Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-10-20
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1889.
@,ritieal,
REPLY OF Mr.. VAN BUREN,

Meeting. requesting to be informed OF his SEN
timents 90 with regard to the Protective Sys-
TEN, Internal Improvement, the United
Estates Bank, and Notification"
Ow.sco, CAYueA Co. Oct. A.. 1882.
Genfl.psn-Your letter Of the 25th August
found me at this place. regret extremely that
the delay in its reception, OccasiOned by my alb
sence, has prevented an earlier attention to- its
contents.
By the resolutions which you have been ap-
pointed 20 communicate to me, / am advised
that those BY whom they were adopted, desire to
be infor med Of my sentiments "on the subjects
Of the protective system, and It's proper adjust
mput. internal improvement, the Bank OF the
United States, and notification "
The right of those YOU represent to be inform
ed of nv opinions upon these interesting subjects,
as derived from the position in which the favor
Of nv fellow citizens has placed me, is undoubt-
al; and in cheerfully complying with their re-
auest. l have only to regret that the incOnyen-
soce of the situation IN which il finds me, conse-
ouent upon the hurry and confusion attending
ths. further prosecution Of my journey, and the
imnortauce to the fulfiment of the objects Of
your constituents Of as little delay as possible in
the Transmission Of this communication, preclude
any thing like an elaborate discussion OF the sub
iects under consideration. IL indeed such course
would, under more favorable circumstances, be
desirable to you. The regret, however, which
might otherwise experience on this account, Is
relieved by the hope that my felow.ci!izens Of
North Carolina, preferring, with characteristic
good sense, results to specuatons, will be as
well satisfied, and as effectually aided in the in
telijpent bestowment of their suffrages, by
brief but explicit avowal OF my opinions. as they
would be by an elaborate dissertation upon sub
iects which have been so thoroughly aud dlffus-
lively debated.
Although nv official acts in relation to the pro-
tective system might well be regarded as render
ing the avowai unnecessary, think IL, neverthe
less, proper to say, that believe the establish
ment Of commercial regulations, with view to
the encouragement of domestic products, to be
within the constitutional power Of Congress
Whilst, however, have entertained this opinion,
II has never been my wish to see the power in
question exercised with an oppressive inequality
upon any portion Of our citizens, or for the ad
vantage of one section of the Union, at the ex-
pcnse Of another. On the contrary, have at all
times believed it 10 be the sacred duty Of those
who are entrusted with the administration OF the
Federal u,ernment, to direct its operations in
the manner best calculated to distribute, as equal
~ as pussible IT'S burthens and blessings amongst
the several States, and the people. My views
upon this subject were, several years aga, spread
widely diHused through the medium of the pub.
Inc press NV object, at that time, was to in.
vte the atten,ion OF my immediate constituents
to a dspassionate consideration of the subject,
in its various bearings; being well assured, that
su>h an investigation would bring them to stan
dard, which, from its moderation and justice,
would furnish the best guarantee for the true in
terests Of all. II, as has been supposed, those
views have contributed, in any degree, to pro.
duce a state of feeling so much to be desired, /
have reason to be grati6ed with the result
The approaching, and u the policy OF the pre-.
sent Executive is allowed to prevail, the certain
and speedy extinguishment Of the national debt,
has presented an opportunity for more equita.
Bile adjustment OF the tariff, which has been al.
ready embraced BY the adoption of conciliatOry
measure, the spirit Of which will, / doubt not.
continue to be cherished by all who are not desi-
rous of advancing their private interests at the
sacrifice Of thase Of the public, and who place a
Just value upon the peace and harmony OF the
Union.
The protective system. and its proper adjust.
ment, became subject Of frequent and necessa-
~ consideration, whist formed u part Of the
cabinet; and the manner in which the President
proposed to carry INTO effect the policy in rela.
ton to imposts, recommended in hls previous mes
sayes, has since been avowed with thar franknsss
recommended ga modification Of the tariff, which
should produce reduction Of the revenue to the
wants of the Government, and an adjustment OF
the duty upon imports, with view to equal JUS
tice in relation to all national interests, and
to the counteracton Of foreign policy, SO far as it
nav be injurious to those interests"
La these sentiments fully concur; and have
been thus explicit in the statement of them, that
there may be no room for misrepresentation as to
INV o~n views upon the subject sincere and
faithful application Of these principles to our le
g,,laon, unwarprd by private interest or political
d.,sn: a restriction If the wants of the govern
mrni to simple and economical administration
Of its sffalrs.-the only administration which is
CONSISTENT with the purity and stability OF the re-
p,bii,an svs,ea; preference in encouragement
gwen. to such manufactures as are essential to
the na'ional defence. and its e1tenIiOn to others
in proportion as they are adapted to our country,
and OF which the material is produced BY our
selves; with proper respect for the rule which
l. -. N L..