The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-04-08
THE AMERICAN TARIFF.

We copy with great pleasure, and with entir,
appreciation, the following article from thu
Nashville Union in relation to the Tariff
Most happy are we to welcome from that wei
conducted journal, such sound political doc
trines; they are such as have been hallowed BY
the immortal Jackson during his dazzling career
OF imperishable glory they are such as fully
and entirely coincide with the opinions of oul
present ilustrious Chief Magistrate; they are
such as will, ere long command the undivided
admiration and support of the whole civilized
world. Most gladly therefore do we endorse its
truth and-give it a conspicuous place in our CO.
lumns.
The RESTRICTIVE PoLIcY.-The present indica.
tons IN the commercial world point strongly towards
an abandonment of the res rictive system OF Tariff
duties at no distant day. As free and unembarrassed
n policy of International exchange of products as
practicable, Is so manlfestly consistent with the o.
mot on of commercial prosperity, that it cannot be
much longer resisted with success. The restrictive
policy IS universally resorted 10 for the purpose Of
securing peculiar benefits the few at the expe nse
of the mauyfor the purpose of making the sweat of
labr, pay heavy trbute' to the avaricious exac-
tons of C, 2ta Wherever il has prevailed its ope-
ration has been to grind the faces of the poor ana to
sink them into still lower depths of poverty-uhst
has transferred to the Golfers Of wealth ali the pro
ducts OF labor, save only the means Of bare sbss.
tence. In monarchial governments this policy has
been deemed indispensable to uphold the thrones of
monarchs and to perpeiuate the wealth of the aris-
tocracy. The late indications show ing disposition
to relax the rgors of the Protective and Restrictive
system in the old world, the sures, signs of the
progress and diffusion Of liberal mocra sentiment
They show beyond doubt that the masses--the great
body Of the people-are beginning to exert moral
influence on their rulers, which requires them to make
concessions in order to maintain their ascendency
The influence of our example upon the governments
of Europe, operating quietly but steadily towards the
final undermining and overthrow of SYSTEMS long es.
tablisbed is easily perceived in the shifts and inven-
lions of ministers and rulers appcase and copciIate
the growing spirit of democracy.
1t IS somewhat remarkable that whilst we see the
certain evidences of the decay and destruction of the
restrictive policy in the old world there should still
be powerful party in our country exertipg all
their energ es to fasten upon the republic the very
system which in monarchia governments is yielding
10 the influence Of democratic sentiments But in
Dur own country the Protective policy is destined TO
speedy overthrow. The friends Of the system in
heir avaricous graspIngs after the proceeds of the
abor Of the masses, have fairly overreaohed them
elves. If Congress and the Executive shall fail TO
AXE off the restrictions commerce imposed by the
existing law, the enterprise of the people will at
east make, in short time more equal distribution
II the profits Of labor II cannot long be the case
hat whilst one occupation is yielding profits at the
ate of 20 and 80 per cent others are barely making
subsistence Such inequalities will soon find cor. |
ectve In the free enterprise and active industry Of
ur people, even IL their representatives should ne.
lect TO correct the evils We confidently beliov.
bat the Protectionsts themselves will be found in
cry short Tune asking Congress to correct the evil.
the present Tssif law. Tennessee politicians NAV
Kerr all their ingenuity to uphold the odious system
nd they msy succeed In r.concing their blind p.r.
san followers TO the heavy tributes" which il i'm