Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-06-21
JEFFERSON AND A TARIFF.

Mr. Editor-The opinion OF the illustriocs Jeffer-
son. IN relation to Tariff, cannot be otherwise than
interesting at this particular crisis-and respectful
y ask those who claim to be the disciples Of the
"Old Jeilersonian School," and yet are found, in
practice, opposed TO the very rudiments--the frs,
principles taught and incucatcd in il by its found
er to compare the opinions opinions, but prac.
tce oil their modern professors, and IL tits no,
Numerically opposed TO the true and ancien, doc
trines Of that old Republican School. Let the peo-
pie discriminate between the spurious and heretical
preaching Of modern apostles and the good old faith
and teachings of our foreiathers.
Listen TO the voice OF Jefferson:
"Ycu tell me | am quoted by those who wish TO
continue our dependence on England for manufac-
lures. There was time when might have been
so quoted With more canjor. But within the thirty
years which have since elapsed, how are circum
stances changed7 We were then in peace: our IN.
dependent place among nations was acknow edged.
commerce which offered the raw material in ex D..
change for the same material after receiving the last
toSch OF industry. was worthy of welcome TO all
nations. IL was expected that those, especially to
whom manufacturing industry was important, would
cherish the friendship of such customers by every
favor and particularly cultivate their peace 10y every
act OF justice and friendship. Under this prospect
the question seemed legitimate, whether. with such
an immensely OF unimproved land, counting the
hand OF husblndry the industry of Agriculture, or
tnat OF manufactures, would add most TO the ma
tonal wealth."
This was the state OF things in i7s5, when the
Notes on Virginia were first published; when the
ocean being open to all nations and their common
right in IT acknowledged and exercised under resu.
auon', sanctioned 10y the assent and usage OF all,
u was thought that the doubt might claim some con-
sIderaton. We have since experienced what W q
did not then believe, that there exists both prohsa
cy ana power enough To exclude us from the fl u
OF interchange with o,hes nalions-THAr To Hr
INDEPENDENT FOR rHE COMFORTS LIFE VIZ
MUST FABRIcArE rHEM OURSELVES. We must now
place the manufacturer - he nj IA.
turist The former question is suppressed, or ra-
ther assumes n new torm-the grand enq uirU u oic
IS, shall ioe make comforts or 20 tcith,.i
them at The iciH Of foreign nation He therefore
who IS now against domestic manufacture must be
Tor reducing ms either TO dependence on that foreign
nation, or 10 be clothed in SKINS and to live like
Wild beasts IN dens and caverns Experience has
taught me that manufactures are now as necessary
10 our independence as TO our comfort" Again his
o'osrapher, IN speaking of the principles which CO.
Vcrned Mr. Jefferson, IN relation foreign nations
says-"FTeedom was offered for freedom and pro
hlpltion WAS opposed TO prohibition with every m.
ton on the gobe-n free system OF commerce
winch should leave 10 nations the exchange of mu
tuaI surpnsses for mutual wants on the basis ol
easy ana EXACT reciprocity was his desire: but II
any nation deceived by calculations of interest into
contrary system should defeat that wish, his de.
termination was fixed II meet inequalities abroad
by countervaing inequalities at home as the ONLY
eheclual weapon Of coercion and OF self -prolec-
ton"
Such was the opinion OF the far.sighted Jefferson
ard who can doubt for moment what would lie
his course now1 Oar products, 10y duties amount.
ing 10 prohibition, arc excluded from the markets OF
England whilst her manufacturers are inundatins
our country with their silks and fneries, and speei,
alone must he paid Tor them. A glance at our tn
BILE OF imports and exports ought TO satisfy every
one, that our country cannot enjoy prosperity as
long as this one. sided game is playing. Give us
manufactures at home, and we shall have a home
market; and the farmer will receive in the enhanced
price oil his produce. more than will repay for the
sina advance which Tariff would cause; and
our country will assume that inde pendent stand
| independent IN every thins-for which, from he
| geographical position, she was designed.
Wac. then, will not 90 for discriminating Tia.
riii-dIserInInaiins between Injuries and neces.a.
ries-and for encouraging home industry Those
| IN Mr. Jeferson's language. who wish TO continue
QUE dependence upon England.
INDEPENDENCE