Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-04-19
VOL. xXxvIu, NO. Ss.--wHoLE NO. 1867.

and upward-that its former prosperity is returning
"a prosperity it always had and always would have
under efficient protective system, but which it
never had and never would have without it. No
wonder specie had become abundont--th the
banks had resumed-that exchanges had become
equalized and interest reduced-that manufactures
had revived-that agriculture was recoverng-that
the mechanic and every other branch of the nation
al industry was fully and proftably employed. All
these were the necessary and undeniable fruits OF
the existing tariff pocy--results seen, felt and
acknowledged throughout the land-yet, in the
face of all these factsshuting their eyes to these
great lights blazing up before them-the Commit
tee of Ways and Means have reported bill to re-
peal this beneficial act of 1914, and bring us back
to the loo duties and the lotc condition Of 1S40.-
They have struck death blow at this policy-a
policy which had indicated its adoption by all its
fruits, which had fulfilled all the hopes Of its friends,
and falsfed all the predictions Of its enemies but
shall this blow avail them' No, sir it will recoil
and overwhcm its authors. The people who have
experienced the benefits and blessings of this meas
ure will not abandon it. Even its enemies are
now disposed to give it fair and full trial, and
condemn it only when it fails. Then why not, sir,
wait till the people have an opportunity to pass up
on this question at the approaching elections P
They will then settle II one way or the other. If
the enemies Of the tariff policy PREVAIL they can
and will repeal it but if you repeal it now, and
its friends are successful it will be Immediately
stored. Then why not let it abide this result Let
it 90 to the people, let them decide it. and, for one,
sir, am prepared to acquiesce in their decsien--
The committee deprecate agitation Swby not, then,
let the matter rest. Let the experiment be tried,
and if it fails put it down. Whence the urgent ne
cessity of change; what interest in the country
calls for it; who has demanded it; who has petit
toned for this or any other change? No one; but
the Committee of Ways and Means say we must
have more revenue-more rerenue--and how do
, they propose to raise it? BY reducing the duties
and this, my word for it. will result, as it always
has resulted, in a reduction of revenues 1t is the
necessary and natural consequence. This once
e the opinion of the honorable Chairman of the Com.
mittee of Ways and Means (Mr. Mckay himself,
and as there is now every prospect OF a redundant
revenue, should not be surprised if before the bill
is disposed of, it should be avowed as measure to
reduce the revenue, and this report be amended by
: striking out the words "a bill to increase the reve-
nue." and inserting the words, ga bill to reduce the
revenue" | affirm il as fact, and here challenge
contradiction that the revenues of the country al
3 ways have been increased or diminished, we in
. creased diminished the duties on foreign goods
i and why will this not be the result now Here
+ Mr. Mckay called Mr.. Stewart to order, and said
/ it would be time enough to discuss the Tariff when
= that measure came up for discussion.
y Yes, said Mr.. S., the gentleman has got a vote
to print and circulate $4,000 copies Of his report
his speech in favor of this bill-and no doubt he is
~ anxious to suppress any reply; but sir, have ac
- cdentaly got in between two previous questions
70 and wish to say little on the other side, and
ie little it will be when compared with the vouminou
Is report of the Committee of Ways and Means
Ie which report assure the gentlemen, will TAXI
% pleasure in sending to my constituents, who will
y readily comprehend and appreciate its DEsrRuc
- TIVE doctrines. But the gentleman tells me t
io ,uat till the Tariff comes up for discussion; sill
~ this may necr happen; may not the majority pas
that BILL as they are passing this important bill,
i n der the previous question? A majority may tax
the bill out of committee and pass under the ga
rs without amendment or debate and from the dispc
ir, bara ,a nv, ;,,It - an1,raband that The aam
course will be pursued the subject of the Tart
,sS which, if passed at ALL must be passed under tn
~ gag--it will bear no debate. .l. -r, rar