The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-04-29
WOODSTOCK VERMONT FRIDAY APRIL 90, 1912

llNGS On tIlc NstIl IIINSt
when its eXaCtlons are the greatest, and its eXpen-
dures the most proluse. High duties is the life
blood Of this powerful combination; and be the
proof of lis perniCious effects on the community at
large ever so clear-as clear as the sun at noon,
it would make no impression on them, 1t is to
politics, and not political economy they look, and
they would sacrifice the manufactures themselves
TO save their party and its political ascendency -
But say to them, that it is in vain youlessl light
and reason. The freedom of trade has its founda-
ton in the deep and durable foundation of truth,
and will yindicue itself. II draws its origin from
on high. 1t emanates from the Divine will, ant, is
designed in its dispensalion TO perform an impor-
tan part in binding together in concord and peace
the nations of the EARTH and in extending far and
wide the lights of civilization, In lulflment Of
this high design, severe penalties are annexed to
departure from its laws. But this is not the
proper occasion 10 enter on these higher consider
atoms. hope an opportunity will be afforded
when the bill comes up for the revision of the du-
ties for which these resolutions are, suppose in
tended 10 prepare the way When it comes TO be
acted on, intend to embrace the opportunity to
trace the laws of which the facts and results, which
have stated from official sources, are but conse-
quences-luws ps fixed and immutable as those
which govern the MARTIAL world
As great and restricting as these results are, it
must be borne in mind that they but the effects
of the reduction of duties, and that, too, under
The greatest embarrassment and disadvantages
growing out of the protective system, and not the
full and mature fruit growing out of free trade
What has as yet necn experienced, affords but a
faint conception of the wide and general prosperity
which would he dillused throughout the whole
community by low duties, sound currency, and
exemption from the debts and embnrrassmelts OF
false and pcrnciouS system. lfgentleman could
be persuaded TO abstain from their Prescriptions
leave of their nosrums-resore the revenue from
the lands--Gcouomiso and rerench Expenditures
the youthful yigor ofthe patient would soon do the
rest Full and robust health would soon be re-
stored, and few years experience under the be-
nigu effects of truer and better system would in
short time oblitcra,c the recollection of present
suffering.
Before conclude, feel called on to notice the
frequent ausion made TO South Carolina during
the course Of this discussion. Every one who has
listened to what has been said, must have been
strnck with the bold assertions Of the Senator and
others who have taken the same side, in reference
to her depression and difficulties 1t has been
soIennly asserted that no one could venture 10 say
that she has realized any Of the anticipated advan-
tages from reduction Of the duties. | propose e
answer these bold and declamatory assertions, Us
| have others of like kind, by appealing TO facts
resting on official documents. For this purpose
have selected the same period of twenty lone years
from 1919 Il Il divided into the same divisions Of
seven years each, ard have formed table mark
ed II, giving the exports from the State for eacl
year, and the aggregate exports for each division
K elerende TO it will show that the aggregate ex-
! / a., Er-,
cd; from 1919 to 1896 inclusive, was S55,5l5,,
j72, and that from the next terminating with 1888
under the operation of the two high tariffs Of 1924
1928, the aggregate exports decreased to S52,'
sos, 5l3, showing falling of of million and q
half under high duties, Turning them to the peri
cd of reduction, the period depicted by gcntIcmoi
as so disastrous to the State, we shall find that III
stead of decrease, the aggregate exports of lht
period swelleJ 10 SIS, 1858 $685. being an increase
$25 ,375, 0Sl, compared to the preceding period
of hish duties The effect on the imports il still
more striking, both in the falling off during the Pc
Rod Of high duties and recovering under that ORE
ducton.
But it has been attempted to explain this rapid
increase Of exports on the ground that large por-
ton are The products Of Georgia, drawn to the
port of Charleston by the railroad TO Hamburger
pPFos'o " H"s"'"' ~ :" p"D'' ' Wy
was greater amount from georgia during the
last period, compared WIN me preceding IRON
that cause, but nothing IKE suiIicient TO account
Tor the increase, as would be manifest by turning
TO the exports and imports OF Georgia ior The same
period find on examining them, That lhey have
followed the same laws in the two periods, the eS,
ports remaining about stationery during the period
olhgh duties and the imports regularly falling oil
and both immediately aud regularly increasing
throughout that OF the reduction; WIN THIS d'i-
terence, mat Georgia mas increased III Oo'h even
more rapidly than Carolina, probably because Of
her increased population But be that as II may
it clearly shows that the great increase oil Carolina
is no, owing TO the cause to which it is attempted
TO attribute it.
But as great ms the impulse IS, winch has been
given to her export trade, do not deny that South
Carolina, like all the other States is suffering I'M
der great pecuniary and commercial embarrass-
menls, not, however, in consequence Of reduction
of duties, but in spite oft. Her suffering Is from
the same general causes already explained, with
the addition Of several peculiar 10 herself Short
crops from bad seasons for the last two years; a
destructive fire, in the heart Of her commercial
Il I..., .,,Fti ~,