Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-11-10
kGDEaVECAE.
From the National MteHigenesr.


To illustrate what has been said with regard to
the operation of the Tariff upon the cotton planting
interest, it is necessary to present statements
TO induce candid inquiry into the subject. They
are off red in the hope, that they may awaken
attention, and lead to reflections and comparisons
tho situation of the South more just and favor
able than have been heretofore made
II is of the groatcst moment 20 understand the
question fairly.
zine planter in South Carolina is requested to
state for his satisfaction the value ols estate
the gross sizes of his crops-thc expenses of his
pantation-tha nett profit, and interest upon his
oaPital, ard how the result differs from other cap
ital in other pursuits, or in other States.
In order TO understand how his esta is affected
by the Tariff, let him put down the items of cx-
distinguishing those that pay duties from
those that do not-then calculate the rate o. duties
upon the articles, and he Will have the sum he
contributes 10 the revenue. He will then sec how
much this sum exceeds what he deems his lust pro
portion-and whether and to what extent the Ia
rim operates uneGuai!y, utjus ly, opprcssiycly.
The calculation VIII perhaps slew that an estate
tavorably situated will yield, 1T present prices
from Ia TO 10 per cent; that the expenses will be
about per cent. That three -fourths OF the OK.
Pcnsc is for articles not included in the Tariff,
and the remaining fourth paying different rates OF
duties, averaging perhaps 80 o. 40 per cent.
The result will shew that the capital in pantgii-
ons is not taxed high; that it pays less than the
same capital and income in manufactures, less
perhaP. than 1T would pay under direct tag, ac
T.
ii must be remarked, that besides the profit of
the plantation, 1T chiefly supports the family, that
IS, with very ItClc additional expense, while takes
large proportion Of the profit of the manufactu-
rcr fer his personal expenses.
1t should be remarked that on many articles the
price is not increased to the extent of the duty;
many of the articles made in this county are
cheaper, while others do not materially vary fSom
those of England. That these prices are gradual,
ly diminishing, and will soon come down to the
lowest standard Of vAIuc.
plantation in Louisiana work 6 $4,000
with 100 negroes, say worth 10000
and personal property 5000
Making, at high estimate :; 10000
This plantation, estimating 65 to 20 pickers.
Will make average, ut 10 ceuts a pound. Of
from 10 to IL, 900 dollars Of this about 900 dol
lars is for expenses, leaving pr it from to 600
1t is unnecessary TO add that very favorable
seasons occur, sucn the year 1880 when tho
crop greatly exceeded that sum, and reached to .
and Sl7, 900.
The expenses are composed Of Pork, 500 to 10o9
Ovcrsccr COO TO 100
Horses, yearly, $50 to 21g
Taxes do. $50 to 900
Blacksmith $50, Physician 50 100 to 100
$500 $4,000
These arc articles made in tie country and OK.
pcnscs not affected by tho Tariff
Cotton baggnE and cordagc amounting to 500
dollars, is not charged duliabc article because
1t sells by weight with the cotton for as much as 1t
costs.
The articles paying duties are woollon clothing,
blankets, shoes, hats, &c. &C. $50
Iron ard tools, 100
Sugar, coffee, tea, rnolasscs and medicine, 100
Now, 30 per cent, on this viii give 2SU
This may vary in different countries, end under
different management.
Ii crop of 1900 dollars cxpc1ds zoe dollars
for dutablc articles, how much does the whole cx-
port 6 South Carolina, 5000, 900 dollars e1pcnd
for The sanie articlcs2
For further illustration there arc suhioincd state.
ments Of i other plantations in Mississippi. These
piantoiions arc the property of gentleman ofhigf
character, who manages them with jed gmcnt and
cconomy-but who furnishes them with every thing
necessary 70 tho comfort and health Of The slaves
and the advantage Of the property. Tho state
mcnt may be relied upon
Let every man in Carolina make an estimate O
his expenses, and sec how much hc paws TO tho re-
yenue whether he pays man or as 4 planter
either fer lis family for his plantation moro thar
any other man pays for his family, or more thar
the samo properly pays in any other State.
The fair aPPoTtoumcnt of South Carolina is
million ofdollers, which is l2I per cent. upon tic
production. Now does any ,nan pay ~ per cent
upon his whole croT, duties upon articles includ
ed in the Tariff