Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1828-04-16

The .oosccr OF imposing protecting duties. VIC
believe, was not disputed until recently. |,
Is now denied by the chief of Gen. Jackson,s
supporters, although it is expressly ordained
by the Constitution that Congress shall have
power to "iay and collect duties and inposts. -
ana Ito regulate commerce with foreign ma
tons. We have, therefore, the letter ofthe
constitution, Us well as the Interpretation Of
the fathers ofthe Republic, to sustain the DO
sitlon, that the power IS unequivocalIy vested
III Congress, 10 be exercised Us they. in their
wisdom and sound discretion, shall think will
best promote the interests OF the Republic.
The tariff OF duties on foreign productions
ought, undoubtedly, 10 BE- so regulated as
TO operate impartialiy for the benefit of ;lll.
and with as little INJURY to the interest of
foreign commerce as practicable, consistent
with TIE advancement OF the general pros
perry OF the nation: and we confidently be-
hcve that the revision of the duties recon-
mended by the present Administrations is
demanded by regard 10 the best interests
OF the country, and, if adopted, will nci-
'ler advance the interest OF oar portion
ol the Onlon, at the expense OF another, nor
operate lnlufously TO foreign trade
The advorsaries Of the system contend,
that the proposed modification of duties (c5-
~ TO the manufacturer III one portion Of the
| mon, ut the expense OF the consumers in
another. Experience has, however, demon
ssfated, that this idea is ta!iacioi,s. The
sam" result was predicted by the sane poll
'citna IL relation to the duty formerly inIpo-
sd On coarse cotton goods; but we all kroy
that the effect Of the encouragement ana
protection afforded BY the General Govern
nlent to this branch OF domestic InuntitAc-
S'lreS, mas been, that tho article is now chea-
per, more abundant, and better itia!iality,
than when derived only from abroad. The
like result has been produced b. fna pro-
lection OF other branches OF domestic indus
try
The establishment Of Manufactures With
III ouy own borders, operated cialiy OF
tie Interests ofthc Ggriculturast Bv croa-
ting home market for the staples of the
country, they become loss dependent on fo-
reign markets than If the latter were (us
hcretoiorc) their sole r2liunce, and in time.
they VIII cease TO he dependent on tie acc-
dental condition o. Europe, and the uncer-
tam and caprlclOus le9is2t!ou Of g3reinn
nations. By means OF home manut ctu:c.,
tie resources at this nation Will be Increased.
unti we snail he rendered independent of
HE p"tcy OF foreign powers, IL peace and
Az - - ~ ( iti''t nope 10 escape tile ltii
mi1a;ion, IN future, which we experienced
during tie lat war, OF depcndiuo on the
manufactures Of cur cncIn. for a suDplv
Of clothing and equipments for our troops.
II encouragement and protection Ct do
mcs:Ic industry, should raise thf cost of
so!nc articles for time, we have the evl-
dcnce furnished by past experience, that the
manufactures witl be bettcr.in quality: and
IN very short time, competition at home
VIII render them cheaper in price, tina II those
imported from abroad. War, (Which the
nation cannot always hope to avoid, will no
longer operate as u tax upon the consumer,
IN the increased price Of the nccessarics OF
HE, or require the Government 20 impose
additional burthens on the people. to meet
the increased expense of furnishing clothing
and equipments for the army and navy. The
want OF domestic manufactures during the
last war, occaSioned an increase of cxpcndi
t,1rc, by individuals. for their own supplies,
aud OF the expenses of government paid BY
the pcop!c) Ill carrying OF military opera
tons, to all amount infinitely greater than
any estimate which can be made by the most
cXtravaSant conjecture, OF the Temporary
increase OF the cost of articles manufacturer
IN the United States. under the American
System.
- nave thus examined the objections
urged against President Adams, his opinions
and communications. We do not imagine.
that, IN the severe scrutiny 10 whici, his pub
lie and private life, hts religious and political
oPlnIons, Ilis manners, department and tenn
per. the order of his domestic economy and
the principles upon Which he has received
and returned visits, have been subjected, he
has escaped the detection Of error. In his
carly writing, with which do not profess
to be lamIiar.) doubtless, errors may be
found, both Of dochinc and opinion; but a
,high-mindcd people will rcpcl the attempt
recently made, in this stare, to revive the pre-
ludices (Which VIC have all more or less ielD
against the name Of Adams, by imputing to
the President the political opinions of his
father, for no other reason, than that he is
distinguished Cor Ibis Glial plcty.
Although VIC have no great personal pre-