, 1840-03-07
TO reveal the salt duties,

to repeal the salt duties,
MIR. Wright answered that the committee
had not yet determined on their course.
Mr.. Calhoun SIS the publication of tho Sc
papers designed to have any bearing on that
bill''
Mr.. Wight answered in the affirmative,
and Mr.. Benton mumbled soneting which
was not distinctly heard, but was understood
to be an emphatic declaration to the same eff
Mr.. Calhoun, Qooking:at Mr.. Wright. fleet.
Scan you spare the duty?'
Mr.. Wright said something ir a low
tone. Mr.. Calhoun's shrill voice rang the
chamber instantly-"WiI the chairman on
the Finance Commute speak out? / cannot
hear"
Mr.. Wright, (now in a strong tone,) "No
sir; no portion of the accruing revenue can
be spared; and if cut down. the DEFICIENCIES
lust be supplied in some other way"
Mr.. Calhoun. 1t is enough. cannot
vote for the printing Of these documents
not for a copyl and for the simple reason
that cannot vote for the bill, in favor of
which they are designed 10 operate. Let
US consider what we are doing. The salt
duty ann be spared. The Government
is in need of it; and be it remembered that
deficit of this year will De the deficit Of the
west.
But what a spectacle will we exhibit 10 the
country? Cut down the salt DUTY, and then
raise money TO spend on the Cumberland
Road, or some other purpose OF the kind;
spending money to print and circulate n
publication TO forestalI the opinion of the
people, and create an impression in favor ol
cutting of a source of cvenue. ut 4 time
when the country is without 4 sufficient rev.
enue?
But Mr.. Calhoun did no. stop there. He
told the committee and Mr.. Benton, that il
the tax was to be repealed, the uhoh Tariff
must be renewed. IL was not far for them
TO take one step d not go the whole course;
and he gave warning if the Gill for the repeal
was reported, he should Consider, i, a signal
for n general action on the Tariff: AMI he
would Instantly present a resolution TO in
struct them IL take up d consider the whole
Tariff system. What reason or equality
was there in taking of the duties on salt,
and retaining them on hemp iron. and other
articles!
Mr.. Calhoun went still n step farther
whether in spired by disgust for Bsn,on's
ngrarianism, or only by jealousy Of j rival,
| cannot say) but he reprobated in strong
terms the interference by the Senate with
matters purely local. and exclusively under
State regulation. The question which had
been brought up to-day belonged to the State
alone 10 supervise and determine.
While the Carolina Senator was speaking.
The cloud rose on the brow Of Benton, and
his scowl grew darke- d. darker. lie started
on his feet the moment his antagonist sat
down, and with the tlinsiesr ale citation even
OF Disgusting lis haired, he upbraided Mr..
Calhoun in round terms for the part he had
taken regard to the compromise act. This
was. OF course, and unequivocalIy, 4 mere
explosion Of personal wrath, for what had
1t to d" with the business before the Senate
with the salt document
but the best of the scene was between
these W aspirants to the Presidency, for
the honor of reviving the cry o; srAmFF!
TAsrEF!' Mr.. Call,oun's menace of his in.
tention 10 have the whole system reviewed.
If the salt tax was repealed, wa, quite tran
scended by Benton's boast, that he had ava,
kenei the country TO the subject at the last
session, & his declaration that he intended To
bsingup the T~ari!Tqncstion Ibis session, what
ever course others might pursue.
The hour being late, there was a general
wish manifested for m adjournment, and on
motion Of Mr.. Walker, the Senate adjourn
ed till Monday.
A bii has passed 10 4 second reading in
congress, TO authorize the Iron Mountain
Company to enter on a credit q quantity Of