The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-08-05

and the Compromise 10 the dogs" Yes, SIR this CIV
ing is often but the prelude taking They often
most prodigal who most unjust lou have gwen,
attempted TO give away mole than three millions OF
dollars from an exhausted Treasury, and already Is
this gift become the prelcxt first, for loan, and now
for taxes. think see the designs ofthose who now
cayil about the Compromise act, and who advocate the
system Of giving and taking which has rapidly de-
veloped itself during the extra session. Sir the power
OF imposing taxes through imports being limited to ITS
legitimate bounds Ivy the Compromise act the adso-
Gates of high anh and Of extrasagant expenditures
resort 10 the power of appropriation as the only
lef to render high taxes necessary or excusa-
bio. The gentleman may well say that he will give
the lands to the States and the Compromise TO the
dogs That in the present state of the Treasury, Is
only the first step in this progress of extravagant in
justice. expect TO see the gentleman adyocat-
ing the assumption of the two hundred millions OF debt
which some OF the States now es, sir he will
be generous TO that extent for he may get
Ial dollars through the imports for every one he gives
know that the system OF imports must undergo
sona revsions but they Will lie rendered necessary
by the demands for revenue for the defence OF the
country, and for It's legitimate wants economically ad-
mnslered-"
The compromise act may be unacceptable TO certain
politicians bat am mistaken. sir, ii il has not been
approved aud will not be sustained by the People who
never look with Indifference any causes which
may lead TO untrlendy and angry excltenents IN our
country. The gradual reduction which II contem-
plates of the former enormously high duties Is nearly
feet on the twenty per cent principle Is there any
necessity now 10 raise additional revenue OF eight
millions from articles free under twenty per cent?
Is this necessity for the imposition OF high taxes 10 be
found in the wants of the Government or IN the
wishes of a portion of the People We have appro
prated about three millions of dollars for Notifications
and the Navy; and, besides this know of no appro-
praiion Of magnitude occasoned by the present
sion except expenses We have authorized u loan
of twelve millions, which have doubt will be ne
natia ted son md as | prpulc
was under consideration IN the United States, and
possibly at rate Of interest less than s1 per cent
The Secretary of the Treasury estimates the accrung
revenue from imports for the remaining quarter Of this
year something than five millions, and there
are in the hands of the collecting and debursing
agents of the Government; and in the Treasury notes
which remain TO be issued under the act of the last
session, several millions Of available means,
showing aggregate of more than twenty millions OF
dollars; enough, amply enough, To meet any demand
on the Government of which ] am apprzed, or which
arise before the next session of Congress
Ii has been said that loan should not be estimated
part of the fiscal resources of Government i
know that il should be considered only item OF
debit when expended, but the money borrowed until
expended is available means, though iii hereafter
to be paid The fourth instament Of 80 600 900 TO
the States, under The distribution act of 1886, has
been referred 10 item of charge upon this Go
veInment Ii this is so, the States should give Us Gre
dit for the $2 OOUo 900 already paid loaned to them
under that act. The public lands yielded last year
80 292 900 Al this rate, which is far bclaw the pro
duct of many years they would pay this loan IN less
than four years with the aid of the customs at the
present rate of duties and that economy to which we
stand pledged this loan be paid in les. than two
years. The distribution bill still hangs in the Senate,
and trust il may continue 10 hang there TILL IT is dead,
dead. These measures all parts of one system
The distribution is pretext for the loan and the loan
for the tariff Two have passed, and prefer thathe
third shall be postponed till session, when the
full operation Of the compromise act and the termina
ton Of our treaty with France to certain duties on
wines, will bring the whole subject lcgtimaely
within the compass of legislation than at this ex
traordinary session. The probability of war would
justify much speedier and more efficient measures OF
revenue than those which have been suggested. But
that has not been urged and hope there is less
son now to apprehend hostles with any foreign
Power than when we assembled. The present inter
trust that both Governments may be left to carry out
those reforms about which much has been said and
go little done either side of the Atlantic.
| pass now, Mr.. Chairman, to another subject,
which has been often adverted TO here rather nJis
tincty, but still very nelligiby. 1t is time sir, that
had come to better understanding some points
Ii is time that and those whom represent should
know what now the cardinal principles and policy
of the Wing parry, of which have been from It's on
gin an humble but Jealous member. thought
understood them when came here but now hear
that many issues of which never heard before,
have been settled by the popular voice, that fear
may have been deceived myself and If So that have
contributed to the deception Of others
regret that feel constrained under these crcumstan-
ces TO crave an Importance with my Wing friends, as
1t has never been my wish to deceive or be deceived
The mystery, sir, which overshadows the science and
policy Of Government and renders its affairs often so
inscrutabc proceeds from want of cando in those to
whom its high trusts are conided. may be excused
there fore, hope, If speak as am accustomed to do
plainly. As am not conscious of having changed
any important opinion which have entertained tor
years past either TO measures men, desire
to see if have been under dension to the great
objects of those with whom have acted or whether
1t is now attempted TO record as the Judgment OF the
People those things which they have not decided. but
which the politicians have only imagined.
Allow me to tell you, sir, hat understood to be
the great issues involved and decided in the late political
struggle, and hope shall not he considered out of
order when aude TO them. LIST. enumerato econ
omy as one of the political virtues approved by the
American People, and enjoined on their Government;
an economy neither parsmonious nor without dis
elimination, but worthy Of all tina, is demanded in
peace in war by the welfare OF the honor of the
country ID. The responsibility of all public officers
agents to the laws the Constitution and 10 the
People. 3D. The reduction of the much abused pow
er and patronage of the Federal Executive 4ih The
restriction of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial
departments 10 their several spheres prescribed UNI
der the Constitution and laws 9Th The appoint
ment of members OF Congress, except 10 rare insan-
ces, to office Ivy the Executive. beg to call the
attention OF the committee to that self denying ord
nance which each man may practise for himself. And
beg to you, sin for myself that there is APP
polntment within the gift of the President, which
either desire would accept while am here repre-
sentative of the People 9th No prescription for
opinions sake Yes, sir, prescription for opinions
sake These words echoed and reverherated through
out the length and breadth of this land louder and
deeper than all others amidst the din of the strife
The sacred principle every where proclaimed du
ring the struggle, and by lllustrous chief when
the victory won, that office holders should be
emancipated and that every citizen of the Republic
from the humblest 10 the exalted, should be free
at least to think for himself But what do we now
hearl And what do we sect Thousands daily
thronging every a'anue 10 patronage and demanding