Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-02-17

member from Kentucky may suppose, for its at
tachmcnt to the use of what has such surprising
effects on the upper story. And, lest should
| be misunderstood, will assure the friends of
the bill, that am entirely friendly toit; and
that, were this clause stricken out, the bill
should have my cordial appreciation and sup
port.
Mr.. Hamilton, of South Carolina, then OBJ
served, that, ifgontlemcn blended any views to
morality in their speCulations on this subject,
spirits were certainly most traiseworthy sub
| ject oftaxation. But, if the section now objec-
ted TO, operates prohibition OF foreign, and
at the same time, a bounty to domestic spirits
the objects of morality arc not likely TO be pro-
NOTED by so high duty. lit will be any bless
ing to the country; fit will add any thing to
the lovely scenes of its domestic felicity, to have
Il loathsomc still on every side of the picture,
the country is likely to be Supremacy blessed.
The honorable Speaker, no doubt, prefers whis-
key ~ brandy, and we seem III fair way to
have, in abundance, the pure western staff,
fresh from the still. 1t further appears, that we
are about 70 have famine, and that it vii. be
necessary to keep the whole country drunk for
4 dearth. We have indeed pleasing prospects
before us. But, To be scrious-whcn, from the
days of Lord Chesterfield Till the present time,
the records of British history are filled with the
discussion of this subjcct--when it has been SO
ably argued on both sides of the Atlantic, and
the whole subject was, as he supposed, SO fully
understood and settled, he had really been sur
prised TO find provision of this kind introduce
| cd into the bill.
Mr.. Clay rcjoined. He had been much a.
unused with the wittcsms of the honorable
gentleman from South Caroiina-but he was re-
strained from entering into any, thing like ge-
neral discussion ofthe question, by fear that
this not a taUo1uJie time of the day for such
discussion.
Yet he could not refrain from noticing the
argument ofhis honorable friend from Connec-
tcut. 1.-The had rightly apprehendcd that argu-
ment, it was in substance this The produce of
Connecticut is sent to the West Indies, and spi-
rits constitute the return cargo. If you impose
Il higher duty on spirits, the produce of Connec-
tcut can no longer be sent to the West Indies.
But this same argument is urged with equal rea-
son against the whole Tariff. lit taxes all ar
ticle raised in the Middle States, then the gen.
tlemen from the Middle States urge this argu-
ment. If you tax an article that is the produce
OF the South, then gentlemen from the South
urge 1T. Each different section Of the country
holds the same language. The honorable gen
tleman Is quite ready to concur in an excise on
the w estcrn whskey, because that will not affect
Connecticut if any duty is proposed that
at once The glory of the nation is anuhila-
ted; the country is gcing TO speedy ruin
The argument is fallacious. Its fa]lacy con-
slsts IN this 1t assumes that those persons in the
W est ln,iies, who want the produce of Connec-
ticut, will not take il unless the Connecticut ira
der will take rum in exchange, (which he will
not do If the duty is raised !; but this is not the
fact: say that, ifthey want the produce of Con-
necticut, as they do, and will, and must continue
| fsa,t "A. 81
| rum, they will give him something better
they only give rum now because he will take
1t, and it is the worst thing they have to part
wth. As he did not intend to pursue the dis
cussion now, MIR. Clay said hc should conclude
with expressing hope that all deliberations and
discussion, of the committee would be marked
with spirit OF moderation, aInenity, anG mutual
| 10 bearance.
| Mr.. Cuthbert said that he only rose to re-
| mark that the course the discussion was; taking
was, in Itself, proof that the committee ought
now to ris and report. The honorable Speaker,
! 1T appeared, averse to this skirInishnp
mode of warfare-and Why 1t deranges his
lcgions-it breaks the order and system of his
| array, and thereby impairs his strength. He
| thought twas no more than what was due to
| the honorable Chairman of the Committee on
| Manufactures to give at least one nights re-
lection to the extended exposition of the bill
with which he had favored the committee. The
honorable gentlemen bad spoken of spirit of
iorbearancc. Was there not some danger of
its being thought that determination to press
the discus ion farther at this time would shew
some want ofthat spirite He hoped the com
| r1ittee would rise, and would himself make the
motion to that effect, but that he preferred it,
should come from the other side.
Mr.. Clay then said he would with great plea
sure oblige the honorable gentleman from Geor-
gla The only reason why he had before OBJ
Jected to rising was the early hour.
MIR. Clay then made the notion and the COM
mlttee rose and reported, and had leave to sit
again.
| The bill from the Senate "tosecurc the account
ability of public officers and others,n was twice
read and referred TO the Committee of WAYS
and Means.
bill from the Senate authorizing the build
ing OF an additional numberof soops of war for
the naval service of the United States,n was
twice read, and committed to the Committee on
Naval Afairs-and
Then the House adjourned.
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