Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-02
TBs Constitutional gsabtg.
BENToN's TARIFF BILL.

titles
"a Bill to provide for the abolition of unnecessary
duties, to rciieoe the people from 16 millions of tares
and to improve the condition of the Agriculture
manufactures and Commerce (and Navigation) Of
the United States"
We object to the title, which is descriptive of
the motives of ngratiation which frs. suggested the
Schemes than of the bill ITSELF But notwithstanding
this suspicion which cleaves to the birth of the BILL
and in despite of the Developments caused by
the discussion of Eoots resolutions which induce the
farther suspicion that Mr. Bentons p,ojet is an exc
cution on his part of the articles of Southern and
Western Coalition, by which the Public Lands were
to be coded to the West in consideration of its aid in
the abolition of the Tariff and election of Mr. Cal
houn to the Prcsdency-and in farther despite of the
predispostion which acknowledge ourselves to be
under, of viewing whatever proceeds from the Mis-
sour Senator with the deepest dstrus, and prejudice
next to insuperable, having long known and noted
HIM, as the most finished and daring, as well us the
most dangerous demagogue, who has appeared in the
afalrs ofthe u States in our MISUNDERSTANDING
oil these unfavorable prepossessons, we have read
his bill and explanations with great interest, and
responding instruction. 1t is rule in Ethics, when
good is done proposed, not to pry too curiously
into tho motives; and provided this shall be the con-
sequence of Mr.. Bentons scheme ofeGuivalents it is
inmaterial whether it was suggested by public spirit
or by electioneering for himself or Others
The measure has as yet undergone no discussion.
We have seen opinion expressed fit, in its favor
or against it. What objections it may fairly lie open
to, if any, must wait to hear from those who are
mnutely acquainted with the great subjects it relates
to. We will not be guilty of the presumption of
expressing any opinions farther than to say it appears
to US, that if it achieve no good it will do no
HARM being founded upon the condition that If foreign
States for whose benefit it seems as much intended
as for ours refuse to meet the policy the system of
duties, gao ad them, remains unchanged
We annex brief outline of the principles of Mr..
Benton's bill. In introducing it, he said:
Mr.. President rise to ask the leave, for which
gave notice on Friday last; and in doing SO, mean
to avail myself of the parliamentary rule, seldom
followed here, but familiar iii the place from which
we draw rues,-the British Parliament, land
strictly right and proper. when any thing is to
be- proposed to state the clauses, and make expo
ston of the principles of my BILL before submit the
formal motion for leave to bring it in. And. before
do this, viii make single remark, justify myself
for presuming to propose BILL upon subject which
already reported upon, by the able and experienced
Committee Finance My justification is, that the
bill of that Committee does not present the best mode
OF accomplishing its own object; that better can
be devised; and being myself the first of the
extingushment of the public debt is natural effect
Of the meditation which have bestowed on the CUES
ton, that something should have occurred to me,
which has not presented tsef the minds of Others
This seems to be the Several bills have been
reported for the abolition of duties this Cham
Der; some IN the other end of heHouse; and no Que
has presented the subject under my point of view
Good or bad, my plan IS at least new bill of its
Sort bill without precedent in the legislation ofthe
country; and, in bringing it forward I discharge
duty tothe Union, and to the public councils of which
/ am member, and have no other wish, but that the
wisdom and patriotism of the Senate from all that is
presented may select and prefer that which is best
for the People ofthese States.
The title of my bill is adapted to its contents and
discloses IFS object as distinctly the compendious
nature Of q bill will admit. will read it.
The first section--proposes "that for the term of
ten years, from and after the first day of January,
1882, or assoon thereafter may be agreed upon
between the U. States and any foreign power, the
duties now payable the importation Of the follow
ing articles, such of them may be agreed upon,
shall cease and determine be reduced in favor OF
such countries SHALL By treaty grant equivalent adj
euntages to the agriculture, manufactures commerce
and navigation of the o. States. (uere follows ar
enumeration of the articles, embracing ALL not made
in the u. States.)
This is the eqairalent principle, which is the lead
ing characteristic feature of Dir. Bentons prolet.-
He acknowledges 1t not to be original with him,
traces it tosthe messages of Presidents Washington
Jefferson, and jackson. Duties to be relaxed OF
abolished, in favor of the nation or nations alone
who shall embrace the offer, and relax their CONNER
cial restrictions in favor ofthe u. States. The mod
ofits execution, whichreposes in the Executive th
unqualified discretion Of deciding ,Ohes a nation hu
accepted the terms, aud of then modifying or abol
isbing the duties in its favor, seems to minds to-
vast and unnecessary power to be lodged without
check, IN that department Of the Government.
The second section-provides that after the 3ts
Dec 1881, the duty on teas mace, cloves, cinnamon
nutmegs, cassia, pepper, pmento ginger ivory, Tur
key carpets and cashmere shawls, shall cease and dc
tcrmine.