The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1845-12-12

or laborers in his employment, whose
wages have not been increased by It.
Articles of prime necessity or of coarse
quality and low price, used by the masses
Of the people, are, in many instances,
subjected BY it 10 heavy taxes, while ar
tioles Of finer quality and higher price, or
Of luxury, which can be used only by the
opnlent, are lightly taxed. 1t imposes
heavy and unjust burdens on the farmer,
The planter, the commercial man, and
those of all other pursuits, except the
capitalist, who has made his investments
in manufactures. All the great interests
of the country are not, as nearly as may
be practicable, equally protected by 1t.
The government in theory knows no
distinction of persons or classes, and
should not bestow upon some favors aud
privileges which all others may not enjoy.
twas the purpose of its illustrous foun.
ders to base the institutions which they
reared uron the great and unchanging
principles of Justice and equity, conscious
that if administered in the spirit in which
they were conceived, they would be felt
only by the benefits which they dlffnsed,
and would secure for themselves a de-
fence in the hearts Of the people, more
powerful than standing armies and all the
means and appliances invented to sustain
governments founded in injustice and op-
preston.
The well known fact tlat the tariff act
of 1912, was passed by majority of one
of Representatives., and that some OF those
who felt themselves constrained, under
the peculiar circumstances existing at
the time. to vote in its favor, proclaimed
its defects, and expressed their determi-
nation TO aid in its modification on the
first opportunity, affords strong and con-
elusive evidence that it was not intend ed
to be permanent, and Of the expediency
and necessity Of its thorough revision.
In recommending 10 Congress rednc-
tion of the present rates of duty, and
revision and modification of the act ol
lS42, am far from entertaining opinion:
unfriendly to the manufacturers. On the
contrary, am deslrous to see them pros
porous, as far as they can be so, without
imposing unequal burdens on other inter
ests. The advantage under any system OF
indirect taxation, even within the revenue
standard must be in favor OF the manu-
featuring interest; and Of this, no othe
interest will complain:
recommend to Congress the abolition
of the minimum principle, or assumed
arbitrary, and false values, and of spec'i
ic duties, and the substitution in thei
place of ad ualorem duties, as the faires
and most equitable indirect tax whcf
can be imposed. By ad valo,em princl
pie, all articles are taxed according t
their cost or value, and those which are
of inferior quality, or of small cost, bea
only the just proportion OF the tax wit
those VIII ch are Of superior quality o
greater cost. The articles consumed b
of ad valorem revenue duties, with prop
er determinations and poper giard
against frauds in collecting them, ii i
not doubted, will aG,rd ample Incl lenta
advantages 10 the manufacturers, an
enable them to derive as great profits
can he derived from any other regnla
business. 1t is believed that such sys
TEN, strictly within the revenue STANDARD
will place the manufacturing in interests o
stable footing. and iDure to thelr pei
maneut advantage. " hile it will, as nearI
as may be practicable, extended to a
the great interests Of the country the IN
cidental protection which can be a atforde
by our revenue laws. Such system
when once firmly established, would b
permanent, and not be subject to th
constant complaints, agitatioDs, an
changes which must ever occur, whe
duties are not laid for revenue, but 70
the protection merely of favored in
terests.
In the deliberations Of Congress on thl
subject il is hoped that spirit of mutu;
conscession and compromise between cor
flicting interests may prevail, and ,ha
the result OF their labors may be crow n
ed with the happiest consequences.
\ y
refer You to the report of the Secretary
the Navy, for the present condition of th'
branch of the national defence; and for grav
suggestions, having for their object the ii
crease Of its efficiency, and a greater ccon'
my in its management During the past yea
the officers and men have performed the
duty in a satisfactory manner. The orde
which have been given, have been execute
with promptness and fidelity. A larger froc
than has often formed one squadron under OIL