The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-12

Tree trade principles, and of improved commercial
intercourse between the two countries
IN both countries, therefore, haze the desire Of the
forge majority for free trade corn and the difficulty
appears TO me to be, as TO the manner both our Lee
gislatures shall effect the wishes of the community
can bear testimony TO the trouble you have taken
TO convince Sir Robert Peel of the vast importance
of his sending TO Washington some person enjoying
his confidence; and with powers to settle liberal
tariff between England and the United States and
have been sorry observe the Of moral courage
of Sir Robert Peel to sanction and to follow that
course. After what has passed do not believe that
he will do his duty the country and commence
gotiations for the repeal of the Corn Laws, which
consider g sine qua non" to commence with, until
the decreasing and the increasing pauperlsm,
shall threaten the public credit Of the nation. An
attempt viii then be made to remove all monopolies
and to re-esablish the trade and prosperity OF the
country when, perhaps it may be found very diff
cult business to effect, comparison with the favor
able opportunity that now presents to commence ne
gotiaons with your Congress.
! have done all in my power to promote free hade,
and have to lament the party and interested views Of
the political party now in power in opposing it. But
have to express hope that, in the United States,
you may be able to adopt sound principles of trade,
without regard to the blind and interested policy Of
this and of other countries.
| agree with Mr.. Upshur, "Aa Me Time has passed
by when nations obtain advantages each other by
diplomatic nanag ement J" and would ask him to act
upon the principle that mutual interest and mutual
convenience ought to bind countries together in
/ friendly because profitable, intercourse. We pro-
duce what YOU, in the United States, wish 10 buy
and you produce what we, in England wish to pur-
chase. What powerful motives can actuate
any two countries to promote free trade than Eng
land and the United States have; A kindred race
and mutual interest, urge powerfully TO the freest
exchange Of the products of our respective countries
| and why should either country hesitate, for mo-
ment, to adopt that course which will certainly re-
lieve one, if not both countries from much of their
present suferngs' | have explained above that
the landed aristocracy, which now have the po-
litical power Of the State, are opposed to free
trade principles under the erroneous opinion that
they can keep up their monopoly by prevent
ing the repeal of the Corn Laws; but there exists
sufficient majority in Congress to proceed once
to reduce the tariff, and thereby take away from mo-
noposts in this country, the only plea they put for
wardtat if zoe, in England, should repeal our Corn
Lacs, that you, the United States ,Uould not recipro-
cate
have strongly advised Sir Robert Peel to alter the
duties OF customs, in this country without relation to
any country in particulars but solely to suit the inte
rests of this country and have recommended the
termination Of all the existing commercial treaties
now existing with Great Britain. 1t is consistent
with the policy of President Washington not to bind
yourself politically with any State or foreign Co
vernment, but TO leave yourselves at liberty to act as
you shall think proper for the interests of your coun-
try with all. observe that Mr.. Upshur recommends
commercial treaty, and seems to think that treaty
absolutely necessary to enable you to alter your ia
ri and to increase your commerce with this country
think he would only involve your country in greater
difficulties by that means and by the restrictions
winch treaties impose, you, in series of years will
do more injury to your intercourse with other nations
than you derive benefit.
think that 1t is the opinion of Lord Aberdeen and
Sir Robert Peel that England has lost more than she
has gained by commercial treaties and that the time
is now come when each country should regulate its
own customs duties without treaty. ! should be
pleased to your country adopt that course, as
am confident you would profit thereby and that other
countries would soon follow your example. 1t must
commercial ration in the world, prevented from ma
king those alterations in her duties of customs which
she is convinced ought to be made, because Portugal
France the Brazils, and other countries, will not
meet England.by what she considers reciprocity
We are convinced that the revenue is suffering,
that smuggling is promoted, and that the consumers
are injured by keeping duty of 22s. per gallon on
spirits; 3Os. silk goods or 5s ID per gal
Ion win Ec and
these high duties because Portugal or France will
not make reduction in the duties of customs charg-
ed by them British cotons or woollens or thread
Sc. and, by adherence TO the demand for recproci-
ty the abuses have named, and many Others, arc
alswed to notwithstanding decrease Of trade be-
tween these countries and injury to all parties Gu
gagged in manufactures and commerce in these coun-
tries
We should each go to the cheapest market for all
our supplies and every country would prosper there
by Some countries may continue, for a time, to
shut out articles by high duties, by which the con-
sumers of these articles will suffer prvation and loss
But, in short period, sound principles and individual
interest must prevail and am confident that COM
merce would increase more between nations without
any commercial treaty. Protection and security TO
persons and property ought TO be afforded by civil
lied nations and the merchants should be left TO
effect their exchanges, l. to carry trade in the
manner most beneficial to themselves, hich will be
found to prove, Also most beneficial TO tic nation
these merchants belong to-
see no reason why you should delay to act upon
hese great and sound principles You have the pow
n at Washington to carry out the will of the peope
md the advantage to the many must soon direct the
will to obtain extended commerce-an enlarged mar
ret for all their produce, and the cheapest market
rom which to supply their wants
In England the Aristocracy hold political power
contrary TO the opinion of the majority of the nation
nd the majority are suffering very grievousy by that
lass of legislation which rules The desiinv of Liz