Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1820-09-15

question IN clear aud striking point OF
view. II is not easy to find every thing
in so long paper altogether satisfactory ;
but in It's gene, al bearing, this document
IS clear, and we would faiu suppose con-
elusive,
The Report was laid before meetrs
OF the citizens convened at the Coffee
House of this city on Tuesday last. IL was
presented by NJ. Tbos. Rutherford OH
The part ofibe Seleci mi'tee app tinted
Oh Me 9Th ulimo-was read and unani.
moGsly adopted by the meeting.
REpORr ON THE TARIFF,
ADOPTED BY THB
MEETING at RICHuOND
The Committee, TO whom was referred
the Communication from the Chamber of
Commerce of Philadelphia, on the subject of
the proposed augmentation OF Duties for the
encouragement and protection of Internal
Manufactures, having had the same under
their attentive consideration, respectfully
beg leave to offer the following Report:
Whereas at the last session OF Congress,
Bill passed through the House of Repre-
sentatives, in favour of an augmentation of
I'apost Duties, avowedy for the purpose of
tavouring and protecting Internal Manuiac-
lures and whereas the manufacturers en-
couraged iii their expectations, by the very
favourable reception their memorials have
hitherto met with, are preparing anew with
combined efforts, to lay the subject before
the next Session of Congress, notwilhstand-
ing that appears to be the general opinion
of much the greater part of the nation, that
tho present rates of lmppst Duties, are as
high, as a prudent regard to The best inter
ests OF the United States will warrant, whe-
Their considered with regard To revenue, or
with regard to the ability Of the consumers
to pay for the articles thus made subject to
Duty You Committee consider il incum-
bent on them to suggest such arguments,
and 20 recommend such measures as they
may think best calculatedto arrest the far
Their progress of a measure, believed to be
fatal To the best interests of this section o.
the Union, and hostile to the general inter
es,s Of every part thereof.
Your Committee have been encouraged
20 enter into an examination of the subject
from belief, that when the House OF Re
personalities passed The Bill referred to,
majority OF those who voted in favour there
OF did SO from an eXpar;e representation of
he subject, and under the influence of
patriotic but mistaken zeal, 10 promote the
hterests of class Of men, to whom they
beiieved the nation to be greatly indebted
- he ardour of the moment having nov,
however. passed away, 1t may be hoped the
subject will yet be fairly examined, and that
lusi decision will ensue.
~ is held TO be AN incontrovertible axiom,
81 that the greatest degree of happiness is
communicated to the greatest extent Of po-
pulation, by growing what the territory ola
country can grow most cheaply, and by re-
cciving from other countries what it cannot
produce but at too great an expence."
Ii is almost equally true, that to interfere
with any OF the different branches of human
industry, by protecting one or more at the
cxpcnce of the rest, will be productive of
evil and that such interference on the par,
of republican government like ours,
which guarantees TO every man the liberty
Of pursuing such occupation as 10 him may
seem best, provided he does no injury TO
the rights of others, must be fraught with
manifest injustice.
On these principles, therefore, it would
seem that except for the sake OF revenue,
and to guard against too great dependence
on other countries for absolute necessares,
which in fines Of 7var ESPECIALLY, might be
severely felt, a wise government will not in
terfere with, or pretend to direct the indus
try Of her citizens, by any partial favour or
particular taxation.
The amount of revenue necessary to be
raised, will be sought for, therefore, lis he
first hiace, by taxes or duties on articles of
luxury, or such as by a too free use thereof,
prove injurious TO the health and morals of
a people and in tie He.Et flace, should
these sources fail TO produce sufficient a
mount, by taxes or duties on articles which
contribute TO comfort; and lastly, on those
Of the first necessity, having due regard to
the consideration Of making all taxes bear
rs equally on the community as possible
(those paid on luXuries being considered to
be paid voluntarily, because man need not
incur them unless lie chuses.)
By wise government, no prohibtory du-
ties will be laid, nor will any so heavy be
imposed as absolutely to exclude goods of
foreign growth or manufacture, lest there.
by the great body of the people, become for
atime prey to few interested individu-
ais, or smuggling be introduced, greatly to
the injury OF morality aud Of the fair trader,
(whether importer or manufacturer,) who
rs thus exposed TO an unequal competition,
against such as pay neither regard to the in
tcrest Of their fellow citizens, nor TO the
satctity of an oath.
Passing by numerous arguments, which
might be urged on general principles, q
gainst heavy or excessive Duties, let us
examine the policy ofincreasiug the rates
of Duty now existing, for the sake Of afford
ing more adequate protection, to internal
manufactures.
In this examination, we are naturally led
10 enquire, what are the manufactures,
thus calling for protection, and what are
their claims.
In Country such as ours, but recently
settled and thnly populated in comparison
with many parts OF Europe and Asia, while
we have still large tracts offertile lands to
clear, capable Of producing all the comforts
and necessaYies OF life, and Of ailording the
most natural as well as the most healthy
employment to man, it would seem as if We
ought AS yet to encourage only the manu-
featuring of such articles, as are the pro-
auctions of our own SOIL and that it ought
not to be our study, unless for the purpose
Of turning our industry TO the best account,
and Of procuring the means of Defence, to
foster manufactures TO any degree be-