Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-12-15

Mr.. Clay's sentiments on the prominent
topics Of the times as we understand
them, and as we have no question, short
time will prove to be true; a task due to
him, 50 Systematically and Indignantly
misrepresented in Virginia, and to the
people Of this State, who besides that
they cannot be devoid of interest GU the
subject, have been SO long played upon
by Jacksonians, to MIR. Clay's prejudice.
THE TARIFF.
On the question Of the Tariff, Mr..
Clay agrees with MIR. Calhoun, that this
session of Congress is q suitable time for
such modification as il called for by the
near approach Of the payment Of the
Public Debt. The modification, he con-
ceives, may be either prospective to take
effect when the debt is discharged, or if
there be any particular article the duty
on which is burthensome, there might, as
to that duty, be an immediate reduction
or abolition. Adequate notice in any
proposed change of the Tariff is advanta-
geous to merchant and consumer, and t
would not be illegitimate for the treaty
making power to avail itself Of any pro-
posed distant alteration to secure, in con-
sideration of it, more favorable terms Of
commercial intercourse with foreign Pow
ers. Hence, it would appear wise to de-
fer the reduction to the period Of the fl
nal extinguishment Of the public debt
As to the amount of reduction, Mr..
Clay thinks it ought to be equal to the
annual appropriation of ten millions to the
payment of the debt, that appropriation
being no longer necessary when the debt
shall be paid. This great reduction, he
is of opinion, ought to be effected by an
abolition or dminution of duties on arti-
cles not coming into competition with the
produce of our agriculture, or the fabric
Of our manufacture: IN other words-he
thinks the principle ofprotection ought to
be preserved unimpaired in its application
to domestic industry; but at the same
time, that no more revenue should be col
lected than is necessary to an economi-
cal administration
Such Is an outline Of what we believe
to he, what we are confident the event
will prove to be, Mr.. Clay's opinions of
this great, absorbing, agitating, and dam
gerous question. Such we personally
know them to have been, several years
ago, so far at least as reduction was re-
qured Tor the restoration of national har-
mony. Are these the opinions which his
enemies have ascrbed to him' Are
these they, which have concentrated up
on him, SO much ill-wil in the South p
No-hIs enemies had their own purpos-
es to effect. TO put him down, has beer
the leading object of every political
machnation since February, 1926. No.
method could be so effectual to achieve
this object, as to identify him with South
ern prejudice and hostility to the Tariff;
and accordingly the changes have been
rung upon the American System and
Henry Clay, with inexhaustble ingen
lty and infinite variation. These are not
the opinions which his enemies have i'm
putcd to Mr.. Clay, and which thus i'm
puted, and by men who, worthly or un-
worthily, enjoyed public confidence,
have drawn OH his head the extremity of
public imprecation. But, these are his
real sentiments; the others the Pigments
Of mendacity or the msreprese sentations of
personal and political hostility.
That there has been a change in Mr..
Clay's opinions since 1894, may be alleg-
ed, and need not be denied; but it is
change of degree, not of principle;
change which, from the altered situation
OF the country and the diminished requi.
sltions of the treasury, was inevitable to
every man of reflection. To contend for
the same amount of revenue, the Public
Debt being paid, as when ten millions
were annually necessary for that object,
would argue, not consistency, but stupid
lty. This change of degree has MIR
Clay undergone, and no other. lie vet
contends for the principle of protection,
which, an attribute of sovereignty, and
certainly not retained by the States, be-
longs, both by grant and necessity, to
the General Government He yet con-
tends for the application Of protection to
such articles of agricultural produce and
manufacturing skill as are liable to be o.
vHrwhelmed by foreign rivalship. He
mas changed no principles, surrendered
nothing for which he has ever contended
as such. To conform rules Of govern
ment to the ever fuctuating condition of
human affairs, is the great business ofthe
success in which is the test
OF capacity, as want Of it marks the pre-
tender. 4
We are about to make a statement
which no doubt will create surprize, but
which we believe to be absolutely and
unquaifiedly true--Tt is, that between
MIR. Clay's wishes in respect to the Tar
I'll, and those Of its moderate tents
IN the South, there is perfect and en-
tire agreement. We ask no man to be-
ljeye this sentiment from ,o.n,., ,a II