Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1843-11-02

-MFs NAay Ou the 4afAhAs
The following letter was written by Mr..
Clay to the editor Of the Georgia Herald. in
answer TO one requesting information concern
ing Mr.. Clay's present views of the tariff
ASHLAND, Sept l3, ls43.
Dear Sir-.-I received your favor, addressing
some inquiries 10 me in respect 10 the policy of
protecting American interests. On that sub
ject have very frequently publicly expressed
my sentiments within The last Two years. In
the Senate of the United States, early last
year, fully expressed my views, and what
said was published. Abou, the same lime
communicated them in the answer which
transmitted 10 letter addressed to me by
committee of the Legislature of New York,
which was also published. again expressed
my opinion in reply TO letter which | received
from fellow citizen of Philadelphia, request
ing me TO state The principles Of the Wing par
Ity. statement of them, as understood by
me, was accordingly made, and ii is now con-
spicuously published at the head of many
newspapers. The last expression Of my opin-
ion is contained in a letter which 1 recently
addressed TO Nashville, and of which | now
transmit you copy. II YOU had seen these
various expressions of The opinions which |
hold on the subject Of your le,lsr, presume
you would not have deemed il necessary to
address me.
The sum and substance Of what | conceive
10 be The true policy of the United States, in
respect to a tariff, may be briefly stated In
conformity with The principle announced in the
compromise act, think that whatever revenue
is necessary 10 an economical and homes, sd
minis,ration of the General Government ought
10 be derived from duties imposed on foreign
imports and | believe that, III establishing
tariff of those duties, such discrimination
ought 10 be made as will incidentally afford
reasonable protection 10 our national interests
think there Is no danger of high tariff
being ever established; that of 1923 was emf
nently deserving ,ha, denomination. was not
in Congress when II passed, and did not vote
for it; bu, with It's history and with the clrcum-
stances which gave birth TO it am we'll ac-
quanted They were highly dlscrcdi,able 10
American legislation, and hope, for It's honor
will never be again repeated.
| After my return 10 Congress in 1881 my ef-
forts were directed 10 The modification and re.
duclion of the rates Of duty contained in The
acl Of 1928 The act OF 1882 greatly reduced
and modified Them; and The &C, Of 1888, COM
monty called the compromise act, still farther
reduced and modified them. The act which
passed al the extra session of l64I, which
supported, was confined 10 the free articles. |
had resigned my seat in the Senate when The
act of l642 passed. Generally, the duties
which i, imposes are lower than those in the ac,
of / lS32 and, without intending to express any
opinion upon every item Of this las. tariff,
would say, thai | think the provisions, in the
main, are wise and proper. If there be any
excesses or defects IN H. (of which have not
The means here Of judging,) they ought to bs
COZ rected.
My opinion, ,ha: there is no danger hereal-
Ter of hlg Ia tariff, is founded on the gratifying
facl that our manufactures have now taken a
deep root. In their infancy they needed a
greater measure of protection; but, as they
grow and advance, they acquire strength and
stability, and consequently will require less pro.
ieclion. Even now some branches Of them are
able 10 maintain, in distant markets, successful
competition with rival foreign manufactures.
Hoping that this letter may be satisfactory 10
you, and afford all The information you desire,
and rendering my grateful acknowledgements
for the friendly feelings and sentiments enter
tanned by you toward me, | am with great re-
spec,, your obedleni servant,
HENRY CLAY.