, 1842-07-23

first, and rendering, for a time, the
last imperative. Duties above I2f
per cent, are proposed to be levied,
and vet the prouiSo in the Distribu-
ton act is disregarded; the proceeds
of the sales are to be distributed on
the LIST Of August, so that while the
duties proposed TO be enacted exceed
90 per cent, no suspension Of the
distribution to the States is permitted
to take place. To abandon the
principles for a month, opens the way
TO its total abandonment. If such is
not meant, why postpone at all
Why not let the distribution take
place on the first OF July, if the law
SO directS?-which, however, is re-
garded as questionable. But why not
have limited the provision to that ef-
feet! Is it for the accommodation of
the Treasury? see no reason to be-
lieve that the Treasury will be in
better condition to meet the payment
on the list of August than on the LIST
of July.
The bill assumes that a distribution
of the proceeds Of the public lands is
by existing laws, TO be made on the
list day of July, 1912, notwi,hstand-
ing there has been an imposition Of
duties on imposts exceeding 90 per
cent. up to that day, and directs it to
be made on the first OF August next.
1t seems TO me very clear that this
construction is equally erroneous and
dangerous, as it would divert from
the Treasury a fund sacredIy pledged
for the general purposes of the Gov
eminent, in the event of a rate of
duty above 90 per cent. being found
necessary for an economical admins
tration Of the Government.
The bill under consideration is de-
signed as only a temporary measure
passed merely for the convenience of
Congress is made TO affect the vital
principle of an important act. If the
provlso of the act of September, IS
Al, can be suspended for the whole
period of a temporary law, why not
Tor whole period ola permanent law?
A doubt may be well entertained, in
fact, according to strict rules, wheth-
er the condition having been thus e1-
Pressly suspended by this bill, and
rendered inapplicable to a case where
it would otherwise have clearly ap.
piled, will not be considered as ever
after satisfied and gone. Without
expressing any decided opinion on
this point, | see enough in it to iusti-
fly me in adhering to the law as it
stands, in preference 10 subjecting a
Hpaeaad9Lti9n 50 yitallv affecting the
ly enacted at a momentouis & SIS and
so steadfastly adhered to ever since,
and SO repiete if adhered to with
good to every interest of the coun-
try, to doubtful or captious interpre-
tation.
In discharging the high duty thus
imposed on me by the Constitution,
l repeat TO the House my entire will
Ingness to cooperate in all financial
measures Of a constitution character,
which, in its wisdom, it may Judge
necessary and proper, TO re~-establish
the credit of the Government. be-
lieve that the proceeds of the public
lands being restored to the Treasury,
or more properly to speak, the proviso
of the act Of September, lS4l, being
permitted to remain in full force. a
Tariff of duties may easily be adjust
ed, which, while it will yield a reve-
nue. sufficient to maintain the Gov
eminent in vigor by restoring its
credit, will afford ample projection
and infuse new life into all our man.
u%facturing establishments. The con-
dition of the country calls for such
legislation, and it will afford me the
most sincere pleasure to cooperate in
IT. JOHN TYLER.
WASHINGTON, June 10, 1912.