The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-02-14
SPEECH OF HON. VIM. SLADE.

| SPEECH VI HUN. VIM. SbADE.
In the Democratic Wing State Convention
of Vermont, Oct "a, 1913, the question be-
ing on the resolutions subsequently adopted
by the Convention: Mr.. Slade spoke in sub
stance, as follows:
MR. PREsIpENT:-The Convention hav-
| ing made arrangements for organizing the
Vermont division of the Wing party for the
purpose of giving efficiency to its operations
in the coming year, it remains to declare by
resolutions, the leading principles by which
| it is to be guided and animated. Those prin-
ciples are substantially embodied in the reso-
lutions now before the Convention. The
| first of them is as follows:
ReSoLred, in view of the productions OF
our soil, the vast extent of our territory, the
/ improvements in agriculture, and the mcreas-
ing facilities for transportation, that we re-
cogniZe as the only means of creating and
perpetuating market for our surplus pro-
duce, the paramount importance of a pro-
tective Tariff, and the permanent continuance
of the protective Policy as regards the en-
couragement of Manufactures, Agriculture,
and theyarious Mechanic arts
1t is not my purpose to discuss the general
merits of the protective policy. Arguments
are not needed in Vermont TO prove its par
amount Importance Our people appreci-
ate the value of the interests involved in its
maintenance and well understand the prin-
ciples on which it rests. But there are mat
tiers connected with the main question which
need discussion. The resolution speaks OF
'the permanent continuance of the protective
policy!" How is it to be continued! How
is permanence and stability TO be given TO il
These are questions at this moment of great
Importance. They should be well consider
ed. 1t is not enough that we have a good
tariff. 1t must be maintained. 1t were bet
ter, indeed, that il had not been enacted, than,
having been, that it should be abandoned, OF
so impaired in its efficiency, that the interests
which have been quickened into life by it
should have felt that life only to yield it up
to the axe of the eXecutioner. This general
truth is apparent: but the danger impending
may not be so apparent to all. That danger
is not from the open enemies Of protection
The Calhouns and McDuffies are harmless
We know where to find them and how TO
meet them. But the profsSed friends of pro-
tection-the men who talk protection wher
their faces are towards the North, and ant
protection when they look in the opposite di
rection,-who, in fact, begin sentence with
protection, and end it with free trade,-thest
, are the men to be feared. The protected in
terests may well say in reference TO such mel
Save us from our friends.
Now, SIR it should be an essential part o.
our preparation for the coming contest, thai
we look at these men sharply, and endeavol
to penetrate their DISCUSSES. The great in
terests involved in our cherished policy SHOULD
not be committed for safe-keeping, to men o
doubtful fidelity to these interests. 1t is no
! to be disguised that in the contest Of the com
, ing year-a contest involving in its results tn,
character Of our national policy probably TO
a long time to come-Our main conflict is Il
, be with men of this stamp. The curren
signs but too plainly indicate that the banne
of our opponents is TO be borne by "a North
, ern man with Southern principles'-a man
who of all other living men, is the most adroi
in the arts of political legerdemain; and wh'
will not be slow to practice them in reference
j to the question of the protective policy. o
his adroitness herein we have had abundan
evidence 10 his remarkable career. The ''ju
: dicious tariff of Gen. Jackson furnished, il
: its wonderful adapteaaess to every phase o
D opinion on this subject, evident marks Of thi
paternity. That disguise is worn out, AM
s.incidentd protection" has been substituted
! Ask disciple of this school if he is in favo
of protection. Certainly-certanly, is tn
reply. Il am in favor of incidental protec
9 ton 1t will not do to abandon protection
But what is incidental protection! This is
e grave question. Is there any thing fixed an
. definite in this idea! Incidental to what =