The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-12-18
Of Ae Old School Rsp.soliean.I

gratifed in having my name enrolled as soldier of
JOHN wILDBAHN
AMERICAN MATTERS in LONDON.
One of the London papers sent US by the
Acadia contains the following items, which pur-
port 10 be given by lis New y ork correspondent.
What is said of the strength of parties in Con-
gress, and of Mr.. Cay's prospects, will cause
some amusement in Washington:
' NEW YORK, Oct. 1.-Two letters addressed bv
Mr.. Joseph Hume, nj. p to General Duff Green,
have been published in the Madisonian, printed at
Washington. Both dated London, 9Th of Sep
TENDER. They relate to free trade, American tariff
&c. Ii is not my intention 10 enter upon elaborate
critical examination OF these letters--but the
honorable member having received erroneous inn
preston to the feeling of the people OF this country
reference TO the tariff 1t is hoped that ii will not
be deemed indecorous to correct the
80 fear says MIR. Hume, the opposing interests
in the United States and the preponderance in Con-
gress of the New England and manufacturing inte-
rests produced the evils of the high Tariff of the last
session, from which both countries sufferng but
from all the accounts we hear, believe there will
be in the new Congress majority of the representa-
tives against the existing high tariff and monopoly,
and in favor Of free trade principles and Of improved
commercial intercourse between the two countries"
elf Mr.. Hume will look back to the time when
the present high tariff Gas he terms t) adopted
and compare the then state of the country with
what is he can better Judge of the operation
of this law upon the trade of the United States and
the credit of the Government. At the commence
ment of the year lS43, the duties were only twenty
per cent; business of every description at a
stand. The revenue was not equal To one half the
wants of the Government The Treasury was ex-
hausted and the Government without credit A loan
OF few millions of dollars at 6 per cent. interest
could not be obtained at home or abroad In this
state Of things the present tariff was adopted What
h.af ,IlN R,,eIn h. 81.
has nearly doubled-the Treasury is replenished-the
credit Of the Government is restored. The United
States per cent stock, which could not be sod at
par, meets now ready sale, and is in demand at
and halfper cent above par These are facts W hi, h
may be comprehended by the way aring man, ard as
such require neither EXPLANATION nor comment
"Again. There exists says Mr.. Hume, a "sur-
fcient majority in Congress to proceed at once to
reduce the tariff and thereby take away from mono
polists in this country the only plea they put for
ward, that if we in England should repeal the
laws, that you in the United States would not reci-
procate.' Mr.. Hume is mistaken There is not a
majority IN the Congress for reducing tie tariff There
Is majority, and an overwhelming majority, in the
house OF that party which opposed the lsvying of the
present rate duties. All parties may be willing to
change the duty on some few articles but the law as
whoiew not undergo any material alteration during
the approaching session of Congress. Why should il ?
The wants of the Government render necessary a re-
venue fully equal to the that will be raised by The
present law. If it is changed how is the deficiency
to he supplied2 1t must be by land tax or ty loans
both OF which the Americans abhor; and either of
which would PROSTATE any Carty that should resort
It, 30 long as the sum required could be raised from
mposts One piece OF advice given by Mr.. Hume to
Sir Robert Feel Will generally be followed by the Anne
rican Congress- that is, they will regulate the duties
of customs In this country without relation TO any
country in particular, but solely to suit the interests
of this country. Mr.. Webster when address inc the
agrcnlturisls few weeks since at Rochester, said
and said truly, You want market for your produc.
q Tx adj A
for your agricultural products. This neghborly ex-
change it is-ths neighborly exchange among our.
selves-this supplying our own wants from city TO
city, fom village TO village, from house to house
this this it is which calculated to make us happy
and strong people He might have added these
dogmas are RAPIDLY gaming ground Throughout, the
y United States.
a dinner was recently given TO the Hon. T. NJ.
Hunter of Virginia, late Speaker of the House OF Re
representatives. in Congress. Mr. Hunter made speech
10 suit the views of the South. He referred to the
situation of Texas and the policy which, it X said,
Great Britain is pursuing towards Mexico and Texas,
reference TO the abolition of slavery in the latte
State The address somewhat innammatory, and
evidently intended to awaken and unite the Southern
States in favor of the annexation of Texas 10 the
United States. A letter read from Mr.. Wise,
assuming the same ground that MIR. Hunter had oc-
cuped in his speech. These gentlemen are per-
sonal and political friends and doubtless had confer
red on the subject previous to the dinner 1t
appears that they have it in contemplation to bring
next session. During the last six weeks the exciting
topic throughout the country has been the local el,c-
tons. ln the last House there were % Wings and
43 Locofocos. In the Hou-e Just elected accord n
TO the returns which have been received there will be
AZ Wings and 80 Locoocos. Every thing presents a
favorable aspect for the Wing party VIII lie the dis
traction and divisions in the Democratic ranks con-
tnue TO increase
MR. CLAY ON THE AMERICAN TARIFF.
The following LETTER If M rIov f,,ho "a;
orally believed will be elected President of the Uni
ted States is suitable pendant to the preceding one
and will afford matter for the worthy gentlemen of
the League TO digest at their leisure The letter has
been published by Mr.. Clay, in answer to one from
an inquisitive correspondent
ASHLAND, Sept. l3--Dear Sm-I received vour
favor, addressing some inquiries TO in respect TO
the policy OF protecting American interests. On thai
subject have frequently publicly expressed my SEN
umepts within the last two years. The sum ana sub-
stance of what conceive TO be the policy of The
United States, IN regard to tariff, NAV be briefly
stated Ia conformity with the principle announced
in the Compromise Act, think that whatever rev.
enue Is necessary To economical and honest admin
stTation of the General Government oupht TO he do
rived from duties imp sed on foreign imports: and
believe that, In establishing atanT of those duties
such discrimination ought TO be made as will Incl
denally afford reasonable protection TO our national
interests think there's no danger of high tariff
being ever established; that of 1928 was eminentlv
deserving that demo nination. | was no in Congress
when II passed and did not vote for it but with il
history, and with the circumstances winch gave birrb
toi am well acquainted. They are highly discredi-
table TO American legislation, and, hope for lis hon
OF, VIII never be again repeated. After my return 10
congress In 1881 my efforts were directed TO the mo-
dihcaiIon and reduction of the rates of duty contained
IN the act OF 1878 The act of 1882 greatly reduced
and modified them, and the act of 1893. commonlv
called the Compromise Act still further reduced sn1
modified them. The act which passed at the ertra
session OF iofl, when ! supported, was confined
to the free articles. 1 had resigned INV saa, ~