The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-12-20

tons adopt the policy OF iree-trade, the
appropriate direction of the labour OF
the country would be agricultural. A
| free trade with the world, however, is
not to be expected; and the restrictions
Of one nation, call for the protective
measures ofthe other. No sooner had
the war of the revolution closed, and
the commerce Of this country with
Great Britain been renewed, than the
evils of the British policy were serious
liy felt rand there is no doubt that the
want of power under the articles oi
confederation to copnteract this policy
was one of the first and most operative
of the reasons which led to the forma-
ton Of the Federal Constitution. AT
ter the organization ofthe Government
protection of domestic industry was
recommended by all the earlier admin
istrations; but until 1915 the wars of
Europe and other causes, creating an
increased demand for agricultural pro-
ducts, countervailed the unequal laws
of the mother country and superseded
the necessity ofprotection. The Tar
iff Of 'l6 soon led, by its obvious bene-
fits, to a more general one in "a. But
of late years it is to be regretted that
various opinions have prevailed, and
a changing policy has been adopted.
To traverse the arguments OF politi-
cal economists for and against rarif,
would be easy but frultless An ounce
of fact is worth ton Of theory. The
folio wing are obvious truths: lst. That
the Tariff has raised the value of agri-
cultural productions. Cd. That it has
diminished the price Of manufactures.
Sd. That it has opened a more stable
market for our products. Not the
least of the advantages OF the Tariff is
an emancipation from our dependence
upon the nations of Europe for much
Of the means OF national aldefence. Who
does not know that clothing and blank
cts areas necessary to an army as pow
der and ball! 1t is remarkable fact,
that under the operations of the Tariff,
our exports have been increased rather
than diminished, owing to the stimulat-
ing effects of the protective policy.
There is no measure of government
better adapted to develope our resour-
ces, increase our wealth, and fill up our
unuccupied lands with industrious and
happy people. Ought not the Legisla-
ture to speak out this subject, if they
concur with me in the views express
ed?
Another subject to which | alluded,
IS the annexation of Texas. Argument
on this subject would be uncaled for,
and out of place in this address, but
may be permitted to say, that such are
the effects which the proposed measure
would have upon the national treasury.
the national faith, the extension of sla-
very, and the peace and prosperity OF
the Union, that submit to the wisdom
Of the Legislature whether a clear and
direct note of remonstrance should not
be uttered against it.
In no measure of national character
have the people deeper interest than
the distribution of the Proceeds of the
Public Lands. A debt has been con
tracted to make the internal improve
. ments of our State, and to enable her tc
meet her engagements with creditors
, to sustain her honor; and to relieve the
people Of the burthen OF direct taxation
. and it is indispensable that Ohio
should receive her equitable proprotior
of this inexhaustable fund. This mea
sure has been investigated and decided
upon by large majoritles of the Ameri
} can people. lthas also been investiga
: ted by their representatives,, and bill.
: to carry the measure into effect have
!, been passed by large majorities in Con
: gress, and twice defeated by the will 0
: two men. ladvert to this subjec! nov
/, not with a view that justice will be ex
> tended to the States during the presen
: crisis, but for the purpose Of keeping
3 before the Legislature, that, at a prop
0 er time, an expression may be given.
!. The subject ofinternal improvement
i will, trust, always receive the careful
: consideration of the Legislature. lti
s to be hoped, that the various public en-
r terprizes will, by the extension of tn
channels of commercial intercourse
make the markets accessible to all part
d of the State. In no branch of the put
II lic service has our State so deep an in
e terest, in pecuniary point of vie ", a
= in that of the Board of Public Works
b More money has been annually disburs
:, ed by the agents in this department @
a the service, than all others. Henc
: the interest of the State at home, it
character abroad, and the imperiou
e duty Of the Legislature, demand an II
0 vesligation, and strict scrutiny OF tn
t fiscal management Of those engaged j
4 Al