Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-05-04

to the United States, in connection with the
transportation of the mails, the promotion
Of commerce among the States, and the de-
fence of the country in time Of war; and
hence, the United States was bound TO help
pay for them, by giving the proceeds Of
the public lands. .ll.i.
General Jackson advocated the distribu-
ton of the surplus revenue among the
States, on this ground. He contends, in his
message of 1880, with great truth, that the
improvements made by the States, "consti-
tute the surest mode of comforting perma-
nent and substantial benefits on the whole
Union" Besides, he contends that the
money distributed by the General Govern
ment among the States, would be more ju-
diciously applied and economically expen-
ded, under the direction of the State legis-
latures." Such were some of the argu-
ments urged by General Jackson in favor
of this policy which Mr.. Van Buren, now
denounces as "preposterous proposition"
the mere agitation Of which, he says, is
disgraceful TO the character of the Ameri-
can people, and which his friends on this
floor are now voting down, without word
of explanation or debate. What will the
illustrious Chieftain of the Hermitage say
10 this?
The Wing and Van Buren, Systems.
But, sir, we are told that "the Wings are
party without princi pies" Sir, are not
their principles known and avowed every
where? On this subject the Wing system
is this: Remove from the National Treasu-
ry that disturbing source of revenue, the
Public Lands, and give them TO the States
to which they rightfully belong, to pay
their debts, and relieve the people from tax
alton. Then regulate the Tariff, so as to
supply revenue enough for an economical
administration of the Federal Government,
by imposing protective duties on such artL-
cles as we can and ought to supply at home,
and revenue duties on Injuries and articles
not produced, sufficient TO supply the wants
of Government. This is the Wing system.
Now, sir what is the Van Buren, system?--
Just the reverse. 1t is 10 refuse all relief 10
the people and the States, by distribution
or otherwise; TO reduce the Tariff, and let
in foreign goods to the destruction of our
own industry; exhaust the wealth and cur
rency of the country to pay for them; dou-
BILE the expenses of Government, TO enrich
office-holders and favorites, and leave the
Government again as they left it in 1910,
after twelve years administration, impover-
ished, and overwhelmed with bankruptcies
and debts, State and National, amounting TO
more thantwo hundred and twenty millions
of dollars. How was it, sir, during the
twelve preceding years, when Wing policy
prevailed! Look a, the official reports
! from the Treasury, and you will find, sir,
that during that period we paid off l4l
millions of the war debt, expended l2 mill
ions for internal Improvements, and left
the country with a surplus revenue of
more than IL millions year, sound cur
rency end universal prosperity; but in
1928 there came "a change. The next
twelve years was period of disastrous ex-
periments, resulting in the excessive in
crease of banks, the ruin of the currency,
E the inordinate importation Of foreign goods,
, the consequent destruction of agriculture,
manufactures, and the mechanic arts, and
the involvement of the States and people
in foreign debt of more than $50 millions,
which now hangs like milestone about
their necks. The people could stand it no
longer; they determined in 1910 to have a
change-to throw off this incubus-but, by
an unforeseen event, this was defeated. The
period is, however, rapidly approaching
when the people will again come to the res
f cue, and achieve the great object they then
, had in view.
But we are told, sir, by Mr.. Van Buren,
himself, that this glorious revolution of
= 1910, was the result of infatuation, folly,
3 and madness, on the part of the people.
| Sir, is this true? Is il not foul SANDER
on the American character! Is it not a
gross insult to the people, and will it not
: be so regarded! Sir, that election was the
result of deep and deliberate conviction
of the ruinous effects of Mr.. Van Buren's
s policy-effects seen and felt, severely felt,
0 throughout this land. The people saw
that nothing but change-a thorough
: change-could save the country from hope
r less bankruptcy and ruin. That convic-
ton has since been strengthened and con-
= firmod; and the beneficial effects of the
n Wing tariff of 40, now rapidly restoring
e the national prosperity, furnishes new and
O powerful motives TO stimulate and strength
4 en- the friends of reform. Sir, if you want
0 evidence, look to the unequivocal indica-
: tons of public opinion throughout the coun-
I. try. Is not the Handwriting upon the
# wall" in characters so large and legible
d that "hc who runs may read!" In 1910.
!. The people, by the unprecedented majority
n of l45,OOO, pronounced judgment against
a. Mr.. Van Buren,. Can this be overcome
v without change? And where are the
/ changes in his favor7 Where is the man
1t who voted against him then, who is for
. hin, poxU1 or if there he any sIIch chanpeS