Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-08-16
TO THE PEOPLE OF wINDHAM CO.

publication inserted in the columns Of the
Windham County Democrat under date of
August first, in which the political consistency
OF the wing party is assaied and am charged
with being opposed TO the election of Henry
Clay, now the candidate of the wing party ofthe
nation for the Presidency And having been
requested by some of my political friends, for
whom entertain the highest consideration of
respect, both personal and political, to state my
views on the leading measures of the Govern
ment, and the course | shall pursue in the com
ing election, | cheerfully comply with those
requests. 'TaNH au- TgY tliI lrHH
The principal measures which do, and
have for years agitated the great political
parties of the country, and upon which they
have arrived at very different conclusions,
conceive to be the raising Of revenues by
way of mposts or duties, the currency of
the country, and the disposition Of the pub.
lie domain; all Of which are questions Of vast
Importance to the American people, TO be judi
ciousy settled. There can be but Two prima-
ry objects in the assessment of duties, one is
for revenue purposes and the other for protec-
ton. 1 have long entertained the opinion that
policy of protection was identified with the
interest of the American people, and that a
Tariff is indispensibIe-so adjusted as TO afford
ample and efficient protection TO the Agricul-
tural and Manufacturing interests of the coun-
try, Qrom foreign competilion,) upon the sue
cess Of which our national and individual pros
perty depends.
A national currency has for a long time occu-
pied the attention ofCongress, and upon which
great differences ofopinion have, and still do ex-
list. II is admitted by all that Commerce is a ma
ional blessing. The object ofls promotion en-
tiers largely into The public expenditure. Its ave-
nues should be open and unembarrassed In
IFS operations it should be subjected 10 the least
possible sacrifice and inconvenience, consistent
with the public security Hence | am OF the
opinion and everhave been that a sound national
currency-such as shall he best calculated TO
perform the financial operations Of the Govern
ment with the least inconvenience and expense
facilitate the operations OF trade and reduce
the rates of exchange, both foreign and do
mestic, TO the lowest practicable rate, is inds-
pensible.
The DISPOSITION of the proceeds of the public
lands is a subject which has long agitated
the attention of the Legislative department
of this Government, and upon which a va
riety OF opinions have been expressed and
zealously advocated. This question had its
origin in the DAYS of the revolution, and
was discussed upon the most liberal and
patriotic principles. Most of the acts or deeds
of session were under the old confederation;
and each independent sovereignty in that con-
veyance was cautious TO reserve her Joint inter-
est III tue pubic uOUluIU mus conveyed. Lie
proceeds were to be appropriated for the bene-
fit ofthe conlederated states, and such as should
thereafter become members, and since the pay
ment of the nationa! debts growing out Of the
revolution, and the last war with Great Brit
ain, | am clearly OF the opinion that the pro-
ceeds should and ough. in justice to be divided
among the states, according to their federal
population, or ratio of representation; 10 be. us
ed and appropriated according TO their own in
ternal policy. s1
Having briefly given some OF my general
views upon the principal leading measures
upon which the two great political parties
of the country differ, there appears to be an
other question Of recent origin, which is TO
constitute an important issue in the coming
contest, which is the proposed immediate an
nexaton of Texas. Viewing the question in
every aspect in which it presents itself to me,
regard either the immediate or future annex
alton TO be unwise, nludicous and impractical
bic, and as directly calculated TO weaken and
cripple northern legislation, and make the in
terests of the north an easy and accessible prey
or booty to the caprice Of southern influence;
and directly calculated to lasten upon the Amer
lean people, and identify with the Amer
lean system, the odlous practice of slavery
and perpetuate il to generations yet UNBORN
practice inconsistent with the inalienable
rights of man-at war with the elements of
our Government and dark shade upon our
national character,-directly calculated to pro-
duce discord and dsunion.
shall briefly advert tothe political character
of Mr. Clay in general terms | regard the
acts Of public men, public property, subject TO
the scrutiny and investigation of the people,
and subject also TO their approval or disappro-
val. The Bankrupt Law OF 1871 was meas
ure not brought forward on strict party grounds.
] was vitality opposed to many of the provis-
ions of the bill from my first acquaintance with
them. suffered greatly under its practical OPP
eratons, and in many ways unjustly, and when
it was rejected by the people had reason TO
rejoice. The position Mr. Clay occupied
and the ability and zeal he manifested in its
support and continuance, raised with me an
objection to him which have manifested on
| former occasions; but | do not desire 10 dwell
upon his imperiections, and that question forms
no part oil the issue in the present crisis. Dur
ing long life of public service his acts and
views have been identified with almost every
| important measure of this Government, and
he has probably done as much TO sustain the
great principles sacred to the interests of the
American people, as any man living. His dis
tinguished talents, his devotion TO the interests
and prosperity of the countryside open, gen.
erous and unequivocal manner in which he a
vows his principles and sentiments, endear him
to the American people. His views OF public
policy on all the great measures now before the
country approve and admire, and he is enti-
tied to my sincere and cordial support; neither
could withhold my suffrage from him without
committing violence TO my own convictions Of
justice and duty.
REUBEN WINN.
Nottingham, Aug 7, 1914.