Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-04-03

-ayes So; and
The question REQUIRED on the amendment as
amended.
Mr.. Root opposed it at some length and like
wise the adoption Of p policy which in his opini-
on, would encourage the most odious of ah mono
poles, &c.
On motion of Mr.. Stearns, the words wooden
Stuffs were added to the amendment, being &C
oepted by Mr. Lowndes.
And the original proposition was agreed to as
amended.
Mr.. Forsuth offered the following proviso to
follow the amendment:
Provided, That all wooden cloths, or cloths
sfwhich wool is the material ofchief value, the
orgral cost of which, at the place whence inn
ported, shall be less than four shlings sterling
per square yard, shall be subject to no higher
duty than Is per centum advalorem."
Mr.. Smith opposed the motion, and submitted
some statements TO shew that its adoption would
be extremely injurious to the revenue &c.
The motion was also opposed by Mr.. Lowndcs
and Mr. Hubert; and was supported by Mr..
Huger Mr.. Cuthbert also said few words on
the subject, advocating moderation in a duty
which would fall with peculiar force on the poor
&c. The question was then taken and decided
III the negative, without division.
Mr.. Ward of Mass offered the following pro-
viso to the clause respecting the duty. on cotton
goods imported from India, &C..
Provided further that nothing in this act
be so construed as to subject any goods of the
description last mentioned, which may be mpor-
ted directly from beyond the Cape OF Good
Hope, which shall arrive in the United States be-
fore the LIST day of January next, TO any other or
higher duty than would be imposed upon them,
should they arrive III the United States before
the 30th day of June next"
Mr.. Ward supported his motion by variety of
arguments and at considerable length !; and was
replied to by MI. Hubert ;'who was answ er ed by
nfr IVorI Mr. Smith ,ndractlt te1 4
the motion, believing that the amendment would
cover but very small number of voyages, &C.
Mr.. Clay likewise spoke against the amendment
and against legislating on every voyage which
might be thought to suffer hardshps from the po-
Icy of the government; and also in reply to Mr..
Wards arguments. Mr. Mason spoke some
time in opposition to the motion, and MIR. Ward
again in favor of it. Mr. Pickering madea few
remarks in favor ofrelieving the merchants now
engaged in the trade and in danger of ruin by
the bill. Mr.. Sheffey supported the amendment
arguing that the duty on India imports was
rom 113 to 150per cent. on the cost, and that a
system which required such enormous protection
was unnatural and oppressive on the great body
1.-THE community Mr.. Pickering explained and
Mr.. Masen rejoned when after very long dis
cussion, almost entirely of commercial cbarac.
ter
The question was taken on the amendment.
and lost-ayes so.
WI DOOcIISoH HUONCQ 10 amend TIE clause OF
the bill fixing the duty on books, so as to confne
the duty to Books printed in theEngish language;
observing that the heavy duty on books in the
English language was obviously necessary, be-
cause they could be reprinted in our own coun-
ny but that the same reason did not operate on
books IN other languages, as we had to depend
almost wholly for them on Europe, and their i'm
portation ought not to be restricted, as we were
Not yet in the habit of re-publishing them
Mr.. Lowndes said in reply that one reason for the
duty in the bill, was that the duty of 90 per cent
was supposed by the committee sufficient to en-
able the re-Printing to advantage of books of any
language in this country.
Mir. Pickering remarked that Books on
the dead, and other languages, were not al
together from Europe, as they were now
reprinted In different parts of the coun-
try.
MIR. Grosrenor agreed, in part, with
Mr.. Robertson, but those who read books
IN other languages were able to pay fer
them ; and there was no reason for the
discrimination, and that he would prefer
striking out the duty altogether, as in his
view it could answer no valuable purpose
&c. ),
Mr.. Ingham argued, that as printing es-
adjustments were extremely costly, those
who embark in the publishing of books ought
to be encouraged, that they would be there
by able to circulate many more books in
the community, and that he looked on them
as among the most valuable establishments
in the country, &c.
MIR. GrosUenor replied, and commended
that IT the duty was not necessary for re-
venue, IT was not so for protection.
Mr.. Robertson varied his motion so as to
embrace the whole duty or printed books.
He agreed with Mr.. Grosvenor in his views,
and wished not TO retard the Improvement
OF the country, because it might diminish
IN little the profits OF some Of the mocha
nical employments.
The motion was carried-ayes 49, noes
as.
Mr.. Smith then made a notion he had
promised some daysago, the object of which
was to take of the ad vaIOrem duty of 90
per cent. on Russia and Holland duck. and
TO lay specific duty of $50 cents per piece
on the former, and 5 per piece on the
con.
On motion Of Mr.. Betts, the bill was
amended by adding gold ieaf to the articles
on which a duty of IS per cent. is laid.
MIR. Nike moved to strike out the
words three cents from the duty ON lead
ground in oil, with the view of Inserting 4
larger sum which was supported by Ar.
johnson of KY. and Mr.. Clau. who stated
that the article was already manufactured