The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-01
From The Lynchburg Tirginiian.


The Charleston Southern Patriot has beenan
uniform supporter OF the two preceding Admin
istrations, and is edited by profound political
economist, (Mr. Cardozo,) whose opinions on
questions Of this character are entitled 10 all
the respect with which they are uniformly re-
ceived by the community. In reference TO two
of the important questions Of the present day he
makes the following judcious remarks, which
we transfer TO our columns, with the more plea
sure, because of the studious effort which is
now making in the South 10 render them unpo-
pular and odious and this, too, in the teeth Of
the fact, that one of them Qhe impost on luxu-
ries) was, in the days of Notification, the favor
tie policy of the opponents Of protective tariff,
while the other the distribution of the proceeds
Of the sales Of the public lands) was, ten years
ago sustained by overwhelming majorites Of
all parties. The Patriot says:
"The two leading measures which appear TO
divide parties in Congress duties on certain
imported articles Of luxury, and the distribution
among the States of the revenue raised by the
sale Of the public lands. We cannot conceive
the force of the objection to tax on Injuries.
We are unable to comprehend the wisdom or
justice Of that policy that permits the consumer
OF Silks, Wines, Laces, and all other articles OF
luxurious expenditure, TO escape all impost what
ever on them, while the poor man who consumes
Sugar and Cloth is heavily assessed by high
duty on their importation. This inequality
should not exist under any circumstances but
while the revenue is deficient its rectfcation
should not be for one moment delayed
"Another measure of importance which has
been largely debated in Congress is the distrbu-
ton of the proceeds of the public lands among
the States. II would appear on a superficial
view OF this measure to be injudicious, if not
contradictory in policy, to divert portion Of the
public revenue derived from the public domain
from It's ordinary purpose, while the government
income Is not equal to the expenditure. But
more mature reflection will satisfy the mind that
the present position of the country creates an
exception TO ordinary rules of financial policy.
The States are heavily burdened with debt.
The payment of the interest alone to their Eu-
ropean creditors amount to very large sum an
nually. The distribution of the proceeds of the
public lands will relieve them Of the necessity
OF imposing direct taxes where they do no. cniot,
or increasing them where they do prevail, to
meet their foreign engagements"
In reference TO the results of the adoption Of
the policy OF distribution, the Patriot makes the
following remarks the justice and force of which
cannot be rendered more manifest but may be
impaired, by comment:
Snow, what wonld be the worst possible
effect from such measure on the finances of
the General Government 1t would perhaps,
compel Congress to fund the Treasury notes and
change the character of the public debt. Sup
pose debt Of twenty millions Of dollars incurred
TO meet present and future deficiencies in the
Treasury, what is there in this to alarm the fears
OF any statesman not so tmorous in his policy
as to be frightened by shadows? Is il to be i'm
agined that the Treasury could not effect loan
on as advantageous terms as it is able to borrow
by the issue Of Treasury notes, for what is this
specie OF obligation but a public debt in dis
gulse.