The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-07-31
REMARKS or Mn. INSECT.


REMARKS or Mn. NISBET.
On the resolution proposing 10 raise a Com
mntee for the purpose Of collecting and re
porting facts and nformation IN relation 10
HE operation n The impost lars.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,, JULY Il, ls4l.
Mr. SPEAKER: II is to me matter of cursity to say
the least of it, that the gentleman from Virginia Mr..
Wise) and the gentleman from South Carolina Mr.
Pckens) should be found in opposition TO ibis resolu
ton Ii is proposed by the Committee on Commerce
TO false committee to investigate the operation os our
impost laws, collate facts, and suggest what if any,
revision may be necessary. This is TO meet the con-
tingency of the opening of the tariff question at the
next session of Congress. 1t is strange to me that
these gentlemen should be opposed to this movement.
As an an,-arif man. support it as Southern man,
am for it, My constituents interested in this
matter quite as much those OF these gentemen--a
great deal more than those of the gentleman from Vir
gina. 1t is their interest TO be informed They have
listened too long TO the views of visionary theorists.
They have read the reports and Arguments of politi
clans will say, sir they have, been mishd by the
absurd theories Of some Southern statesmen. They
have had speculation enough they want facts and de-
tails. They desire TO know the working Of the sys-
tenn. ] wan, light myself | am not as the gentle
man from South Carolina appears to be- Independent
OF further illumination upon this subject Some of The
views OF his own statesmen have had the effect of de-
fusion rather than enghtenment-ihe forty bile theo-
4
berly-in the light Of facts. And if we are TO meet
the tariff question again. tariff foI protec-
ton If ii is again be forced upon us and again to
agltate these Halls and the country why sir let us
OF the South TO the armed with accurate
knowledge, not alone of principles but also Of facts
And how are we to get at facts Who shall furnish
them What better plan than to create a commits
sion, under the solemn authority of this House charg-
ed with the duty OF making the inquiry carefully and
laboIiouslyl A report by a suitable committee upon
the all laws ha afe
for Southern principles. Do we fear inquiry \ Will
not those principles withstand investigation Such
report would be read, not by politicians only but by
planters, mechanics and traders. Facts, sir in the
place of speculation ought to he thrown broadcast
the whole South They should be sent to the cot
tages and villages and towns of the South that the
people may judge for themselves.
In my State, sir, the day of deuson of gullibity
about the tariff has passed and our people are be-
ginning TO discriminate between imposts for revenue
and duties for protection Since have had seat in
this House, our friends from South Carolina have
done most of the talking here in opposition to the
tariff Whilst go fully with them against protec-
ton, do not approve of their indiscriminate oppo
son to any measure which relates TO imposis. |
cannot consent that my constituents shall be mised
by their ultraism So far | can avail to prevent
| it, they shall not be misled The cry of Tariff !
| tariff is raised upon measures for revenue. And
sir unless prevent it, constituents may be in
duced TO believe that sustaining protection
when we in fact only raising revenue for sus
tanning the honor of the country. The proposition
we are now considering is similar TO the plan adopted
in England. Parliament raised a committee of in
curry, and placed at the head Of it one of her most
| able and practical statesmen, Mr. Hume The re-
port OF that committee is opening the eyes of the
British public upon the subject of free trade. IL has
done, and will do more for Southern principles and
Southern interests than any thing that has occurred
in England. We propose TO do likewise, and we
| need not fear but with like results.
The gentleman from Virginia says that this is the
inception OF the tariff movements--the initatory pro-
| cess. lie says that this is the ulilment of a pro-
phccy he made at the last session of Congress The
gentleman, well recollcct, did make speech at the
/ last session, which he assumed positions upon this
subject which, suppose, the ground of his &C
ton now. thought then the gentleman was wrong
\ lie supposed then that there organized Wing
tarif party in this House He predicted high-larif
movements, and claims this measure as its fulhmrnt
! am not conscious that there was then or is now
such party II there is, 1t is not developed to my
| mind That there are tariff men here, is true il is
also true, in my oiinion that the New England man
utacturers do not favor high tariffs But, admitting
that the gentleman is right as to the existence of
high tari party here is he right in his opinion that
inns Is ther movement preparatory TO the tariff for
protection which they will attempt hereafter Is this
| apparent on The face of the proposition 1t occurs
to me not. The inquiries 10 be made and the facts
collected are much for the benefit Of the South as
the North |, nias have the effect Of preventing the
attempt TO revise our entire tariff system; and If at
tempted, II may result in reducing even the present
rates OF protection The Committee on Commerce
which reported this bill is composed Of Southern as
well as Northern gentlemen and we are told by the
reporter OF thus resolution that il the unanimous
approval OF that committee. Our Northern friends
are more familiar with this subject practically than we
are hey 1--we IN the region of its operation !
therefore infer that the raising of this committee will
rebound more to our advantage than theirs Can il
ether retard or hasten revision of the tariff Letus
prepare Tor the orst-bc ready for any CONTINGENCY
be equipped for the contest, whenever it may come
Mr.. Speaker, need not repeat nv opposition 10
protection. Ii the Wings from any quarter of the
I mon 20 for protection whilst am here 90 AGAINST
them shall always resist tariff for protection-re-
s'st IT, tthe House will pardon stale and somewha,
vulgar latinsn, pugnebus ct eaicibusn make no
new compromises upon this subject and would saw
to Northern gentlemen, if they do intend 10 URGE
again policy obnoxious TO the interests of nv con
stltuents-
Lochie, LochIel, beware ofthe day
When the Lowland shall meet thee in battle array
Upon questions Of revenue alone trust we shall
act together as brothers. Hero the lowlander and
the highlander can meet npon common ground in
terms and with feelings of amity
MIR. Speaker, at the last session Of Congress- I
avowed myself friendly TO an increase Of duties upon
free articles, particularly articles of luxury nntil
revenue should be raised equal 10 the wants Of an
economical Administration. | occupy that position
now foresaw then that more money would he
needed Now il is not conjecture but truth We
are in debt--in debt millions The income /, below
necessary expenditures and will range vet lower IN
der the provisions Of the compromise act. We have
passed bill 10 borrow twelve millions Of dollars
a laTQ he he nj