The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-18
CONGRESS AND THE TARIFF.

The Tariff question is getting into strange
postiOn,-that is certain. There is some ques-
ton whether there will be any duty on foreign
goods after the end of this month, if the laws
should: remain as they are now. The Compro-
mise act declares that after the 30th day of
June, 1842, duties shall be assessed on the value
of the goods at the port where the same shall
be entered, ''uader such regulations as may
be prescribed by laa0." No regulations have
been prescribed, and the position is, that no du-
ty can be collected until they have been There
are other considerations which are urged in sup
port of the same opinion. II is under these cir
cumstances of imperious necessity that the Ia
riff men in Congress have, upon sober, second
thought determined, as they declare, to make
the perpetuity of the distribution bill sine qua
NON of the passage of any Tariff law at ALL
little bill' "to extend for limited period the
present laws" provi o repeating absolutely the
proviso which was attached to the distribution
bill by the Southern Wings. The effect of this
measure would be, to make the distribution abb
solute, whatever rate of duty might be imposed
tors must have changed their opinions very ma
terially if this bill stands any chance of passing
that body. 1t is conceded that a new Tariff bill,
in detail cannot be enacted before the 30th OF
June, so that, unless summary act is passed,
the condition of the trade and manufactures of
the country must be perplexing in the extreme.
The news from England is, that the three pack
cts to arrive next TO come full of goods
This exigency is to be used to compel the Pre-
sident to act inconsistency with the dictates Of
his own understanding, to force upon him Dis
| tribution bill, with the alternative of confusion
and disaster and an empty Treasury. We are
certain the President will not hesitate how to
act in such an emergency. He cannot sign
such bill. If the factious spirit of Congress
makes such an issue, let the mischief come, and
let political parties settle the matter with the
country, and every man with his own constitu-
ents. This, Congress possesses as little of popular
favor as any one ever did. All their efforts to
head off Captain Tyler have signaly recoiled
upon themselves, while they have strengthened
the President in public regard. The Distribu-
ton bill is, in our opinion, one of the NEST un-
popular measures ever adopted. The favor
which was at first felt towards it is dying away
as People reflect more maturely upon the absur-
dity and improvement of collecting money by
taxes upon the People, or by borrowing, to dis
tribute it among the States. If the great men
in Congress think 'the little BILL" as it now
stands, cunning thing, let them enact it if they
please, present it to the President with all posi-
BILE solemnity, and, if he vetoes it, lei them rend
the heavens with imprecations, and fill the air
with dust-the country will treat the paltry hy-
pocrisy with scorn, and also the men who are
guilty of it, That issue would clothe the Presi-
dent with degree of personal popularity and
regard which he has never yet possessed
Journal Of Commerce.