The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-03-11
30 O ItticGl
Speech Of Mr.. Wood, sf New York,
Mr. SALToNsrALL, from the committee on
reported the following resolution:

DpccCl OIL Nif, " 00u, Il NEW Orh'
Mr. SALToNsrALL, from the committee on
Manufacturers, reported the following resolution:
ResOireG That the Committee Manufactures be
horzed TO send for WITNESSES and take testimony on the
subject Of the present tariff laws, their operations npon
the interests of the country and the alteration which
those interests require.
Which being under consideration,
Nh WOOD rose and addressed the House, in
substance, as follows:
Mr. SPEAKER: am in favor of all information
which it Is possible to gather upon this important
question, and desire, us earnestly as any gentle
man, that every legal and Just mems lie taken to
procure ii. am willing 10 go far, very far, 10 oh
tain light, for none more than myself believe it is
required, OF all questions affecting individual and
Government interests, directly or indirectly this is
paramount; therefore light should he had that we
may IeglSatc knowingly and understandingy,-
This House, of all the world requires il, The dis
cussiOn of the revenue bill of last session and mo-
ton OF reference Of the tariff portion Of the PrcSi
dents message, this session, have convinced me
we have too little Of the requisite Knowledge We
are amenably ignorant Of the practical operation
of our import SYSTEM or in what respect it requires
modification or alteration. The country is in want
ofght. The manufacturing districts should have
the light of reason and experience, TO show them
the falIucy Of submitting their interests TO the
troll and jurisdiction of demagogues. And from
whence must it Gomez From practical men; ofall
classes, professions and occupations. The dreamy
theorists of the old world, or one-sided, interested
advocates of this cannot if they would, ilnpart ii
to US. 1t must be drawn from a philosophic study
and comparison of facts, and not from inventive
political economist. We must 20 into an invcst!-
CATION as expansive and deep as will be the bearing
Lar, If III ,t,l
prosperity Of the Government. All men must give
US the result of their experience. In dlsposng ola
question whcih involves every neicst--lhG ran-
icatons of which extend 10 every man woman and
child in the nation-which is insepcrable connect
ed with and controls the public Treasury,a precise
and positive Knowledge is unquestlonably indspen-
sable. There must be no surmlses mo gucsslng,no
speculation. Facts, indisputablo and beyond I'M
parchment, must be the basis Of our action !
would examine the merchant. | would ask him
how and in what manner high tariff affects conf
merce; whether tariff sufficiently hlgh for protec-
ton is not inconsistent with tariff for revenue;
whether tariffs should be discriminating or an I'M
varying ndyalorcm how the English wnrchousng
system, and the proposed home valuation, would
be adapted 10 this country, and what rate of duties
would best prevent smuggling and other inyasions
of the revenue laws, and the other numerous in
qnries Of detail would ask the pgriculturist nm
der which system, high or low duties, the native
producls,of the soil would find the most advantage
Gus markets. whether he is willing to pay an nddi-
tiona tax upon mpements of husbnndry, not 10
raise revenue by which TO meet necessary national
disbursements, but TO add to the already large
profits of manufacturers. And whether Il rnsirc-
live duty on foreign importalous would not in time
cut of much of the foreign demand for his own pro-
ductiOns The manufacturer should be consulted
! would ask him whether, without protection, I'M
der low duties, with business ensuring fair re-
muneralion, his interests would he subsrrvcd b,
encouraging the competition and rivalry Of Spccu-
aling adyenIurers il in those countries of Europe
where the restrictive policy has been thrown OFT
the manufacturers had not surely ,nourishcd in pro
portion to advantages of material and labor; and !
American manufacturers cannot subsls, and ioIiSI
without the aid Of Government, by what right doc
it demand a tax upon the whole industrial as we!
as producing population for lis peculiar bene
= fl. would ask whether he is ready to admit tina
with our free institutions, superior industry, ingo
: nuiy, and advantages olhome raised raw lnatera
U we would not compete with European monnrchies
And would appeal 10 the consumer of all cassc
and occupaton--to the hackwoodsmnn Of tn
Far West, and the sturdy operative Of the Allan
tic cities.
Orthc hardy pioneer, whose capital is as mucI
:, in the axe Us the sinews which deal the blows,
!. would learn how he is affected! Whether he
d willing the instruments with which he levels IN
J. mighty oak of the forest, and the weapons wit
A which he drives It's original owners from their coy
cris, may be taxed to build up and cherish Faster
u monopolizing, manufacturing interpretations. Slr
in part, have the honor 10 represent n large manu-
e lciuring district; for contend that he who plane
:. board, or makes shoe, or constructs any wor
If of art or mechanism from prepared or raw mate
rial j. ms much the manufacturer rs the dcnzens q
= your New England associations, and should he q
much consulted. TO the manufacturer, ~,
!. another word, the mechanics of the city of Ne,
c York, would apply would ask them rhclhC
,hcy desire that the doctrine of protection be pr
into practical operation and that the fostering car
Of Government be exered fJr their particular bonC
it, 10 the detriment of every other class, and dC'
iruc,ion Of our present means of raising revenue
Whether they are willing TO carry out the primo
= pies of the Home League, by paving thirty dollar
/. for a coat which previously had cost but twenty
T. five! | know them too well 10 do them the nln'
sr tice not 10 anticipate their answer. They icquir
:. no protection but the reward Of honest industry
s. They come not 10 your halls for fostering care.
re there is a favor they would ask or accept at yot
i, hands, il is non-i1icrference-o let them alone
10 cease your oIiicious intermeddng, and. least
j all, keep away the protection of high tariii,whic
, they look upon as
II "such protection rs yuiures give TO lalnis-
r. Covering and jcyouriug them"
he They will turn TO YOU and say, " Gentlemen, la
he session you squandcrod the public treasury upc
bankrupt, pronigaie States, gave away, in n co
rup, bargain that which cost our fathers blood AZ
treasure. and now come to VA with the conciliain
note, Of kindness, with base bride TO buy our (
yor. We will none Of il. We question that q
policy Of high duties is beneficial to us; bu, Y
knom If it were so, that it is iniquiiious, anti Dem
a., cratic. and unequal. We have principles dear
,,c 10 us than pecuniary advantage: We woud d
io have YOU disturb the harmony Of the glorious
lie beautiful Union, or do augllt 10 impair the fall
e.. of our political existence. TO put in our pockets
We wealth of the Indies. We are no dollar and &c
IN patriots: they may be found in your marble pa
bic ces, bat not in obscure workshops. u is r