The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-13
communications.

The views of Statiscus," who has figured re-
| Gently in the Madsonian have induced reflections
which may be impressed by the following remarks:
have supposed that the writer had encountered the
practical and patriotic statesman and that the follow
| ing dialogue had ensued.
PhiLo- SoPhos. Do you consider horizontal tariff
as equitable in principle and COMFORTING with the Just
| policy Of our Government -'
| Stdtisticus. No. do not, because among the i'm
ports there many commodities needed by, or in
disPensabe to- the masses, and others which are Of
luxurious character, and mostly consumed by the
weather. classes. 1t would, therefore, be unjust to
tax the essentials for comfort at the same rate
with superfutes which promote voluptuousness, and
in no wise tend to advance morality, or national
strength-whilst operating an onerous imposition
upon industry. -......
Phiio-Sophos. But your suggestion would practi-
cay introduce the sumptuary laws, which are objec-
tonable as interfering with a common privilege
Stat, In afree Republic, whose institutions abhor
the consequences Of primogenture, entails and mo-
nopolies and would induce, by its legislation, an
equal participation in the means Of happiness, the
"udicious" application of sumptuary laws, to
tain extent, might be salutary in practice and con-
sentative of constitutional liberty. .. .<
Phi. Sop. From your exposition Of the existing
course Of mporations, it would that the nume-
and respectable class of American importers who
formerly conducted that branch of business have been
superseded and put aside by host of foreign factors
and nerant agents who infest our country and dis
gorge upon us their fimsy fabrics, and cold shop
keepers rotten haberdashery refuse which
not be sold at home, or those rejected from stains,
blotches, rents and gouts; being under measure,
or too narrow tender from time, akalis acids de-
cayed in fibre, or otherwise defective" How would
you correct SO great an evil
Stat. A partial corrective might be found in the
imposition of ten per centum on sales by auction.
Phi. Sop. But would not the effect of such a tax
unjusy operate upon those States which derive
from that source4 ~Enu...
Stat. Not at all "unjustly," because the tax is
paid BY the consumers throughout the Union and its
avails are therefore justly the property of the
whole nation.
| Phi. Sop. What other remedy would you apply
| Stat. There several correctves which might
| be employed, and amongst the number the minimum
principle, and prompt payment upon the delivery of
the importation-the application of which would eff
fecually operate to restrain the pernicious traffic;
whilst an ad palorem upon low valuation of the
trash disgorged," with orders to " sell without
serve" to raise money and disencumber the home
trade in connection with credits the custom house
encourages the injurious factorage and affords actual
capital for its extension and prosecution.
Phi Sop. Would the resumption of specie pay
ments restore confidence equalze exchanges and re-
gulate the currency2 $751;.
Stat. 1t would not realize those desired results
without the aid of adequate commercial enactments
produce favorable preponderance in foreign trade to
secure the country against excessive imports and the
facilitating drain from debts due to Foreigners amount
ing, at the least to million month for interest only.
| As specie payments, without such salutary enact
ments could not be sustained and in their absence,
the most available substitute might be applied by an
inconvertible currency, issued by the Government
lea measure Of palus," under due restrictions and
guarantees.
/ Phi. Sop. Your suggestion is apparently not with
out merit. But would not the tender of such "mea-
sure" excite adherence and revolt in the public mind
And would not its adoption result in ruin and des-
truction of credit
Stat We have practical proof to the contrary, in
the limited use of Treasury notes and from circum-
stances which have arisen out of adverse commerce,
mainly ascribable to the Compromise act" we have
been constrained submit to an insecure and depre-
ceivable in all public payments, would have suced
for every purpose of public accommodation and prl-
vate convenience. And should such currency depre-
cate (from the influence of hostile balance in To-
reign trade) Instead of evil it would be, in fact,
benefit, that effect would prove in practice pro-
lection; and essentially tend to equilibrium in natu
raj accordance with the laws of trade, and operate
substantially protective tariff whilst would be
free from objectiors entertained against duties mpos
ed for such purpose the depreciation would enure,
pro tano to the advantage of the staple producers,
by enhancing the value of their productions to the
tent ofthe premium the exchange The rationale of
the principle will be apparent from following the mo
ds operandi throughout its course, to its conclusive
action.
Phi Sop If such, indeed, would be the effect of
the operation Of national currency such you pro-
pose, (and who that regards the crying evil which
alicts the country from a vitiated circulation, would
deprecate PREJUDICE IT'D the expedient would prove
public blessing.
Stat And in contemplation of so benefcent
desderatum authorized by the Constitution and pure
| ly republican in principles, is not worthy of con-
sideration; and, if approved by an enlightened Con-
gress, of being tested in actual practice?
Phi Sop 1t surely is-but we may further dis
cuss this vexed topic another day. 1t seems how
ever that we have either tariff for protection
or an inconverble national currency. One the
other is indispensable and imperiousy demanded by
the general veal Adieu.
PHILOSOPHERS.
BALTIMORE, Nov. G.
P. s. The condition of things is not improving
here-the circulating medium, although diminishing
in quantity, is yet tdrdy in circulation.
PHILo SoPHos
MORE INDIAN MURDERS.
A letter from Marion, Jefferson county, to the Tai