Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-04-12
POLITICAL.
THE TARIFF, ANNEXAT OF
TEX As. &c.
WEATHERsFiELD, April 4, 1874.

WEATHERsFIELD, April 4, 1874.
.Iessrs L. p. WaLton 6, Sons:
Gentemen,-l have taken the liberty of enclos-
ing to you copy of a memorial which has obtain
ed over three hundred subscribers in our town, by
two days circulation only. But five individuals re-
fused their signatures; the most substantial reason
for this was given by Millerite, who frankly told
the committee that it was "too worldly business
for him."
TO the Hon. The Senate Of the United Sfates:
The memorial of the inhabitants of the town of
Weathersield in the State Of Vermont sheweth,
That when we contrast the condition of the farm
ing interest of this town. and we may add of the
State at large, since the commencement of eighteen
hundred and forty-three, with what it was in eight
cen hundred and forty two, fortyone forty thirty
nine, and thirty eight, the contrast is so strikngy
III favor OF the last fifteen months to be obvious
to every class of our citizens. Our manufactures
and mechanic arts are rapidly reviving, our agri-
cultural productions are in greater demand attend
cd by the ordinary result of more remunerating
prices, the wages Of labor are higher, money has a
more general circulation, and public confidence is
approaching that healthy state which is all-essenta
to the activity OF business commit nifty. Yet not
outstanding this improvement in every branch of
American industry, whether we look to the North
or to the South, to the Fast to the West, we re-
greet to perceive that the law, to which this pros
perity is mainly attributable, is attempted To he re
protection
to American industry which is indispensable to our
national prosperity. With Difference to YOUR hon
orablc body, we think the history of our own coun.
try, for many years past, has demonstrated beyond
all controversy, that the practical operation of our
protecting policy has benefcially affected every
branch OF American industry. National industry
is the mighty lever which raises every nation to
wealth, consequence, and power. The history of
Europe proves, beyond all question: that those gov.
ernmens wnich have wisely and steadily protected
their own national industry have prospered whilst
on the reverse those which have neglected this first
of duties have fallen into poverty and decay. These
historical truths must be so well known, that we
cannot believe that so enlightened and patriotic a
body is the Senate of the United States will suf
fer any theoretical opinions TO initiate with sys.
ten SO practically beneficial. All must allow that
the Tariff OF 1912 has not injured any interest in
our country; agriculture is more prosperous the
mechanic arts and manufactures are more flourish
ing, our navigation and commerce are more active
public and private credit has been restored both at
home and abroad, since the adoption of this Tariff
then with perfect Difference we must be allowed To
ask whether it is prudent whether it is wise, wheth-
er it is statesmanlke, to interfere with law which
has thus far worked so well? If this question was
fairly and candldly put to the American people we
are persuaded that large majority would answer
no. The experience of all nations has demonstrate
ed that constant change of laws proves highly
Injurious to the people; and we believe some wise
legislators have averred, that it was better to nc.
quesce IN laws of IA doubtful efficacy, than to en-
pose people to constant huctuation in legislation
But II this idea has any approach to soundness, how
much more forclbly must IT operate when applied
to law which has hitherto proved advantageous TO
every class Of the community. We are well, and
we wish to remain so; and we pray your enlight-
ened body not to alter or modify a law whose eff
tects have thus far been salutary.
We must be allowed also to approach your hon
orabe body upon another subject We have seen
confidently stated that treaty is now in progress
for the annexation of Texas to the United States
We have read the Constitution with some atten-
ton, and we cannot see clause in that compact
which, by the most latitudinaran construction, will
authorize the admission of foreign State into this
Union. We well know that Louisiana and Florida
have been acquired by purchase, but we well know
too, the Imperative necessity which compelled the
administrations Of Mr., Jefferson and Mr.. Monroe
to profit by circumstances which might never again
occur to secure their acquisition Both sides Of the
outlet OF that mighty river the Mississippi, were
within the territorial Jurisdiction of Louisiana
Inc soVeregns oil that province must consequently
control the commerce of that river and her large
tributaries, and the vast and fertile valley which is
drained by them. Hence the well being of the |
population OF the immense region between the AL |
eghany and Rocky Mountains depended upon the |
free use of this river To control this, the purchase
became absolutely necessary, and the Atlantic |
States cheerfully acquiesced in purchase so es-
sentla to the well being Of their brethren of the
West. Similar and other reasons influenced the
purchase of Florida. 1t is the outlet of the Ana
lachicoa and several other rivers flowing through
Georgia, and down whose channels the produce Of