Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1844-10-31
,stility to the Tariff;
NASHVILLE, Oct 3.

NASHVILLE, Oct. 3, 1914.
Dear Sir Your letter, enclosing the pro-
ceedings of the National Clay Club OF
Pennsylvania, and aIsoa a pamphlet contain
ing extracts OF the speeches and puhca-
ion Of James K Polk, has been received.
| shall take much pleasure in complying
with the wishes Of the Club, and if any ac-
lions on my part shaIl become necessary to
a proper vmdication of their fidelity touch
ing the enclosed publication, you may rest
assured that it will he promptly and cheer
fully performed. | have examined your
pamphlet with much care, and have COM
pared itwth the cOpesof Col. Polk speech
es and addresses that | used in nv late
canvass with him, (such as knew to be
genuine,) and find the extracts fairly
made; and, with the exception of such
immaterial typographical errors as usually
attend a reprint, not at all affecting the
sense ormeanng of the author, it is literal
ly correct. not only know this publica-
ton to be a true exposition of the opinions
of Col, Polk on the subject of the Tariff,
from comparing it with his published opin-
ions, but know it from having heard them
from his own lips, day after day, for months
in succession. To attempt to make James
K. Polk the friend of protective Tariff
can only excite the ridcule and contempt
of those who know him.
1t is most astonishing that his friends
should undertake to deceive and misead
the pubic mind on a subject of so much
importance, end the detection of which is
so certain. | can hutregard the effort that
is making in your State to pass James K.
Polk off as the friend aud advocate of pro-
lection as an outrage which, for inpudence
and falsehood, sunparalIeled in the hstory
Of party warfare. 1t is gross attempt at
fraud-one that would disgrace tic veriest
party hack. But, disgra ceful as is this at
tempt on the part cf the friends and sup
porters Of Col. Polk, can but regard his
nosi:.on as equally disreputabIe. If truth,
! fairness, and Justice is his object, as it
ought to be of one aspiring to the high and
dignfed position he seeks, why does be
not speak out like a mani Why are his
lips sealed as with the stiffness of deathl
Where is that boIdness and independence
that ever characterizes a man conscious Of
bis own integrity and tie correctness OF
his principles and conduct! Possessing
the power and the means land having been
respectfully asked to do SOY of aTestme
falsehood and undeceiving his country.
men, and refusing to do so, makes him par.
ticeps crmiRis, and should consign him to
the same unenviabe distinction.
Col. Polk cannot, will not, dare not, de.
ny that he has always opposed the protec.
tive policy. This has been his boast. He
has never ceased to denounce the Tariff
of 1842 in terms unmeasured; aud yet he
observes a most DIGNITTED SILENCE, permit
ting truth to be crushed to earth, and false
hood raised in its stead--and all, that som(
political advantage may ensue to himself!
| repeat now what | have frequently
written. spoken, and published, and whicl
has never been denied by Col. Polk Or an,
of his friends in this State, that COL Pol
at all times, during both Of my canvasse
with him, opposed, denounced, and con
demned the principle Of protection, an,
during the last campaign the Tariff of 1874
received his most unqualified condemna
ton. To'this stotcmentI pledge my repu
tation as man Of honor, and challeng
Col. Polk or any Of his friends TO deny il
If any friend Of protection, or of the Tari
Of 1912, is prepared to vote for him, believ
ing that he is any other than the unqua
fed opponent of this system, IF he sha
be elected.) he will disvover TINT he ha
becn deceived and misled, and-ind his on
: y comfort in cursipg his folly and creduIi