Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-16

n,rT r. the duties which may be at present retain
ed for their protection. Any amount OF outy
unor a raw material is, to IT'S extent, AL INJURY
ta the manufacturers, requiring further counter
v,;linu protection against our own rather thah
fore;un regulations, and is only to be %justlhed oy
the interests of agriculture. In tnat
case II would deserve consideration whether the
encouragement of an object OF agriculture might
not be more properly reconciled with the encour-
.oameot of the manufacture, aud with greater
equality as regards other interests, ny D"uh'ies
rather than by a DUTY on the raw material.
While presenting these views, the burdens 10
which the interests of navigation have oeen suo-
iected by the existing duties on articles neoessa-
nv in ship building, have not been overlooked;
and while e~qu;tablv adjusting other Interests, this
NAV require from the Legislature particular at
~tention. The great importance, both OF our 'ote'sh
anil c~nas,;nr NAVIGATION 10 the country. and es-
nec;ally to those interests now requiring TO De
cherished, cannot be doubted. In the colnpetl'
ton which it is obliged to maintain with the COM
merce of the world every where, the oDJect OF
peculiar aid, it would seem to demand OF the GO
yernmcnt a liberal support. 1t is believed that
the expenses of building aid fitting out vessels
of eyery description. including steamboats,, are
iniuriously increased by The present duties, and
| that a drawback of a large portion, II not the
whole, of the duty on all the articles composed
Of iron, hemp, flax or cotton, whether OF foreign
lNr domestic production. used III their cohstruc'
ton or equipment. might be authorized, under
proper safeguards, with obvious advantage to
other interests, and without material detrlment
to the revenue.
1t is hoped, however, that these suggestions
will be received as proceeding from a sense OF
nr - 49,. .l dad, IA, innifa tho attnnfInn
of Congress to the various modes Of revising the
existing sesle Of duties, from which a selection
NAV be more judiciousIy made with the aid OF
greater information than is at present in possess
sion of the Department, rather than to present a
digested scheme for the future revenue.
The undersigned is not insensible to the en-
barrassments attending such a subject, both from
its deIicacy and completely; and the difficulties
of reconoiling any system of duties, in the present
condition of the public mind. with the interests
and views of all. are fully appreciated. These
can be surmounted only by the wisdom and pa
~triotisw of the people, and of Congress. he
cannot doubt. however. that it will be the wish
of all, earnestly to endeavor to surmount them;
and he confdes in the forbearance and liberality
of an enlightened public to accomplish the task.
He respectfully suggests that the subject is to be
dealt Will, in the spirit Of a liberal compromise,
in which, for the sake of the general harmony.
each conflicting interest should be expected to
yield a part for the common benefit of all.
The diversity Of interests which characterize
different portions of the Union, arising from geo.
graphical position. and popularity of habits and
pursuits, does not admit of that degree OF favor
to any particular interest, which IN other coun-
tries differently situated may be wisely granted.
The industry of each portion of the Union should
be equally regarded and gradually f"stered, by
which means. each would as certainly, though
more slowly, attain maturity without the aid OF
measures dangerous to the general peace and har-
mOnv.
Similar considerations prevailed in the .forma-
ton of the Constitution; and, at that period, the
difficulty of drawing with precision the line be
tween rights surrendered and those reserved, at
all times great, was increased by a difference
among the several States, as to their situation,
extent, habits, and particular interests. In har-
monizing these various objects. and conducting
them to practical results, the trainers Of that in
strument kept steadily in view ''the conso'lda.
ton of the Union, and the general prosperity OF
the whole" By merging in these all objects OF
inferior magnitude, the Constitution came from
their hands, "the result of a spiritof amity. and
of that mutual Difference and concession which
the popularity of our political situation redered
Indispensable" The full and entire approGa-
ton of every State was not counted upon; but it
was hoped that each would consider that rad her
interests alone been consulted, the consequences
might have been particularly disagreeable or
injurious"
In the Government thus formed. were fully
and efectualiy vested the power Of making war.
peace and treaties, and Ievying money and regu-
lating commerce., and the corresponding Judicial
and executive powers of expoundins and execut-
ing the whole.
Upon no other principles, and in no other spirit,
can the constitution lie administered with safety
to the Union. The force of the Government is
a moral force. resting upon the sound action OF
the public opinion throughout the various portions
of the country. Due respects for the rights and
duties of the States, and a mild, equal, and mo.
derate exercise OF those confided to the General
Government, with a ready Difference to the will
of the people, are believed to constitute the sound
est policy, and to furnish the best of safeguards.
The observance of this policy is the duty of the
Government, and a patriotic acquiescence iii the
measures calculated to effect it. though they may
oct asionally act with some Inequality, ~ not less