Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-12-16


profitable modes of employment.
Happily for the United States the sum to
which 1t Is now proposed to limit the revenue, is
not hkcly To be oppressive ON any class, even
according to the present numbers of the Amer
can popula' ion. 1t Is also To be observed, that
relatively both to population and the means of
consumption, IT would annually diminish; while
the cheapening eff transportation by the means
OF the rapidly increasing facilities of inter
course. would constantly tend to equalize pri-
ces, and dIfuse the benefits of labor.
The objects more particularly requiring the
aud OF the existing duties upon the principles OF
his report, are believed to be wool. woollens
cotton, iron. hemp, and sugar; comprehend
ing those articles i'll which the agricultural and
manufacturing industry are more particularly
interested
Upon these articles the average duty collect
cd IN tn years 1929 and 1880, amounted to
$3.50 ,393--as is shewn by the annexed state
.nent.
These duties could not be materially changed
at present. without the effect already depreca-
ted, No objection Is perceived, however, to
| such gradual reduction of them in future, may
withdraw the aid thus afforded, as the growth
ana STABILITY of cur manufactures will enable
them to dispense with ito such degree, at
ieast, MS will, with the aid of an increase ofpopu
iatlon, ana the means of consumption still lrgre
revenue adequate to the expenditures, un-
I'll what may be withdrawn from them, may be
admit oft
The additional sum, which, together with the
amount of these duties, it may be necessary for
Congress 10 provide in REIMBURSEMENT of the
tariff, will depend upon its decision as to con6n-
ing the expenditures 10 the present objects, or
| OF enlarging them, herein suggested. In the
former case, the sum of $3.50 COZ 90, and in
the latter, the sum of S6,O69,607 90 will be re-
| CURED: and in regard to either estimate the pro.
VISION should be upon scale sufficiently liberal
to guard against the chance of a deficiency. In
| providing for either sum, the duties may be ad-
vantageousiy retained upon those articles Of lux
ury, or which are principally consumed by the
weather. classes, or upon those not abundantly
| produced In the United States, in preference to
others. The effect of this would be TO counter
vail TO the poorer cl'sscs, by cheapening their
general supply, The higher duties on other arti-
cies. At the same time the duties may be re-
moved from such raw materials will admit Of
1t without doiriment 10 our Agriculture; where
| by the manufacturers would be enabled to sell
| cheaper, ana also the sooner TO dispense with
part of the duties, which MY be al present re-
tanned Tor their protection. Any amount of du-
~ upon raw material is, 10 its extent, an injury
| TO the manufacturer, requiring further counter
! ValIlng protection against our own rather than
foreign regulations, and is only to be justified by
| the paramount interests CT agriculture In that
case 1t would deserve consideration whether the
encouragement of an object of agriculture might
not De more property reconciled with the encou-
/ ragement OF the manufacturer, and with greater
equality Us regards other interests, by bouniies,
! rather than by duty on the raw material
| w nile presenting these views, the burthens
u winch the interests of navigation have been
subjected by the existing duties on articles ne
ccssary III shp-bull'ilng, have not been overlook
ed, and while cquitabiy adjusting other inter
ests, this may require frcm the Legislature par
tlcuiar attention. The great importance both of
our foreign and eoastIng navigation 20 the coun-
try, and especially TO those interests now reour
ing 10 be cherished. cannot be doubted. In the
| ccmPctt!on winch II Is obliged TO maintain with
The commerce of the world, every where the oh
Jcct OF peculiar aid, it would seem to demand of
the government liberal support. is believed
'hat the expenses OF building and fitting out yes
sel5 oil every description, including steamboats,
are inJnfousy increased by the present duties,
ana that drawback Of large portion, if not
the whole, OF the duty on all the articles com-
posed OF IRON, hemp, flax, or copper, whether of
foreign or domestic production, used in their
construction or equipment, might be authorized
uhder proper safe guards, with obvious advan-
tage 10 other interests, and without nateriul de-
triment TO the revenue.
| IL Is hoped, however, that these suggestions
! VII DC received as proceeding from sense of
| otacIa duty, and intended 10 invite the attention
| OF Congress to the various modes Of REVISING
the existing scale of duties, from Which selcc1
ton MAJ be more JudIciously made with the aid
OF greater information than is a. present in the
possession OF the Department, rather than to
| present clgcsted scheme for the future revenue
Inc undersigned is not nsensible to The en-
! narrHs6mcnts attending such a subject, both
| rem ITS de!Icacy and completely: and the diff
chItles OF recnnclIng any system of duties in
| the present condition of the public mind with
tne interests and views of ALL are fully appre.
GATED. These c"n be surmnuned only by the
WISDOM and patriotism of the People and of
| congress- lie cannot dnub', however that il
VIII be the wish of oil earnestly to eDsleayor to
surmount them and he coHfides in the forbear-
ance ana hbcrallty of an enlightened public To
accomplish he task. He respectfully sugpests
that he subject is to be dealt with in the Shirt
OF liberal compromise, in which for The sake
OF The general harmony, each conflicting interest
| should he expected to yield part for the eom
mon benefit of all
The diversity of interests which erq.actarrze
uiherent portions OF The Union, arising from
geographical position Ond popularity of habits
! ana pursuits, does not admit of that decree of
favor to any particular interest which, in other
eontres, differently situated, may be safely and
wisely granted. The industry of each portion
OF Inc Union should be equally regarded and
gfadnaIIy tostered, by which means each
would as certainly, though more slowly. a,
tam maturity, without the aid of measures
dangerous to the general peace and barmonv.
oim'Iar considerations prevailed in the Eo,rno !
tlon tfhe constitution; and at that period tho
a'hic"ly OF drawing with precision the line be-
'"ceh rights surrendered and those reseryed |
al OH ufnes great, was increased by a difference
among tne several States as to their situation
tNIeh'' hnoits, and particular interests. In
hafinon'zng these verious Objects and Conduct. |
ing them to practical results the trainers NJ
that instrument kent sfead,I,, ., III. "