Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-05-23
THE "FAIR PROPOSITION NO. Is.
THE TARIFF Observation-Disclosures.

we promised IN our last num'scr that the pre-
sent essay should be devoted to an exposition of
MR.. JEFFERSON'S OPINIONS ON THE
DOCTRINE or PROTECTION.
We now proceed TO redeem that pledge. The
task Is to us most acceptable one. Not only be-
cause we take pleasure in having the authority of
'ha' great man to sustain our opinions, but be-
cause we know it will afford our venerable neigh
6our OF the Enquren&uch an exquisite repast.-
we fancy we can see him in his gown and Slip
pers, before warm, comfortable fire, with glass
OF generous Soulh-sidc Madeira within reach, |
taking up our pr, sent NUMBER Tor his evening |
entertainment. He first takes sip Of the ruby |
wine, and then reireshes his mind with delici- |
GUS norse from Mr.. Jefferson! We hardly know
which ELECTS the strongest evidences of his ap-
probation! OF one thing we are certain. We
shall, by catering for his appetite, enttle our
selves to his lasting gratitude, and we are not
without nope oil receiving present Of dozen
of the aforesaid "Souihside," as a small ac.
acknowledgement of the favour we are about to con.
fer! Nous rerrons.
We have already stated that in 1892 Congress
referred portion of President Washinpion's
Message to MIR. Jefferson, then Secretary of State
"with instructions to report to Congress the ma.
tnre and extent OF the privileges and restrictions
OF the commercial intercourse Of the IT, States
win .oreign nations, and the measures which he
should think proper TO be adopted for the inn
provement oil The commerce and navigation Of the
same."
On the 18th Dec. 1893, Mr.. Jefferson made his
report in obedience to the foregoing resolution and
instructions. This document, which is in every
respect worthy of its illustrious author, NAV be
found In the American State Papers, folio edition,
VOL LIST, pages 300-l. In that report, MIR. JEFF
ferson, alter endeavouring to enforce the necessity
OF reciprocity in the commercial intercourse be-
tween nations, proceeds to say:
- But should any nation contrary to our wish
cs, suppose II may better find its advantages by
continuing the system of prohibitions. duties. and
regulations, it BEHOUVES USTO PROTECT
OUR CITIZENS, THEIR COMMERCE. AND
NAVIGATION, BY COUNTER PROHIBI-
TlONS, duties and regulations, also. Free COM
merce and navigation are not to he given in ex-
change for restrictions and vexations, nor are
they likely to produce relaxation of them.
The following principles, being founded in re-
ciprocny, appear perfectly just and to offer no
cause OF complaint to any nation:
'"l. Where nation imposes high duties on
our productions. or prohibits them altogether, il
may be proper for us to do the same by theirs
hrst, burdening or excluding those productions,
which they be- here in competition with our
own of "a. ::n:,e kind selecting next, such ma
nutactures as we take from them i'm greatest
quantity, and which, at the Same time, we could
the soonest furnish TO ourselves, or obtain from
other countries; imposing on them duties, lighter
at hrst, but heavier and heavier afterwards, as
HAVING THE EFFECT OF INDIRECT
ENEOURAG EMENT TO DOMESTIC MA
NCFACTURES Of the same kind. MAY IN
DUCE TIE MANUFACTURER TO COME
HIMSELF INTO THESE STATES, where
cheaper subsistence equal laws. and "A vent of his
wares, free OF duty. may ensure him the highest
profits from his skill and industry. And here il
would be In tho power of the State Gov ernmenis
TO cooperate essentially, BY OPENING THE
RESOURCES OF ENCOURAG EN- Emf
which under their control extending them
literally to artists in those particular branches of
manufacture, Tor which their soil, climate. popu-
latlon, and other circumstances, have ma,ured
them; AND FOSTERING THE PRECIOUS
EFFORTS AND PROGRESS OF HOUSE,
HOLD MANUFACTURE, BY SOME PA
IRON AGE, suited 10 the nature OF its objects,
guided by the local information they possess, and
guarded against abuse by their presence and at
ieniions. The oppiessi,n lis on our ae riculure, in
foreign ports would Thus be made the occasion of
relieving II from dependence on the counsels
and conduct of others, AND OF PROMOTING
ARTS, MANUFACTURES AND POPULA-
TON AT HOME"
Here we have the true American doctrine dis
tinctly announced. The only question is. whe-
Their il is applicable TO the present relations be-
tween the United States and foreign countries
Have England and France and the other coun-
tries Of Europe, manifested disposition TO meet
us on terms of liberality and reciprocity If so,
then wa admit that Mr.. Jeilerson's report cannot
fairly be quoted authority on this occasion-i
But we leave 1t TO the tobacco planters, from the
mountains 10 the sea board, who are paying, in
England, duties ranging from 1900 to 240O per
cent, to say, whether they think that there is any
thing like reciprocity in admitting British goods
at mere nominal duty, when the product Of
their plantations is subjected 10 such grievous ex-
actions. What say We citizens of Patrick, and
Henry, and Roanoke, and Piltsylvania, and Ha-
liaX? Is this the sort of FREE TRADE you de.
sire! a trade which leaves the English free TO
tax you much as they please, and ties up your
hands from taxing them at all :
But cannot dwell on This point longer, and
now pass to other expressions Of Mr.. Jeflerson's
opinions.
On the 18th January 1894, Mr.. Madison sub
mitted TO the House OF Representatives, series
OF resolutions on the subject of imposing heavy
duties on the manufactures of foreign nations
The first resolution was in these words:
Resolved, As the opinion OF this committee)
that the interest Of the United States would be
promoted by further restrictions and cher duties
In certain eases, on the manufactures, and navi-
CATION of foreign nations, employed in the com
Inerce of the United States, than those now i'm
posed.
Isl. Resolved, (As the opinion Of this commit
tee) that additional duty ought to be laid on
the following articles manufactured by European
nations, having TO commercial treaty with the
United States"
The remaining resolutions specify the articles
in detail, and recommend Determinations in ia
vor Of American Navigation. But in none OF
them do we find the slightest allusion to revenue.
They are aimed exclusively at the injustice and
want OF reciprocity in our commercial intercourse
with foreign nations.
On the 9TH Of January, 1894, Mr.. Madison
made his celebrated speech in favor of those re-
solutions:
In that speech. Mr.. Madison, " professed him
self to be a friend to the theory which gives TO in
dustry free course, under The impulse of indi-