The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-11-08
ASHLAND, 18th Sept. I54S.

DEAR SIR: | received your favor, address.
sing some inquiries to me, in respect to the
policy of protecting American Interests -
On that subject have very frequently pub
licly expressed my sentiments, within tho
last two years. In the Senate of the Uni.
ted States, early last year, fully exp ress, d
my views, and what said was published.
About the same fine, communicated them
in the answer which transmitted to n lci-
ter. addressed TO me, by Committee of ia"
Legislature of New York, which was also
published. lagain expressed my opinion,
in reply to letter which received from a
fellows citizen Of Philadelphia, requesting
mo to state the principles of the Wing pur-
ty. A statement of them, as understood by
me, was accordingly made, and it is now
conspicuously published AT the head of mu-
ny newspapers. The last expression Of
my opinion, is contained in letter which
| recently addressed TO Nashville, and Of
which | now transmit you a copy. If you
had seen these various expressions of The
opinions which | hold on the subject of your
letter, presume you would not have deem
ed necessary to address me.
ceIvc TO be the true policy of the United
States, in respect to n Tariff, NAV be brief
ly stated. In conformity with the princi-
pie announced in the compromise net. |
think, that whatever revenue is necessary
TO an economical and honest adminisl ration
OF the General Government ought to be- de-
prived from duties, imposed on Foreign i'm
ports. And believe that.in establishing II
Tariff of those duties, such scriminaiIon
ought TO be made, as will incidentally af-
ford reasonable protection TO our national
interests.
think there is no danger of high tar
if being ever established ! that Of 1928 wds
emInently deserving that denomination.
vas not in Congress when il passed, and
did not vote for il but with its hist DRY and
with the circumstances which gavo birth to
it am well acquainted. They were high
ly discreditable 10 American iegislation,a and
hope, for its honor, will never be again re-
peated.
After my return to Congress in Is31,mv
efforts were directed to the modification and
reduction OF the rates of duty contained IN
the act of 1928. The act of 1879, greatly
reduced and modified them and the act of
1888, commonly called the Compromise
Act, still farther reduced and modified them.
The act which passed at the Extra Session
of 1s4l, which supported, was confined
TO the free articles. had resigned my seat
in the Senate when the first act of 1912
passed Generally, the duties which it impo-
ses are lower than those in the act of 1892.
And, without intending 10 express any o.
pinion upon every item of this last Tariff, |
would say that think the provisions in tho
main, are wise and proper. If there be a.
ny excuses or defects in it, for which
have not the means here of judging,) they
ought tc be corrected.
NY opinion, that there is no danger here
after of a high Tariff, is founded on the
gratifying fact that our manufactures have
now taken a deep root In their infancy,
they need a greater measure of protection;
but, as they grow and advance, they acquire
strength and stability, and, consequently,
will require less protection. 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 satisfac-
tory to you, and afford all the information
you desire, and rendering my grateful AZ.
for the friendly feelings
and sentiments entertained by you towards
me.
| am, with great respect. your obedient
servant.
DR.. F. s. Bronson. n. CLAY.