Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-06-14

TO TIE EDITOR OF THE ENQUIRER
observed in the Enquirer some time since invi.
aton 10 your correspondents TO discuss the subject of
Protective Tariff, Though could hardly aa;ler N.Y.
self that belonged 10 the class Of correspondents for
whom the invitation intended, yet felt so deep
interest in the subject that was at first disposed to
obrude some essays on your attention Subsequent
reflection has convinced me, that such my
part would be both presumptuous and unnecessary
presumpuous because this subject has been fully treat;
ed by Adam Smith, Ricardo, Say, McCulloch, and
other able authors, whose works have become text
books throughout the civilized world
because the Free Trade doctrines incucaed alike BY
each Of these authors SO far from having been
futed have yet found a respectable opponent
That "protectiye duties diminish national wealth and
prosperity and retard acknowledgements, are truths
as well settled by the universal Of the learned,
as the revolution of the earth on its axis the crcula
tim of the blood, the influence Of the the
tides In Europe, Conservatives and Reormers agree
in this doctrine and differ only in how far and how fast
existing interests and institutions shall be acconmo-
dated TO it or sacrificed 10 attain 1t. NO man can be-
found there bold enough 10 advocate protective duties
in the abstract 10 contend for the poprley policy
Of retaatory duties permanent measure The
doctrines of Free Trade precisely understood by
Southern Republicans, are the doctrines taught, be-
lieve, in all the Colleges and Universities in the world
and denied by author who is quoted autho-
rty. Ii will be time 10 discuss this subject when these
doctrines assaled by respectable authority. Let
some learned Wing take up Smith, Say or Ricardo,
and demonstrate he can the aacy Of their theories,
and then this subject of protective duties will become
en- open question. But so long MS these authors are
universally received textbooks, SO long have the
opponents of Protective Tariff right to refer TO these
authors and that fact conclusive authority in their
favor No correspondent of yours could treat the sub
ject ably and fully they have none could apply
The doctrines of Free Trade exactly to our pecu
liar circumstances and stuation for modern Whggery
will find every argument which 1t noio employs in ia
vor Of protection fairly stated and fully reuted in The
pages Of these authors Besides where is the use Of
employing Arguments of our own to convince our po-
liticul opponents who have soemny renowned reason
and argument weapons in political controversy dub
bed 3bstraeonists for employing them, and appealed
10 log cabins hard cider and such like mumnery 10
operate the and prejudces rather than on the
understandings Of men. So well is this new system
of tactics understood and pracsed among them, that
observe late much auded Essoyist in the Literary
Messenger article the Protective sys-
tenn with solemn promise to say nothing about Politi
cal Economy; in other words that he would have no
thing to say the subject of which he proessed to
treat. This is feat which but modern Wing
would attempt, but which, have doubt, this writer
did fairly achieve. Very respectfully,
Yours &c