The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1843-12-28
W ASHIN GTON.
THURSDAY MORNING, DEC. 2s, ls4a.
THE TARIFF.

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nate themselves democrats, at least in the States
north of the Potomac, have endeavored to avoid
coming to an issue upon this great and deeply
interesting measure before the people. That
they have professed to concur with the Southern
democracy in their views upon it, while at the
North-at home-they have professed opinions
in accordance with those of majority Of the
people to whom they were responsible, Or from
whom they had to look for power. Thus, du-
ring the second session of the last Congress, the
Southern and Northern democracy seemed TO act
harmoniously together upon this subject until the
vote came to be by yeas and nays, and then the
Northern democrats claimed dispensation from
their brethren upon the score Of necessity and
policy. They held out the idea that they were
all right, orthodox free trade men, but that their
constituents were in favor Of the Tariff, and they
must either vote for it when their votes were to
power at home. The.idea was further held out,
that in due time the people would all be right,
and that if they could but once more get posses
sion of the Government, they could then venture
TO carry out the free trade policy of their South
ern brethren. 1t was with such words upon
their lips, but with willingness in their hearts
to deceive either their Southern brethren Of the
democratic fold, or their own people at home,
just which they could make the most by doing,
or do with the least danger TO themselves, that
they voted for the Tariff of 1912.
AT the North they claimed, and still claim, the
credit Of having passed the Tariff, while at the
South, Mr.. Van Buren, declares that he is oppo-
sed TO it both in principle and in detail; intend
ing thus to secure the support of both sections.
"The people in other States" says the Editor of
the Spectator, supposed that the Democratic
Party in New York stood, on this point, upon the
platform the Democratic party had erected in the
last National Convention, held at Baltimore.
They believed the professions made by the De-
mocrats Of that State, in passing, at the last
Congress, the present Tariff. They supposed
that their uotes on that occasion ,oere votes Of
Pediency, not Of principle, and that they Mould
join the Democratic party, AS THEY SAID
THEY WOULD, at the present Congress, IN
REPEATING THIS OPPRESSIVE ACT. But,
instead Of this, it appears that the party in New
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took position with the Wings upon it. Nay, in
one instance, we are informed, Democratic
member, now on the floor of Congress, beat his
Wing opponent by out Dragging him on this
point"
We do not know SO well how it was in New
York, hut in Pennsylvania the democrats under
took, and to considerable extent succeeded, in
out Dragging the Wings, and in claiming the
credit of having passed the Tariff. Nay more,
in making the people believe that it was the de-
mocrats who were in favor of it, and not the
Wings We presume Mr.. Bidlack knows some
thing of the importance of being considered a
Tariff man in Pennsylvania. Perhaps Mr.. c. J..
Ingersol has some experimental knowledge on
this subject also.
But are the Northern Van Buren, Democrats to
be allowed to wear their masks forever, and to
play double with both the South and the North
Not if we see the signs of the times Alright
The Southern democracy are determined to find
out on which side of their head is their true,
and on which their false face. The platform of
Democracy at the South is, FREE TRADE that at
the North u.s. whatever happens to be popular
for the time being. The South, if we see Alright,
are resolved TO know whether Southern and
Northern democracy are one and the same thing,
and with that view are bent upon bringing their
protesting brethren up to a test vote. Mr. Nc
Dufie and Mr.. Rhet have both made move
ments in the two branches of CongreFs having
In view the repeal Of the present Tariff act; and
MIR. Richie, Mr.. Van Buren's great champion at
the South, declares that the question must be
fairly met by the whole party. Will they meet
it, or will they again dodge? There is nothing
they SO much dread as this unmasking-this
being brought up again, and without the benefit
Of the plea Of POLICY" to declare, by their re-
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