'-(whereve it be practicable with
u. b. it almost seems ridiculous to attempt
TO-" is the 'oost eligible. Instead of en-
6arrdsStHS commerce under piles of rcgu-
lating laws, duties and prohibitions, could it
be relieved from all its shackles in all parts
of the world, could every country be en-
pioyed III producing that which nature has
best htted it TO produce, and each be free to
exchange with others mutual surplusses for
mutual wants, the greatest mass possible
would then be produced of those things which
contribute to human life and human happi-
ness--the numbers of mankind would be in
creased and their condition bettered" How
different is the Hractice pursued by G.. B.
ohe feeces our commerce, when it falls with
10 her municipal jurisdiction--She does
more--She employs her extensive navies to
lay our natural trade to other countries under
requisition and introduction.
But, continues Mr.. Jefferson, should any
nation, contrary to our wishes, suppose it
may better find its advantage by Continuing
its system of prohibitions. duties and regu-
latiods, 1T behoves us to protect our citizens,
their commerce and navigation, by Counter
prohibitions. duties and regulations also.
Free commerce and navigation are not to be
given III exchange or restrictions aud vexa.
tons: nor are they likely to produce relax
alton of then" --How far these comtervail
ing measures should be extended, is the i'm
portant point.
| According ~ The etatement OF the board O,