Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-12-19

Dc permanently aulusteu, Oy return Il
reasonable and moderate revenue duties
which. even when imposed truly and ir
good faith for that purpose, will yield suf
ficieut advantage 10 afford reasonable pro
fits; and lea this permanent system (ane
none othercan be permanent be establish
ed, and accompanied by stable currency
and the manufacturer, in a series o.
years, will derive the greatest benefits
from the system. The present system
cannot be permanent. 1t is too unequal
and unjust-too exhorbitant and oppres.
siVe, and too clearly in conflict with the
fundamental principles of the constitution.
If the manufacturer thinks that this system
can be permanent, let him look to the con-
slant changes which have attended attempts
to establish and continue protective tariff.
The first tariff was based in part upon the
principle of very moderate protection to
domestic manufactures and the result has
been as appears by the table hereto annex
ed, that the tariff has been changed and
modified thirty times since that period
being more than once, on an average, for
every Congress since the government was
founded; and one Of these tariffs was in
itselfa system ofsuccessive annual changes,
operating through period of ten years.
Of these changes, fourteen have been gen.
eral, and sixteen special. From 1916 on
ward these changes have been most fire.
quent; and it is vain to expect permanent
cy from any thing but revenue tariff
Stability is what the manufacturer should
desire, and especially that that question
should be taken out the arena fpoIitics,
by just and permanent settlement.
Reference is made to certain accompany
ing tables illustrative of the effects of the
tariff, and to an abstract of all deemed USE
full in certain replies to two circulars issued
in order to obtain information necessary to
the preparation of plans for improving and
Increasing the revenue, ordered by Con-
gress. Some answers, says the Secretary,
have been received, from friends as we'll
as opponents, Of the tariff; but the Secre-
tary regrets that the manufacturers, with
very few exceptions, lave declined an
swering these questions, or communicate
ing any information as regards their profits
and surplus, or in relation to the wages of
labor.
The coast survey is rapidly progressing
having been extended eastward to the
eastern coast of Massachusetts, and south
ward nearly to the dividing line of Mary
land and Virginia, OIL the Chesapeake.-I
Two new centres Of operation have been
opened, in North Carolina, and on the
Gulf of Mexico, from which the work may
be spread until tine parts unite. Important
positions for forts, navy yards, harbors,
and light houses present themselves along
this interesting portion of the coast of Lou
lsIana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and the
islands guarding the interior channel be-
tween Mobile and New Orleans. Great
economy exists in tile administration of
The fund appropriated for the coast survey;
and every effort is made by the superin-
endant to press the work onward TO COM
pIetion. Three charts resulting from the
survey have been published within the /
past year, and five more are nearly ready /
or publication. Great attention has been
given TO the very important subject of our
lighthouse system. The various improve
nents suggested by experience at home or
broad are all being fully and carefully in-
'esilgatcd, and report, tits believed, will be
eady during the present session of Con-
'rcss. From the Chesapeake to the Capes
If Florida, and thence westward, our coast
badly ligE:ed, as we'll as the great lakes
# the north and west; and numerous
wrecks. often accompanied with loss of
lie and property, seem to require the in
exposition of Congress.
Such portion of the charts of the explor
ng expedition as were placed under the
barge of this department were distributed
Or the benefit OF our whale ships. These
aluable charts embrace the survey of many
ltherto almost unexplored regions and
stands of the Pacific, as well us part of
he coast of Oregon, and must be eminent
y useful iormany purposes, but especially to
ur seamen and merchants engaged in the
whale fishery.
Several reports. embracing one on sta
stlcs, and one on banks and the currency.
rdered by Congress, are noticed as in pre-
ara,ion. and TO be presented as early as
ractlcable in the session; after which the
resent report concludes thus
In presenting his annual report, in obe-
fence to the law, the Secretary OF the
'reasury submits his views with undis-
embed NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. by the ref c.
on that all hiserrors Of judgment will be
directed by the superior wisdom of the
"o houses of Congress, guided and d.
ected by that overuling Providence which