Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-05-11

Senate knows that the unprotected articles
which yield the principal part of the reve-
nue. with which thismeasure would dispense,
are coffee, tea, spices, wines and silks. OF
all these articles, wines and silks alone can
be pronounced to be luxuries and, as TO
wines, we have already ratified treaty, not
yet promulgated, by which the duties on
them are TO be considerably reduced. Ifthe
universally of the use ofobjects of consump-
ton determines their classification, coffee,
tea, and spices, in the present condition of
civilized society, may be considered -necessa-
aries. Even if they were luxures, why
should not the poor, by cheapening their pri-
ces, ii that can be effected, be allowed to use
them! Why should not poor man be al
lowed to Tie silk handkerchief, on his neck,
occasionally regale himself with glass Of
cheap French wine, or present his wife
or daughter with a silk gown, to be
worn on Sabbath or gala days am quito
sure that do not misconstrue the feelings
OF the gentleman's heart, in snpposing that
he would be happy TO see the poor, as well
as the rich, moderately indulging themselves
IN these innocent qualifications. For one, L
am delighted to see the condition OF the poor
attracting the consideration the opponents
OF the tariff. Ii is for the great body of the
People, and especially for the poor, that
have ever supported the American System.
1t affords them profitable employment, and
supplies the means of comfortable subsist-
ence. 1t secures TO them, certainly, neces-
saries of life, manufactured at home, and
places within their reach, and enables them
to acquire, a reasonable share of foreign
luXures; whilst the system of gentlemen
promises them necessaries made in foreign
countries, and which are beyond their pow
and Inv, IL 81,
would possess no means to purchase.
The constant complaint of South Carolina
against the tariff, is that it checks importa-
tons, and diSables foreign Powers from
purchasing the agricultural productions of
the United States. The effect of the resolu-
ton will be to increase importations, not so
much, 1T is true, from Great Britain, MS from
other Powers, but not the less acceptable on
that account 1t is misfortune that so large
portion OF our foreign commerce concen-
trates IN one nation it subjects us loo much
to the Legislation and the policy of that ma
ton, and exposes us TO the influence of her
numerous agents, and merchants And it
is not among the smallest recommendations
OF the measure before the Senate, that its
tendency will be to expand our commerce
with France, our great Revolutionary ally
the land of our Lafayette. There is much
greater probability, also, of an enlargement
OF the present demand for cotton, in France,
than in Great Britain. France engaged
later IN the manufacture of cotton, and has
made therefore, less progress. She has, more
over, no colonies producing the article in
abundance, whose industry she might be
tempted TO encourage.
The honorable gentleman from, Mary
land, General SMITu) by his reply TO
speech which, on the opening of the subject
OF this resolution, had occasion TO make.
has rendered it necessary that should take
some notice Of his observations. The hon
orable gentleman stated that he had been
accused of Partially 10 the manufacturing
interest. Never was there more ground
less and malicious charge preferred against
a illuminated man. Since this question
has been agitated in the public councils, al
though have often heard from him profess
sIons OF attachment TO this branch ofindustry.
have never known any member a more
uniform, determined, and incorporating
opponent OF them, than the honorable Sena-
tor has invariably been. And II bereafter
the calumny should be repeated. of his
friendship 10 the American system I shall
be ready TO furnish TO him, in the most
solemn manner, my testimony 10 his limo
cence. The honorable gentleman supposed
that had advanced the idea that the per-
manent revenue Of this country should be
fixed at eighteen millions Of dollars. Ger
family had no intention to announce such
an opinion, nor do my expressions. fairly
interpreted, imply it. stated, on the occa-
sion referred to, that, estimating the ordina-
ry revenue of the country at twenfy-five
millions, and the amount of the duties on
the unprotected articles proposed TO be re-
peaIed by the resolution, at seven millions
the later sum taken from the former would
leave eighteen. But did not intimate anv
belief that the revenue Of the country OUGHT
for the future, to be permanently fixed nj
that or any other precise sum stated that
alter having effected so great reduction
we might pause, cautiously survey the whole
ground, ana Deliberate determine upon. other
measures OF reduction, some of which in
dicated. And now say, preserve the pro-
tectlng system in full vigor give us tbe
proceeds of The public domain for internal
improvements, or, if you please, partly for
That object and partly for the removal Of fhe
free blacks, with their own consent. from
The United States and, for one, have no
objection TO the reduction of tho public
revenue TO fifteen, TO thirteen. or even TO
nine millions Of dollars
In regard TO Che scheme ofthe Secretary
| THE Treasury for paying of the whole Of
! the remaining public debt, by the 9TH dav
| OF March, 1883, including ihe three por
cent, and, for that purpose, selling the bank
stock, bad remarked that, with the excep-
ton OF the three per cent, there was not
more than about four millions OF dollars Of
the debt due and payable within this vear.
/ that. TO meet this the Secretarv bad .t.,oJ'