The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-01
LETTER FROM THE HONORABL
LEVI OODBURY.

ton. II is justly characterized by the Honora-
BILE Isaac Hill, as ''strong letter from strong
man" What he says Of the superior Influence
mind should exercise In contIadistinction 10
matter, is most judiciously enforced and no
one more consistently than The honorable Sena-
tor can argue in favor Of intellectual predomi-
nance, since, during the arduous labors OF
long political career, he has ever saved time 10
crafty his incinations IN intoxicating the neces-
slty, and enforcing the great advantages OF
wide diffusion of knowledge. His ideas in re-
ation to tarif, coincide, as far as hasty exam
nation allows US to judge, with those lately
promulgated by the Honorable Henry A. Wise,
In his already celebrated letter 10 his constitu-
ents: and we consider it no slight confirmation
of the truth of The doctrines these gentlemen
profess, that minds differently constituted, and
hitherto, we are sorry TO add, anything but con
sentaneous, should, on a question Of such vital
importance, so closely assimilate. We cannot
hut think such coalescence prophetic of future
success TO the principles of equal protection"
PORTSMOUTH, N. H., Sept %, 1912
DEAR SIR; 1t would give me much pleasure TO ac-
cept your invitation, and address the Democratic
Convention Of Worcester county next Saturday but
circumstances no, under my control, prevent il. |
regret this more especially, as the times are full OF
interest and warning. The Democracy of the coun-
try are, the one hand exposed to unusual tempta-
lions from the Establishments of power; and on the
other to imminent dangers from the exertions max
ing in all forms, open and covert, by misrepresenia-
tons and dsreputable appeals 10 the senses TO mis-
lead the community TO the true questions in issue
All this must be met, and maDiully Our cause is
too good either to be compromised or lost. While
justice should be done even to an enemy, and his
sustained where right, il TO the noble princi-
plies that constitute the creed Of the Democratic par
ty TO rally round them alone who support them under
evil as well as good report. They are the true pillar
OF fire. which guide the country through the
darkness that has recently developed it. They are
few and plain: Equal rights equal leg sation-equal
protection. Ii we permit none but favored few
constituting an oligarchy OF property, TO vote hold
office countenaDce one OF the grossest violations
of equal rights. The times have changed as to the
qualifications Of the great masses in society like ours
for self-goyernment and it, under the influence of
our liberal institutions, and more widely spread ed-
cation for half century, all who accustomed 70
transact the ordinary business, and discharge the re-
sponslbilties of social life not entitled 10 a voice
III the Government which they help to support in
peace and defend IN war, and cannot safely be Ell
trusted with it, our whole system of RepuDcansm
and equal rights Is a solemn farce. Let the idea
then, be secuted that matter should rule rather than
mind-and that money or land, often possessed by IN
herltance or accident should, by sort of divine
right, possess preference and weight in Govern
ment, which refused to prudence, industry intel
ligcnce and all the virtues that adorn humanity.
As to unequal legislation in Republic, ii is only
necessary to define il in order TO detest it, Such le
gislation consists for instance, in clnerring priv
leges on some which 1t wthhold5 from Others and
imposing burdens on the many, from which it ex-
empts the few, without any just equivalents On the
contrary, the Democratic creed is that the privileges
well as labors and duties Of life should be fair
ly apportioned. And whether exclusive favors and
monopolies are conferred by law either on individual
or on associated wealth and power, il becomes,
general rule, unequal legislation and unjust in its
tendency, no less than partial in its origin
Union OF efforts and means, undoubtedly increases
security and strength; but whether confined to Go.
yernments or to social and political associations, it
must possess exclusive features, and rest princ
pies alike beneficial to all will, in Govern
ments, prove in practice the harbinger Of despotism
and slavery. Ii all are allowed fully to participate
in the benefits of legislation, then most Of the diver
sites in success in life, in acquiring property, infu
ence or office. are the natural fruits of the liberty
we prize, and the superior industry and trugay any
may exert under it and thus do they often reap their
just reward, well behold in advance the great
stimulus TO further efforts.
Last but not least at the present moment, is the
agitating topic Of equal protection.
Is II possible, however much misrepresented, that
the Democratic party hostile to that kind Of pro-
lection?
SO far from this, they are its champions While,
the contrary it is opponents, who resist equal
protection, and seek that which is unequal When
we advert to the protection due 10 the person, pro-
perty character and life of all, for which Govern
itself mainly established few can deny the
propriey OF making IT equal among individuals and
classes But the moment we approach the protec-
ton, claimed by different professions and pursuits the
boosted protective system is to be engrossed chiefly
hy branch of industry This the artv NJ
equality, justice, and progress oppose They are
unwilling to neglect agriculture and commerce for
the exclusive advantage of manufactures But so far
from being hostile 10 the latter they would confer
ample protection On /, other branches Of Anne
rcan labor and American industry. All, however,
ought TO cry shame on that kind of protection which
would make farmers, being the only true lords of the
SOIL inferior tributary to the spindle and the spin
ming Jenny No, sir, tax imports of foreign merchan-
disc their due share for evenue and let that tax be
imposed as TO yield equal incidental protection to
all kinds Of domestic labor and not one alone against
foreign competition. But introduce no inequality in
the public lurdens-no IN Justice to one class, in or
der to build up another; no favoritesm, raternal
jealousy discord, and dsunion Pass laws to yield
such protection as requires TO pay as they
now do-thrty TO sixty per cent. more for iron and
salt-the articles nearest bread among the necessa-
ries OF lie 10 the great agricultural population of all
the Union. Make tariffs like the last which less
en- revenue rather than increase it, and which tend to
augment lhe price OF The stocks on hand OF wealthy
capitalists, at the expense of others who must pur-
chase and consume them. Exempt no long lists OF
imports entirely from duty, for the benefit of one
class and burden heavier the rest the oppression
of other classes. Pretend not to equaze protection
by higher duties on some rival products of agricul
ture little imported, while you burden much more
many articles of most extensive agricultural con-
sumption. On the contrary, let all this be reformed
| The Democratic principle is wide, deep and eter-
n6l-that equal rights equal laws, and equal protec
ton due TO every interest and section of that glo
rious Union, which all of should strive to perpeu-
ate by requiring its affairs TO be so administered as "a
secure practically to all the full enjoyment of tho-e
equal rights, equal laws, and equal protection.
With great respect,
Your obedent servant
LEVI WOODBURY..