Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-05-26

real principle of reciprocity do not know that in
either country there exists mach disposition 10 ds.n.'
IT, II is far, equal, JUST. Tie trade between lie y ,
and tie British Colonies Tie Continent ana ts'e
West Indies, has quite different characer IL is h"
my purpose TO 60 INTO that matter. But witn resafd
TO the direct intercourse between US and England
great interest is excited, many wishes expressed, anc
strong opinions entertained in favor of an attempt 10
settle dulles by treaty or arrangement say, gentle
men, TO you, on q tariff of duties by arrangement
aud use that term by design. The Constitution OF
The U >. leaves with Congress the great business oil
laying duties TO support the Government. 1t seems,
especially to have made it the duty of the House oil
Representatives 10 originate measures OF revenue, OF
which eventually affect revenue There have been
some few cases IN which treaties have been entered
into having the effect to limit duties; but is moi ne
cessaryand that is important part of the whole SUBJ
lect-t is not necessary go upon the idea, that we
come TO an understanding with foreign governments
upon rates Of duties, tina, the understanding be eli
eced only by means oil treaty ratified by the Presi-
dent and two thirds Of the Senate according 10 the form
of The Constitution. because, following the example
of The government in what exists, the arrange
menls between the u. S. and England touching tie
Colonial trade, it is practicable 10 give 10 UNDER
standing between the two governments, the force OF
law by ordinary acts of legislation. We all know that
the present basis of trade between the u S. and the
British Provinces, is constituted by the concurrent
Lcs conditional acts Of the legislatures
of both countries. Our Senate and House Of Repre-
sentaves have, therefore, passed upon H. and have
both Houses of Parliament; and if the executive CO.
vernmens Of the Two countries should enter into any
negotiations upon the subject OF duties proposed by The
one side, they might in the same manner be made 10
terminate in n treaty. But if one party by law pro-
vded for certain duties the other party by law could
provide for the equivalent. | mention this, because
see II often stated, that, to regulate duties by treaty.
would be TO deprive the House Of Representatives.
great branch of the National Legislaure-of its
Just authority, aud am Of that opinion. think that
the treaty making power should not be extended,
less in of great Importance TO any such subjects
IL is true treaty is the law OF the land. But them
the whole business Of revenue and general provision
for all the wants of the country, is undoubtedly very
peculiar business of the House of Representatives Of
Congress, am of opinion, and always have been that
there should be upon that power by the
exercise of the treaty making power, unless OF
great and evident necessity Well them gentlemen, if
there be constitutional mode Of arranging those sub
jecs by means Of negotiations between the two go.
vernments what is there, ! would ask, IN present
relations with England, which makes IT desirable that
such an attempt should now be made: All that can be
said u.s. that the leading interests OF the United States
all at prrsen, in considerable degree Of depression.
The commercial interes-the manufacturing interest
and, far able TO perceive, the agricultural
interest, are all equally depressed If lcok at the
price current in The great wheat growing States of
the West or in the plantation States of the South,
perceive all perceive, great depreciation of prices,
and great encouragement 10 activity and emuuton
What is there, then, in our condition. what is there
the intercourse between the two countries that might
Justify an attempt TO come 10 n mutual stipuation?
Well, gentlemen this subject, Il OF course, speak
without any authority. 1t is not for me 10 assume
more than any Of you. Blu; il is true that an opinion
has become some what current that with England there
might be arrangement favorable 10 this country
That agreement must Of course he founded OF what
would be regarded adequate conslderation.-
Now as TO the objects favorable to the United States
in that agreement, may mention them The ad'
mission into England upon lower rates Of duty OF Sc.
seral Of large agricultural products would he enc
Of the most prominent advantages. IL has been found
for example, that England might be induced TO make
very important reduction in the duties on tobacco,
and confess have never been able 10 zee why they
should not do so. The tobacco duty IN England is
mailer OF revenue. II has no collateral or vi
terror object Il much money collected Tor the
public purposes of the kingdom. The question there
fore in The mind Of English statesman, It seems TO
me-, only be, whether reduction oil duly would
diminish the aggregate revenue. We all know, that
does the contrary. IT, them with regard 10 th's ari'
Gle the ninu,ion Of The duty one hall would augment
the importation half, 1t is equally beneficial to
The revenuea good deal better for the tobacco ralsprs
and suppose not ut all disagreeable 10 those who
consume the article "a laugh) 1t is also sup
posed-the duty, TO be sure, IS not very heavy
one, but il still Of some importance the regna'
tons respecting The admission into England OF cotton
and rice, might undergo material and beneficial
changes These are articles Of considerable impor
lance to the plantation States of the South, part OF
the country, certainly present. as much depressed as
any other. Then, again. there's that great staple a9r
cultural product Of oursthe maize, or as II rs Called
the indian corn. | have not heard it suggested from
any quarter that England would modify her corn laws
but il has been suggested-l know not with what &c.
gree OF plausbility, and pray you to receive what
now say expression of my own opinion merely
that in regard 10 this article OF wholesome and cheap
food is possible tia, England might be disposed to
stimulate for its introduction into her ports, at low
aud fixed rate of duty Now, if there be probability
of that may say, even a slight probablity-t Is, at
least, worthy Of inquiry 1t IS true, that TINS very
great whea, producing country, but 1t IS much more
great cornpfoduclng country our maze IS Tue
Grain product of the United States Stat'sca 'aoes
Show that five bushels of Indian corn are produced
one busbel of wheat. Now, however small Inc sur
plus of this grain nigh! be, If only hve or Ten per
cent every body see that its introduction on IA
yorahle terms into The English markets would be highly
advantageous 10 lie producers. am aware, Sir mat
many Of Won understood this subject much better than
dn-thnt it is an article of heavy reight-and yet 1t
il BROUGHT from MARYLAND Virginia. and The Carolinas
to Boston, and thence distributed through the East.
The question then is, whether II IS reasonable ana ex
Incident TO entertain the purpose ito try the expert
ment of arranging with England, for the dminution of
the duty on this and other articles Considering this
question: every naturally asks where IS the qua
pro ouo Where is the equivalent: For what induce
men,s may we hope, that any Of these benefits thus
supposed 10 be possible, can be obalned' undonot,
ediy the only inducement can hold out TO England
modification of the tariff Of The u 5. This includes,
obviously, many questions Our tariff and duties are
for revenue and protection And how fticen!ly either
one or other Of those objects could be maintained under
any notification is question OF great deilcacy ana
difficulty mean TO express confident opinion on
,his point But this do mean TO say, because 1t IS
settled conviction of my own judgment-J, dy any
oreat operaiion that should unite The interests and oP.
MONS Of all parts Of the country, cc can place .d"e't
can industry and american iabOr on permanent Joun
dution, thatis a much more important consideration
than the degree TO which protection should extend
CA pplause) Depend upon it, gentlemen II IS ehange,
and the apprehension Of change, that unnerves every
working mans arm in this country. Cloud applause }
Changes felt changes feared the bane Of our IN
duslry and the prosra,on of our action. lnenew'
ed applause) live in part Of the country iu'i Of M
dnstry with capital with great actIvy'a when
90 amongst my neighbours, they uniformly ask me
"For Gods sake, tell us what We are 10 eSPec.-,ay
down your aw-prescilbe your rule-let US see "ha'
is to be the course Of the Government, ana we car
then apply industry, inyes, our capital aho aoop
our circumstances to this state Of things, oe II "na'
may-Warm us-scorch ns-burn us-co @nat YET
phase but let US know what you propose 70 d'-ah'
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