Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-11-18
FOR PRESIDENT,
Mr.. CLAY's GEORGIA LETTER.

that he VIII be the Presidential nominee
OF the next Wing National Convention,
are every where parading a letter written
10 gentleman in Georgia, for the purpos e
of showing that Mr.. Clay does not nou
favor high protective tariff. This feint
IS made for the purpose Of concilialing the
South, which is well known to be deeply
hostile TO Ihat system. Mr.. Clay though
is entirely consistent, he can be for pro-
lection and against it, yet never change
his opinion. This letter stands in contra.
diction 10 almost the whole tenor of
his political life, which has certain ly
been devoted 10 the manufacturing inter
est. The letter says there is little danger
henceforlh of there being any more high
protective tariffs, for the reason that the
manufactures have taken such deep root,
that they will not require so much protec-
ton for the future. Not that they have
no right TO protection, not that they are
not entitled to demand it, but having be-
come rich from the earnings of others, hav.
ing become gorged with spols derived
from the protective system, we may for
ne future rely on their clemency to press
The enactment Of no more high protective
tariffs,
g" Ny opinion, that there is no danger
hereafter Of a high tariff, is founded on the |
gratifying fact that our manufactures have |
now taken deep root. Ia their infancy |
they needed greater measure Of protec-
tom but, as they grow and advance, they
acquire strength and stability, and conse-
qucn.ly will require less protection
We should really feel under great obi,
:gatjons 10 The protected classes for their
generous libcrai'y, they will hcn"cforih
be content with less OF The earnings of
The ether clIs,cs. leaving it however u be
distinctly understood th1t if their prosper
ity should experience any revision, from ,
the uncertainties Of numerical, mtnulnc.
turing, or mercantile profits, they hat he t
undoub'ei right tc call on the govern. j
mcnt 70 step into their aid, by lcvyag con.
trlJu'ion3 Gm thc other ,Iasses If The
community. We IN Ike the loving cx-
tracts fccm ,he letter, and from fonner
pinions Of Mr., Clay. 10 show how wei, |
they stand ge'hcr:
The sum and substance of what con. 7
cciye to be the true policy Of the United
States, in respect TO tariff, may be brief ,
~ stated In conformity with the princi ,
pie announced in the compromise act, | ,
think that whatever revenue is necessary :
to an economical aud honest administra- ;
ton of the general government, ought to
lie derived from duties imposed on foreign
imports. And believe that, in estab.
fishing tariff of those duties, such
discrimination ought to be made as will in
cidentaly afford reasonable protection to
our national interests.
think there is no danger Of high IA. "
li1 being ever established; that of 1898
was eminently deserving TINT denomina- i
zion. was not in Congress when it pass. d
cd, and did not vote Tor it; but, with its .
history, and with the circumstances which Y
gave birth 10 il, ! am well acquainted
They were highly discredtable TO Ameri- y
can legislation, and hope, for its honor, u
will never be again repeated. II
After my return to Congress in 1881, =
my efforts were directed to the modifica- =
ton and reduction of the rates of duty y
contained in the act of 1928. The act y
of 1882 greatly reduced and modified ="
them; and the act Of 1888, commonly :"
called the compromise act, still further re-
duced and modified them. The act which al
passed at the extra session of lS4 which bi
supported, was confined TO the Tree ariI CO
cles. | had resigned my scat in the Sen e!
ate VIXEN the act of 1912 passed. Gene OF
ally, the duties which 1t impO es are low. c
er than those in the act of 1892; and, tr
without intending to express NV opinion &C
Ipon every item Of this last tariff, would al
ay that think the provisions, in the main, je
Ire wise and proper. If there he any ex- Sc
esses or defects in il, (of which | have pu
10! the means here OF judgiDg,) they II
ught TO be corrected. ed
Now how does the following resolution,
Iered after his return to Congress in tn
63l, and the arguments IN support OF II, wa
ompor, with the sentiments Of the letter! The
ResoIUed, That the existing duties is,
pom articles imported from foreign coun- St;
rles, and not coming in competition with ~,
milar articles made or produced within
lo United States, ought to be forthwith COZ
polished, except the duties upon vines u VIII
ks, AMI that those ought TO be reduced; the
ii that the Committee on F lnarce be in an,
ructed ia report bill accordingly" :,