Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-01-18
From KendalPs EIpes.tor.l
THE TARIFF.

r.
Our readers w'll perceive, that several votes have
been taken III the House Of Representatives on resolu
tons having ref renee TO the Tariff. None Of them
we think, show The strength OF The Free Trade men IN
the House. nlnrd any decisive indication Of its final
action the subject Many of those voting supposed
the resolution 10 be intended rather for political effect
than any paclical purpose and chose the pre-
sentaton OF Bill and make known their principles III
voting upon lis details. A bl We doubt not, will b.
reported by the Committee OF Wavs and Means, and
when test vote is gwen showing The relative strength
OF Free Trade and Protection, shall give the yeas
and nays 10 our readers 1t will be found if we are
not mistaken, that the Western and Southern Demo
Gratis, almost TO man ~ favor of tade as free as
iar'h adjusted so as 10 produce competent revenue
viii admit, while the Democrats from New England
New York and Pennsylvania divided That large
majority Of the Democratic party in Congress are Free
Trace men, we have no doubt; bat whether large
enough 10 constitute majority Of the House, very
questionable.
VITA the utmost Difference to frie nds in Cor
gress, we cannot bu, think some OF Them are not an.
preaching tins subject IN the right way. The &c
vernment tells us u must have revenue. It's
the business OF Congress frs, 20 inquire whether the
public expenditures cannot be reduced 50 rs to make
an increase Of revenue unnecessary. II this cannot
be DONE linen more money must be raised by the Ia
ritf-ior no body thinks of any other mode. Of ne
cessty, then be revised with view 10 ncreas.
The revenue The Committee, il is presumed, Will
take II up item b. item, ard wherever they find all
increase OF will BE- produced By reducing The
duties, will propose such reduction and will propose
an increase only where The result will be pro.
dnced. in arriving al this object the minimum prin-
cipe Of yaluaton must be abandoucd and the specific
duties IN general greatly reduced or abolished
Probably, bill thus adjusted would be entirely ac-
ceptahe, both TO the Free Trade Democrats and nci.
dpntalists the duties needed for revenue, would
afford all the protection which be reasonably asked
Why not go to work and frame one Why quarrel
about abstract principle If agree in practice
That re can agree, il We go into the thing in the
splrit of harmony and brotherhood, cannot doubt
Bat " any seek DIVISION 'nstead of union or il any
propose obtaining advantages now, hereafter, by
striving to be considered exclusive Free Trade men,
have nothing expect from them bu, quarrels upon
distractions, and disputes about details.
We glory IN the advancement of Free Trade prin-
cples, within few years past, and clam credit
as adding io the impulse. The Great West is Justly
becoming anti-Protecton than the South, having
come 10 understand how it operaes upon her markets.
She sees distinctly enough, that whatever policy les
sons the imports of the country, must in nearly the
same degree lessen its exports also by deprving other
nations Of The purchase aud that nothing Is
more ridiculous than TO talk of creating home mar
ket Tor The product of her boundess plains and pra-
rles. like CONVICTION is forcing itself into the minds
of the agricultural and mechanical interests the
oil, and Eastern States; and the time is not distant,
when our manufacturers will have to content them
selves they always ought with The protection af
forded by Revenue Tariff.
In this state of affairs, nothing be destruc-
tive 10 the Free Trade than make the abstract
principle party question and refuse 10 with any
one who does not coma up to the standard that
pic. II will Immediately throw the Democratic party
INTO minority and prolong the reign of protective
ta,ism. /! will do more; II ,rI diridc he riemds If
Free Tradc. More than half OF them in Congress do
not mean 10 be led off from their party by any move
ment which tends 10 divide on This question There
is need Of such division. Principle and policy
alike condemn IT. and those Who promote it, however
honest may be their intentions, practically
opinion, the worst -nemles of Free Trade.
In conclusion, we must express our most earnest
hope, that the Committee Of Ways and Means will re.
port Bill which the Free Trade men and incidental
ISIS both vote forsuch bill viii pass The House
and ought to pass the Senate.