Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-02-27

limited grant of powers, like what's contained IN that
instrument for laying mposts warrant TO impose them
for other and distinct Objects and especially the opera
ton of such measure, apparently under an assumed
authority, and on subject so delicate and momentous
to mankind taxation should tend to enrich partIcu-
lar classes sections at the expense OF others In
truth the tariff much system OF taxation as
land tax, stamp tax direct tax OF any kno; ana
is chiefly distnguishuble from them by being more
subtle and less obnoxious in its FORM The conhning
of all duties hereafter TO low rate was therefore,
desirable to the great Of the people, because
was confirming taxes 10 low rate. II was further sup
posed without doubt, that though comparatively low,
they would yield, with the other ordinary receipts, an
ample supply Of revenue for such economical ad-
mnisraon is contemplated by this section of tue
act.
at is also probable that many sound princ pies Of
Political economy, and mutual desire TO arrange per-
manenty the tariff controversy, united to persuade
Congress not only to reduce the duties lower but to
provide that they should airays be kept oer 1t must
have been foreseen that this would avoid the useless
vaciaton if not folly, of first diminishing all the du
ties 10 twenty per cent. by lS42 with view, alter
wards of again Immediately raising them above it,
1t was obvious too, that by keeping the mposts more
reduced, the tariff would operate advantageousy
free trade, and the procurement of proca favors
abroad. By conining in substance any future change
to purposes Of revenue alone, and within twenty per
cent instead of wide range Of thirty, fifty, eighty, and
even more times pre- viousy in practice and frequent
w for protection, it would likewise impart greater
nency and prosperity manufacturing, and
with that 10 all other descriptions of industry II is
we'll known, from recent experience, that such sta
b,.y in our system Of duties would be better for the
manu- iac,urer well the merchant and the commu
nifty large than higher rate exposed TO constant
changes because, in the former case, intelligence and
foesg could make accurate calculations for the
future; more uniform thrift regular reward to
industry and higher tone OF moral feeling, would every
where take the place of constant fluctuations, mere
gambling specu!atons, and dangerous overaction,
from we'd hopes of high profits, often very faila
Business and the currency would then be steady
and be regulated they should be- rather by the great
laws of trade, than by banks politicians. Nor is
this permanency injurious to the laborer and artisan
any than Others all trades and regions of this
country open 10 enterprise and larger share here
than abroad of the income in any branch of bust
and should uniformly 60 wages rather than
capital, or the workman will, under free insttu-
.ions quit it for lucrative employment On the
contrary, if an unusually large share go to him for
time, any particular pursuit place, others will soon
rush in participate, and reduce it, By competition, even
below the average Uniformity and s,eadiness are,
therefore, injurious any, though engaged in labor
or manufactures; but useful to ALL except the mere
specializing classes.
"Two other restrictions exist in the Sd section of the
compromise act which seem to have been intended