Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-02-03

cured OF salutary competition. fit be her
metically closed, the danger is incurred OF
monopoly.
The third mode is the most equitable and
reasonable, and it presents an undebateable
ground, on which had hoped we could all
safely tread, without difficulty 1t exacts no
sacrifice of principle from the opponent of
the American System it comprehehds none
on the part Of its friends. The measure be-
fore you embraces this mode. tits simple,
and free from all completely. 1t divides the
whole subject ofimpost according to its ma
turc. Ii settles at once what ought not
to be disputed, and leaves to be settled here
alter, If necessary, what may be controvert-
ed.
A certain part of the South has hitherto
complained that it pays disproportonate a.
mount OF the imposts. If the complaint be
we'll founded, by the adoption of this measure
IL VIII be relieved at once, as will be hereafter
shown, from at least fourth of its burthens
The measure is in conformity with the
uniform practice Of the Government, from
tscommencement,a and with the professions
ofall the eminent politicians of the South,
until of late. 1t assumes the right of the
Government, in the assessment of duties, to
discriminate between those articles which
sound policy requires il to foster, and those
which it need not encourage. This has
been the nvariable rule, on which the Gov
eminent has proceeded. from the act of Con-
sress OF the 4th Of July, 1879, down to the
present time. And has it not been admitted
by almost every prominent Southern politi-
clan! Has it not been even acknowledged
by the fathers the Free trade Church, in
their late address, promulgated, from Phila-
delphia, TO the people OF the United States !?
Ii we never had system of foreign imposts,
and were now called upon for the first time,
to originate one, should we not discriminate
between the objects ofour own industry, and
those produced by foreigners And is there
any difference in its application, between
the modification of an existing system and
the organization of new one! If the gen
tleman of the South, opposed to the Tariff,
were to obtain complete possession of the
powers ofGoyernment, would they hazard
their exercise upon any other principle? If
IT be said that some of the articles which
would, by this measure, be liberated from
duties, are luXuries, the remark is equally
true ofsome of the articles remaining subject
10 duties. In the present advanced Stage Of
comfort and civilization, it is not easy 10
draw the line between luxuries and necessa-
ries. 1t would be difficult TO make the peo-
pie believe that bohea tea is luxury, and
the article of fine broad cloths is necessary
Of life.
In stating that the duties on the protected
class ought to be retained, it has been far
from my wish to preclude inquiry into their
inadequacy or propriety. If it can be
shewn that, in any instance, they are excess
sive or disproportionately burthensome on
any section of the Union, for one am rea-
dy 10 vote for their reduction or notification
The system Contemplates an adequate pro-
lection beyond that it is not necessary 10
go. Short OF that, its operation will be in
furious 10 all parties.
The people of this country, or large ma
jority of them, expect that the system will
be preserved. And its abandonment would
produce general surprise, special desolation
over the land, and occasion as great shock
as a declaration of war forthwith against the
most powerful nation of Europe.
But il the system be preserved, ii ought
TO be honestly, fairly and faithfully enforced.
That there does not exist the most scandalous
violations of it, and the grossest frauds upon
the public revenue, in regard 10 some Of the
most important articles, cannot be doubted
AS to iron, objects really belonging to one
denomination, 10 which higher duty is at
tachod, are imported under another name,
to which lower duty is assigned, and the
law thus evaded. False invoices are made
as TO woollens, & the classification into min
imums is constantly eluded. The success of
the American manufacture ofcoton bagging
has been such, that, by furnishing a bet
ter and cheaper article, the bagging of In
verness and Dundee has been almost eXclud-
ed from the consumption Of the States Dor
dering on the Mississippi and its tributaries
There has not yet been sufficient time to
fabriCate and transport the article in necces-
sary quantities from the Western States TO
the Southern Atlantic States, which there
fore have been almost exclusively Supplied
from the Scottish manufactures The pay
ment of the duty is evaded by the introduc-
ton of the foreign fabric, under the name of
burlaps, or some other mercantile phrase. and
instead of paying five cents the square yard
it is entered with only fifteen per cent. adj
yalorem. That this practice prevails, is de-
monstrated by the Treasury report of the
duties accruing on cotton bagging for the
year 1923, 1929, and 1880. Daring the
first year the amount was S137 SOC, the Sc
cond 3 LOG ,06S, and the third il sunk down TO
S14,141!
The time has arrived when the inquiry
ought TO he seriously made, whether il be
not practicable TO arrest this Legitimate
course of trade, and secure the faithful exc
cution of the laws. No time could be more
suitable than that at which it is contemplate
ed to make great reduction of tbe public
revenue. Two radical changes have pre-
sented themselves to my mind, and which I
will suggest for consideration and investiga-
ton. On such subject, would, however,
seek from the mercantile community and
practical men, all the light which they are