The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-05-22

The commercial nteresis OF nations Affected IN
our day. almost in every thing by two con idera-
iions r,peaue, and the encouragement and Prodac-
ton and protection vi the home industry OF The coun
Try. These two may be Of various importance
sometimes one uppermost and sometimes the Other
But all nations appear at the present moment 10 DC
manesting great degree Of acuteness In the per-
option of what their interest is, whether IN the
financial or industrial scene of operations. we
know that between England and Russia there has
lately been commercial treaty formed not very nm
portant, | think. We know attempts have been
made TO accomplish treaty between England and
Porlugalj but they have not yet succeeded. we
know that recent attempt has been made, IN case
very important 10 US, or which IN lis results may be
of importonee TO our commerce, 10 form CONNER
cial treaty between England and Brazil The failure
of this may well inspire doubt TO the practicable
ity of this regulation Of by treaty stipua-
ton. do not mean TO speak now with much comb
dence distnctness on that subject But am OF
opinion that with respect to us here IN America, the
experiment Is worth the trial. But at the same Time
II is to be remembered that no too sanguine comb
dence should be entertained to the results; be-
cause, pending the existence of such a confidence,
and before the results have been attained there may
be a stagnaton IN commercial affairs produced by
that very concern
The particular point in our own foreign relations
Of commercial interest, which in this regard has lat
terly attracted most attention is between the United
States and England and this in two respects. In the
first place the duties now TO he imposed upon either
side products subjects of direct importation; and
next the state Of intercourse between the United
States and the Colonial possessions Of England on
this Continent in the West Indies The direct trade
between and England formed upon the real prIn-
ciplc of reciprocity, and 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 contrary, in the
West Indies is Of quite different character.
But do not propose now to go into that matter.
But with regard to the direct intercourse between us
and England, many wishes have been expressed, and
the opinion has been strongly entertained in favor OF
attempt TO settle the duties by treaty arrange
ment say, gentlemen, the agreement of Tariff du-
ties by arrangement, and use the term by design
The Constitution Of the United States leaves to Con-
gres the great business of ievyng duties for the sup
port Of Government.
II seems especially to be made the duty Of the
House of Representatives to originate all means OF
revenue, 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 not necessary to go the idea that if
TO an understanding with governments on the rates
of duties, that understanding only be effected by
means of Treaty ratified by the President and two
thirds of the Senate according 10 the forms Of the
Constitution; because following 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 understand
ing between the two governments the force of law
by ordinary acts of legislation. You all know that
the present basis If trade between the United States
and the British Colonies rests the concurrent acts
the concurrent or conditional acts of legislation OF
the two countries. Remember that the Senate and
| House Of Representatives have passed upon tn,
terms Of intercourse with the British Colonies and SC
have both Houses of the British Parliament ard il
the Executive department enter into any neg tiatiou
on the subject of duties then in the same manner
may there be made terms in the agreement that il
one party pass d law providing certain duties the
other should provide by law for equivalent duties.
! mention this because have seen it often stated
that TO regulate duties by treaty would be to deprive
the House OF Representatives, the great popular branch
of the Legislature, Of its Just authority. /, is true
treaty is the law of the andi 1t may repeal law OF
Congress; but the whole business of revenue and
finance of providing for all the wants of the country
is peculiarly the business of the House Of Representa-
lives am OF opinion and always have BEEN that there
should be no encroachment on the Execu i've power
by the Legislature-by the President and Senate UNI
der the treaty making power, exceptin unimportan
cases. such as the treaty with France in regard to
wines aud some others.
Well, then gentlemen, il it be a constitutional mode
Of arranging the subject by means ofnegotia,ion what
is there IN the prcse' sta OF relations with Eng
land which makes IT desirable that such an attempt
should be made All of Us know that the prncipal
interests of the United States under considerable
degree OF depression. The commercial interest is de-
pressed tie manufacturing interest is de pressed and
so far as able to perceive the agricultural inter-
est OF both North and South is equally depressed II
look at the price current Ia the gran-growing States
oil the west OF IN the Paiation states Of the South
perceive again great depression aud no great en-
couragement To activity and emulation What is there
IN our condtlon-what there in the intercourse be
tween the two coun res to Justify an attempt at the
arrangement have mentionedi
Well, gentlemen, on this subject speak without
any authority 1t Is not for assume TO speak of
sentiments of persons abroad upon this subject But
II IS true that the opinion has became some what cur
rent that with England an arrangement m ght be made
favorable To our great agricultural interest. That
agreement must OF course be founded an adequate
consideration. But as TO the objects Of the
which il is supposed may be favorable to the United
States, may mention the admission INFO England for
consumption al toca rates IF duty Of several Of our
large agricultural products 1t has been supvosed for
example, that England may be induced TO make i'm.
portant reduction, IN her duties tobacco confess
i have never been able TO see why not The tobacco
duty IN England Is mere matter Of revenue There
Is no collateral or Interior object in it, The ques-
ton, therefore, IN the minds Of English Statesmen as
II seems to me can only be whether reduction Of the
duty will diminish the aggregate Of revenue We ali
know that II often increases this aggregate-.nd in re-
gard TO this article IL reduction OF duty oneaT should
augment imporaons one-half it is clearly of equal
benefit 10 the English revenue. Ii is supposed too
that the duty on rice may Undergo material aud ben
ehcial change. And tLis is an article now as much
depressed as any other
Then again, is this great product Of our own in the
United States-yNaiEt or, as il is called Indian corn
have not heard suggestion from any quarter that
England would be inclined to modification Of her
Corn Laws, properly called mean her duties on
wheat aud -four But Il has been suggested-I know
not with how much plausbility-and beg Il may be
received as merely a suggestion Of my OWL have
heard II suggested that IN regard TO this article Of
wholesome and cheap food, England might be induced
10 place upon It's importation low aud fixed rate Of
duty Now Il IS atleast worth iGquriDg what will be
the value Of this admission. Corn the great grain
product Of the United States. The statistical tables
show that five bushels Of Indian corn are raised in the
United states Tor every one Of wh,at and the sur
plus OF this article beyond the wants Of the consumer
at home, even # were but small surplus II il could
be introduced at lower rates Of duty, would make a
vide difference the aggregate.
am aware, gentlemen, (and many Of you know all
ths subject better than do) that this is article Of
heavy freight and yet il IS brought from MARYLAND