Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-02-24
From the Baltimore American.
Mr. CLAWS RESOLUTIONS.

The limitations heretofore given re-
specting u movement on the pat of Nj.
CLAY in view OF modification Of the Ta-
riff, and other important matters OF gene
raj concern, have doubtless been ia alu
sion TO the resolutions submitted by him
in the Senate on Tuesday, and which we
publish below. The series includ $, it
will be seen, q large circle Of details, yet
all having reference to the financial econ-
omy of the Government.
The first resolution announces priuci.
Pile, which though an axiom in i self and
needing no argument or illustration, has
yet been strangely lost sight of by our
| political rulers for some years past.
The second declares n fact which cal
cua,ion can prove if the evidence Of ex
perience should be gainsayed. We may
take the annual average of importations
and reckoning twenty per cent upon their
value, it will be seen that the amount thus
realized will fall short Of The current ex-
penses of the Government for year. II
any one should ask why is a higher rate
than twenty per cent necessary, the ar
swer may be- because il is.
Th. third resolution contains n recon-
mendation based upon the two foregoing
propositions. and sprloging naturally from
them, with some additional specifications
as to the amount of revenue r. qurd and
the permanent application Ola por ion oi,t
With regard To the fourth resolution
we are obliged to conf IS that we should
have read it with more pleasure if it had
been diff rrntly word, d. There is moth
ing sad in it about discrimination term
which d.notes every thing in respect to
the essential principle Of Tariff such us
this country d .manis. Al adherence to
1.-THE principles of the Compromise Act
generally" may admit OF discrimination
below a certain fixed standnrd-but why
should there bc fixed standard at all p
Congress has the power TO lay discrimin
a,ng duties, or it has not. lf it possesses
that power-and it would be absurd to say
it does not-why impose a self Limitation
which nigh, seriously interfere with the
judcious and wholesome exercise of the
power?
In our humble judgment il would be far
the moderation with which this indispen
sable function of government might be
exerted than by seeking, with an implied
distrust, to abridge it Of its JUS, proper.
tions. Does the South require the fixing
Of a maximum rate OF ad valorem duties
as security against an oppressive Tia.
riff We are Of the opinion that the ac-
of III r. al L. a..
Compromise Act OF 1888, for the sake Of
the South, ought to convince that section
OF the entire absence of any disposition in
any quarter to uphold an oppressive Ia
riff. IL such disposition really prevail.
ed, the esta bllshment OF a maximum rate
would afford hut little protection-for i,
could be done away with whenever a ma.
joiity pleased. But we believe there is
no occasion for any such pledge pledge
which would have the effect Of restrain
ing salutary action without furnishing any
sure safeguard against action not saluta.
ny.
We think the fourth resolution of Mr.. |
Clay's series might be we'll amended so
as to read thus" Resolved, That in the |
adjustment of Tariff to raise an amount
Of twenty-sir millions of revenue, due
discrimination ought 10 be observed in rie,o
Of a judicious protection Of domestic inter
esfs. and for the better regulation of trade
10Th foreign countries on the principle oil
reciprocity"
We shall dwell no longer on this poin
except to express, along with the doclsra-
ton Of our own views, due defer, nee TO
the great experience and practical wis.
dom Of the statesman who has once more
moved in cause with which some of the
most interesting periods Of his public life
are identified. Mr.. cIay's position, his
with the wants aud interests
OF the country, AMI the state OF pubic
sentiment, in addition to a sound ludg
ment and long familiarity with the sub
Ject, entiile to great respect any PROPOSE
ton he may advance in this connection.
The resolution which we have commented
on was doubtless framed TO meet, as far as