Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1828-05-06
SPEECH
SPEECH
OF Nh. JOHNS, OF DELAWARE.

under consideration, O
Mr.. Johns and spoke as follows Il
MIR. Chairman Believing that | act in accord
ance with the wishes OF my constituents, and from
sincere desire to promote the prosperity ofmy coun
try, ask the attention of the Committee while
endeavor, as briefly as possible, to present the rea
SONS which induce me to prefer the proposed amend
ments, and suggest such considerations appear
calculated to remove the objections which some of
the protested friends of the system have advanced
and relied on with much confidence.
1t must b. admitted, encircled with diff I
cues of no ordinary character. The interests in
volved great, various and conflicting, the preju-
dices strong, and deep-rooted opposition, domestic
and foreign and from their combined and powerful
influence, failure and defeat have been anticpa-
ted and predicted.
Butt sir, II we are sincere in advocating the sys
tenn of protection, and regard it as the only shield
capable of defending and saving the industry and re-
sources ofour country from ruin, it becomes US to
unite our efforts, and, in conformity with the pub
| lie sentiment, adopt and sustain that policy which
will strengthen, support, and increase the wealth,
power, and independence of the nation.
| We have heard the reasons advanced in support
ofthe amendments, by the gentleman from Vermont,
and his objections to the bill as reported we have
also had the views ofthe Committee in favor of the
measures they have recommended and it is our
duty to decide exercising proper regard to each,
and making our selection with reference to the ul
mate and practical effect.
The investigation Of this subject. according to
: those principles, which | apprehend, should guide
and direct the inquiry, has fully convinced me,
that the object proposed to be attained by the Com
mlttee cannot be accomplished unless we sustain
the amendments The correctness of this opinion
appears to me to be established by the testimony
before us, and sanctioned by every consideration
that should influence the judgment. Should the
Committee agree with me- the anxious expectations
Of our constituents will not be disappointed, and we
, may look with confidence to the result.
j In the discharge of their duty, the Committee on
Manufactures adopted method calculated TO elicit
truth, and mpart useful and important information
Was it not designed to obtain that knowledge neces-
sary to enable us to apply the appropriate remedy
Are we to close our eyes, and not look at the evil
dence they have furnished by their laborious and
arduous research? Witnesses of responsibility in
i tegence, and practical knowledge, selected from
different sections of the country, have been exam
ined on oath. Is it not incumbent on us, and may
1t not say, under strong obigationssto regard
their testimony Does it not come before us in an
official manner, authorizing and commanding impli-
cit and unleserved confidence Let US then allow
that weight andinauence which it merits, and is en-
titled to receive.
In the discussion that engages our attention,
it is certainly important TO ascertain the facts. II
IN fully and satisfactorily proves the statements made
by the farmers and manufacturers in the memorials
they presented. The witnesses all concur, IN rep
resenng the manufacturers of woollens as laboring
p under great difficulties, and on the brink OF ruin
h. nor have we different evidence in relation to the
wool grower; his situation is no better; and IN con-
sequence of the depressed state of the home mar
I'd ke the farmer experiences and suffers in the gene
raj calamity. Does not our observation confirm the
truth of this Can we deny the general distress
Are not all classes Of the community complaining o
: its influence? To us, the public attention IS anx
ously directed, and from the exercise of that pow
er they have delegated to our hands, they earnestl
ask and expect relief We admit the necessity ant
propriety of conforming to the will of our constu
ents, but differ respecting the manner of our com
ipliancc. On what principles shall we decide, an
reconcile our conflicting sentiments? Can it b
done by rejecting the facts, excluding from view tn
}ony accurate information, and substituting the tiue
tuating prices of foreign market Is it to be pre-
lsumed our confidence can be placed on calculations
founded on such unsettled and deceptive data
Shall we not act more judiciously by referring
1.-THE testimony which can not be misunderstood,
clear and explicit, and presents the facts in til
strong and irresistible light oftruth Has it not
moved the doubts of the most scrupulous, and con
PEELED even the decided opponents OF the system
admit that the tariff of 1924 has failed to protect II
manufacturer This being conceded, we have d.
ia from which we may calculate with certainty.
If we have determined to adopt the system of pr
lection to our home Market and intend to give
full effect, we should not have recourse to such nil
calculations. as are founded on the sterling cost
England. BY this refined and minute adjustme
of foreign and domestic advantages, we may cor
the nit the same errors, and experience the same d
to appointments, which have attended our present ia
da if. fby it the manufacturers not protects
at and in consequence of its defects ask an etcie
e is remedy, shall we, by passing the bill as reporte
ex Illustrate their hopes and increase their difficulties
n- Would it not be better to refrain from acting than
do that which must hasten their Destruction