Columbus Whig. (Columbus, Miss.) 1843-18??, 1844-04-11
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM.
PR HARRY 0UTLIEM,
Henry Clay and the Tariff is the watchword
shall tho Union be saved %

Henry Clay and the Tariff is the watchword
shall tho Union be saved 7''
No. l.
An important crisis is at hand. The period
is approaching when the people of the United
States through the exercise of their sovereign
prerogative, will have to determine upon the Sc
lection of those principles by which the Govern
ment of the country will continue to be admin
istered. The history of the past unfolds the m :
chinery of political action, and discloses the diff
ferent operations of those systems of National
policy. which are variously contendcd will pro-
mote the objects sought to be attained. On the
one hand it discovers a system, from its origin,
pregnant with evils and dangerous to the best
institutions ola free country.
The subject, therefore, which has been allu-
ded to, will maintain a conspicuous position in
the thoughts and deliberations of the people in
the approaching Presidential Campaign. AL
though impressed with the conviction that ma
ny arguments have been alleged in support OF
the "AmeIican System" of protection to Home
Industry yet it may not be an unworthy object
to present ard enforce such truths as may aid
in the formation of u Just conclusion upon a SUBJ
iect so important.
Itis gratifying circumstance, that popular
opinion has, m great degree. modified its OPP
position to the policy ofproteciion..
The South is beginning in the spirit of gen.
erous and liberal investigation, to cast off pre-
Iudices unworthily entertained.
The principles of Protection haye been mis-
understood. And there never Is wanting in
Government like ours, the principleless Dems-
sogue, who will foster and cherish in the minds
of the people, the delnsion Of Ignorance and
make their very credulity the basement steps OF
their ascent to official authority and power.
The people in u generous confidence have
borne the imrostions which have been prac
tised upon their oredulity. Disappointed in the
result of their sanguine expectations. ard IN
dienant at tie excuses. to which the PresumP-
ton of beuagogues have led them, they will
not longer endnreA
True preiudicss Of an enbittered character
have vet their location in the minds OF many
fostered by the misrepresentation OF the real
tendency ofthe doctrines maintained. BUT the
time is passed when the mere denunciation Of
Tariff was the signal for the discharge ofeyery
snecies Of vile calumny, and intemPerate abuse.
When. too. some of the honest yeounanry OF the
country were filed With az much perturbation
and alarm, at the word Tariff, as if Butcher
with his hussar:, or, Platof with his Cossacks'
had invaded the sanctuary of their homes.
The faIIaey Of this doctrine Of Free Trade'
and reciprocal commercial intercourse, as I'M
derstood by modern political economists 10
hecoming daily more apparent.
The deIusive theories Of free trade are well
.,c.lated 10 make an impression not unfavora-
4. 70 the success oftteir operations. cOntested'
lever. with indisputabIe facts. it would pc
aae indeed ifthe faIIacy was not detected
lnvouId be strange ifre'isancs was not arOua>
"a to subvert the policy which, though aPPa.
s.,.ly intended = = shield e protect eseonss