Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-06-10

lleS--ll Is Wise, before nations resort to IN
dependent legislation with a view, on the
part of one, to countervai the acts of an
other-to consider if it be not more expe-
dent for the parties to attempt to come
to an understanding without the aid
of this-what we may call hostile legisla-
ton.
The commercial interests of nations are
affected in our day, almost in every thing.
by two considerations: reUenue, and the en-
couragement and production and protection
of the home industry of the country
These two may be of various importance
sometimes one uppermost and sometimes
the other. But all nations appear at the
present moment to be maniiesting great
degree of acuteness in the perception of
what their interest is, whether in the fnan-
cial or industrial scene of operations. We
know that between England and Russia
there has lately been a commercial treaty
formed, not very important, think. We
know attempts have been made to accom-
pIish treaty between England and Portu-
gal; but they have not yet succeeded. We
know that recent attempt has been made,
in case very important to US, or which in
its results may be of Importance to our
commerce, to form a commercial treaty be-
tween England and Brazil. The failure of
this may well inspire a doubt as to the
practicability of this regulation of COM
merce by treaty stipulation. do not mean
to speak now with much confidence or dis
tinctness on that subject. But l am of
opinion that, with resi- ect to US here in
America, the experiment is worth the trial.
But at the same time it is TO be remembered
that no too sanguine confidence should be
entertained as to the results; because, pend
ing the existence of such a confidence. and
before the results have been attained, there
may be stagnation in commercial affairs
produced by that very concern.
The particular point in our own foreign
relations of commercial interest, which in
this regard has latterly attracted most at
tention is between the United States and
England and this in two respects. In the
first place the duties now to be imposed
upon either side on products subjects of d.
rect Importation; and next the State of in
tercourse between the United States and
the Colonial possessions of England on this
Continent in the West Indies. The direct
trade between US and England is formed
upon the real principle of reciprocity, and
l do not know that there is much difference
in favor of either; it seems to be fair, equal
and Just. The trade between the United
States and British Colonies, on the contra
ry, in the West Indies is of quite differ
emf character.
But do not propose now to go into that
matter. But with regard to the direct in
tercourse between us and England, many
wishes have been expressed, and the opin-
ion has been strongly entertained in favor
of an attempt to settle the duties by treaty
or arrangement: | say, gentlemen, the
agreement of Tariff duties by ARRANGEMENT,
and use the term by design. The Con-
stitution of the United States leaves to
Congress the great business of levying du-
ties for the support Of Government.
1t seems especially to be made the duty
of the House Of Representatives to origi-
nate all means of revenue, or which shall
essentially affect the revenue. There have
been few cases in which treaties have
been entered into having the effect to limit
duties. But it is not necessary to 90 on
the idea that if VIC came to an understand
ing with governments on the rates of duties,
that understanding can only be effected by
means of a treaty ratified by the President
and two-thirds of the Senate according to
the forms of the Constitution; because fol-
lowing the example of the government in
what now exists-the arrangement between
the United States and England touching
the colonial trade is practically to give to
an understanding between the two govern
ments the force of law by ordinary acts of
legislation. You all know that the present
basis of trade between the United States
and the British Colonies rests on the con-
current acts, the concurrent or conditional
acts of legislation Of the two countries
Remember that the Senate and House of
Representatives have passed upon the
terms of intercourse with the British Colo
MES. and so have both Houses of the Brit
ish Parliament; and if the Executive de-
partment enter into any negotiation on the
:uSS;%cct of duties, then in the same manner
may there be made terms in the agreement
that if one party pass law providing GER
tain duties, the other should provide by law
for equivalent duties.
mention this because have seen it of
ten stated that to regulate duties by treaty
would be to deprive the House of Repre-
sentatives, the great popular branch of the
Legislature, of its just authority. 1t is true
treaty is the law Of the land. 1t may re-
peal law of Congress; but as the whole
business of revenue, and finance, of pro-
viding for all the wants Of the country is
peculiarly the business of the House of
Representatives, am of opinion and al
ways have been, that there should be no
a. al l..