Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-07-19
JAMES X. POLK ON THE TARIFF.

In Tennessee, Mr.. Polk himself has publicly
declared that he is NOT in favor of Protective
Tariff. On the floor of Congress in June last Mr..
Folks friend (Mr. Poyne,) spoke Mr.. P.'s senti-
ments as far as he knew them, and said
ale had already stated that Mr.. Polk express
y admitted and contended that the power to lay
impost duties was revenue power, and in the
whole scope of raising revenue, that that power
was unlimited; BUT He LAID NOT ONE
FARTIlING FOR PROTECTION"
In South Carolina, the Nuifers support him
for reasons to be found in these two resolutions,
which were adopted by locofoco meeting holden
in Edgefeld (Calhoun's district)-
RESOLVED, That in James X. Polk we recognize
an able, bold advocate of immediate annexation of
Texas, and firm and consistent opponent of a
protective Tariff Assumption of State Debts and
Abolition; and that, therefore, we cordially approve
of his nomination, and pledge ourselves to his
support
"ResoIued, That the Tariff act of 1912 is liable
to all the objections we have heretofore made to
the constiutonality and expcdiency of the meas.
ures of the Federal Government for the Protection
of Domestic Manufactures, with the aggravaton
that it was gross breach of the faith pghted to
us in the Com promise of 1888 and that we regard
The time and measure of our resistance 10 this act
matters to be settled upon our oten piecS Of erpe-
dtency an no iciSe 10 be hndered by our SUPPOSED
ALLEGIANCE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT"
The following letter has been written by Mr..
Polk to operate upon the North and the Patriot
AYERS that it efiectually knocks in the head all
the cavilling, deception and humbug the Wings
have attempted on this subject of the TARIFF
Now we have this to say: if this letter is really in
favor Of Protective Tariff Polk is a dishonest,
double faced, hypocritlca demagogue, for talking
one way in Tennessee and writing opposite senti-
ments to Pennsylvania suffering himselfto be
supported the enemy of Protection in the South,
and friend to it in the North. But if this letter
is not in favor of a Protective Tariff, it will be
very difficult matter for the Patriot to pass as an
honest paper. But to the letter:
"CoLUMBlA, Tenn June 10, 1874
"DEAR SIR--l have received recently several
letters in reference to my opinions the subject of
the Tariff and among others, yours of the 10th ul-
timo. Ny opinions on this subject have been often
given to the public. They are to be found in my
public acts, and in the public discussions in which
| have participated
| am in favor of a Tariff for revenue, such one
as will yield a sufficient amount to the Treasury to
defray the expenses Of the government economi-
cally administered. In adjusting the details of
reuenue tariff | have heretofore sanctioned such
moderate discriminating duties, would produce
| the amount OF revenue needed, and n. the same
time afford reasonable Incidental protection to our
home industry. | am opposed to tariff for pro-
| lection merely, and not for revenue.
| Acting upon these general principles, it is well
known that | gave my support to the policy OF
General Jacksons administration on this subject
| voted against the tariff act of 1923. voted for
the tariff act of 1882, which contained modIfca-
tons of some of the Objectionable provisions of the
act of 1928 AS member of the Committee of
Ways and Means of the House of Representatives
gave my assent to a bill reported by that Com
mittee in December 1882, making further modif-
cations of tie act of 1928, and making also dis
ordinations in the imposition of the duties which
it proposed. That bill did not pass, but was SUI
perceded by the bill commonly called the Com
promise BILL for which | voted.
In my judgment, it is the duty OF the govern
ment to extend, as far as it may be practicable to
do so, by its revenue laws and all other means
within lis power, fair and Just protection to all the
great interests of the whole Union, embracing
agriculture, manufactures and the mechanic arts
commerce and navigation. | heartily approve the
resolutions upon this subject passed by the demo-
cratic National Convention, lately assembled al
! Baltimore.
: am, with great respect,
Dear sir your ob't sery't
JAMES X. POLK.
JOHN X. KANE, ESQ Philadelphia.
Mr. Polk is careful to say when speaking of his
present views, that he is ain favor of Tariff fo