Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-10-20
.IvrrrR FROM Mr.. CLAY.

We find 10 the New York papers the
following Litter from Mr. Clay written
u reply TO communication from some
oen,lenan at Syracuse, 10 that State, who
forwarded 10 him present ola qaartl;y
Of Salt.
ASHLAND, September "a, lsls.
GENTLEMEN have the pleasure 10
acknowledge the receipt Of your friendly
letter Of the 10th instant, transmitting an
invoice OF twenly-three barrels Of sal: and
Ione box, embracing ell the varieties man
Iufactured at Syracuse, and a list Of nv
friends who have done me the favor to
contribute il. In consequence Of my ex-
perience Of the superiority the Ononda-
ga salt, in the preservation Of meat, and
lin all other uses to which that article is
applied, requested my friend, Mr.. SPEN.
GER, to have forwarded me supply.
had not the slightest expectation that my
request would have attracted any other
than the usual attention, much less that
It should have elected present so liberal,
and which comes recommended TO me by
so many fattering and friendly crcum-
stances. | am advised OF the safe arri-
val Of the sal; at Maysv lie, and it will
reach this place in day or two.
know not how to express, in terms
corresponding with my feelings, my great
Obligations for this acceptable present.
| request you to offer il, to those who
contribute il, collectively and individual.
ly, my CORDIAL and grateful acknowledg-
meus.
They have done me the honor to send il
to me as testimonial of their confidence
and esteem, aud especially in consequence
Of my devotion to our American and do
nestle interests. ] can never cease, gen
tlemen, to regard il as a duty, not to be
neglected by the General Government,
to afford efficient protection to those in.
,erests. The form Of that protection IS
QUESTION of subordinate Consequence
That IL best which commands the most
satisfaction and promises the greatest du.
rabiIfy. bad supposed that no men
could controveft the power aud the duty
of Government, in imposing duties for
revenue, to make liberal discrimination
for the benefit of dom, site industry. A
bout the period ofls24, when the power
Of atfordlng direct protection was first
srenuously contested, and OF incidental
protection was freely and unreseryedly
conceded. But nothing can conciiate OF
oppease tho spirit of visionary Free
Trade. And we now behold the dawn
OF opposition to all protection, either d.
rect or incidental. The tariff of 1882
was framed under the hope that il would
quiet oil dscontents and produce general
reconciliation. II moderated the pre- ex-
isling duties. The tariff of 1912, recent
~ passed, provides a scale ofduties gem
orally lover than that of 1892. Yet it is
scarcely passed before the war-cry of Re-
peal is raised against it.
The party opposed to the Wings, du.
ring the progress of the bill, with the
land clause, through Congress, proftssed
to be animated only by opposition to that
clause. The bill passed, and then the
Veto was applied. A majority Of the
Wings adopted the painful but patriotic
resolution 10 make a temporary sacrifice
Of the principle Of distribution TO secure
the passage Of measure demanded nike
by the necessities Of the People and Of the
Treasury. How did their opponents
meet them? Here was fine opportunity
to manifest the truth aud sincerity of their
profession that the land clause was the
exclusive cause Of their dissatisfaction
with the bill. But when strpt of that
clause we find them, with bu; few excep-
tons, as unrelentng and determined in
their opposition as ever. And when they
cannot invoke the aid of Veto and ditto,
they illuminate Recommendations Of Repeal !
as if the country were to be kept in a
state Of perpetual agitation, and no re.
pose or security was to be allowed to its
great business concerns
| trust that the cooler reflections OF
these gentlemen prompt them to abstain
from any attempt totally to repeal the
law, aud limit their exeitlons to its i'm.
provement, by suitable amendments, If
any shall be found necessary. But, if
they should persevere in their announced
purpose, the People are competent TO APP
ply the proper corrective.
In my humble opinion, there is no OBJ
lection to the salt tax, lis equity is un.
denable. All consume it, and pay in pro.
portion TO their consumption; the rich who
use the most paying the most. Its ten
dency, moreover, is 10 equalizo the price
Of the article between the inhabitants of
the scaboard who use marine or foreign
salt, and those of the interior who use that
of our saines. And the competition be
tween the two descriptions is sure TO keep
the peice within reasonable limits.
Wishing revival and long continue.
ton Of the prosperity Of the salt manulac-
ture ofyour town, and health and happi.
ness to yourselves and those who you
represent, am, faithfully,
Your friend and obedent servant,
II. CLAY.
ANECpoTE or Mr.. CLAY.-Extract of