Hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1843-1845, 1843-11-16

norant Of the principles advocated so freely
and fully in his recent letters. lie refers to
them to show that no change Eas taken
place III his views in this matter. He does
more than this. He transmits him copies Of
some Of those letters and states clearly
what his own conception. is Of "the sum and
substance Of the true policy in respect to
tariff" =
That our readers may not be deceived 10y
the statements Of the loco foco presses, and
to show there is no 'backing out" on the
part Of MI Clay, we subjoin the letter
itself. Here it IS
Ashland, 18th Sept. 1s43.
DEAR Sir: received your favor, address
ing some inquiries to me, in respect to the
policy of protecting American interests. On
that subject have very frequently publicly
expressed my sentiments, within the last
two years In the Senate Of the United
views, and what said was published. About
answer which | transmitted to letter, ad.
dressed to me by u Committee Of the Le-
gislature of New York, which was also
published. again expressed my opinion,
in reply to letter which received from
fellow citizen of Philadelphia, requesting
me to state the principles of the Wing par
ty. statement Of them as understood
by me was accordingly made, and it is now
conspicuously published at the head Of ma
ny newspapers. The last expression of my
opinion, IS contained in a letter which | re-
Gently addressed to Nashville and Of which
noao transmit you a copy. II you had
seen these various expressions Of the opin-
ions which / hold on the subject of your
letter, presume you would not have deem.
ed it necessary to address me.
The sum and substance of what I con-
ceve to be the true aelicy Of the U. States
in respect to tariff, may be briefly stated.
In conformity with the principle announced
in the compromise act, | think, that what
ever revenue is necessary to an economical
and honest administration of the General
Government ought to be derived from du-
ties, imposed on Foreign imports. And
believe that, in establishing Tariff Of those
duties, such discrimination ought TO be
made as will incidentally afford reasonable
protection to our national interests.
think there is no danger of high tariff
being ever estabi. shed that Of 1928 was
eminently deserving that denomination. /
was not in Congress when it passed, and
did not vote for it; but with its history, and
with the circumstances which gave birth to
it, | am well acquainted. They ware high
ly discredtable to American legislatio and
i hope for it's honor, will never be again re-
peated.
After my return to Congress in 1873 | , my
efforts were directed to the modification and
reduction OF the rates of duty contained in
the act OF 1898.
The act of 1892 greatly reduced and
modified them and the act OF 1893, CON-
monty called the compromise act, still fur
Their reduced and modified them. The act
which passed at the Extra Session of 1871 :,
which supported, was confined to the free
articles. had resigned my seat in the
Senate when the act of 1912 passed. Gcner-
ally, the duties which it imposes, ale lower
than those in the act of 1892. And without
intending to express any opinion upon every
item Of the last tariff. would say, that
think the provisions, in the main, are wise
and proper. II there be any excuses or de-
fects in it, (of which have not the means
here OF Judging they ought to be correct
| ed.
My opinion, that there is no danger
hereafter of a High Tariff, is founded on the
gratifying fact, that our manufactures have
now taken deep root. In their infancy,
they needed greater measure OF protec-
ton; but, as they grow and advance, they
acquire strength and stability, and conse-
quently, viii require less protection. Even
now, some branches Of them arc able I o
maintain, in distant markets, successful
competition with rival foreign manufac.
tues
Hoping that this letter may be satisfacto.
ry to you, and afford all the information
you desire, and rendering my grateful &C
acknowledgements for the friendly feelings
and Sentiments entertained by you towards
me,
| am with great respect,
your cbedient servant,
II. CLAY.
DR. +. S. BRONSON.
American Institute.