Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-07-16
SENATOR NILES'S OBJECTIONS TO MIR.
McKAY'S TARIFF BILL

In the present crisis single vote in the Sen
ate may be- nay, is-of the greatest Importance
We give place, therefore, TO the Ieralds condens-
Cd report of the remarks Of Hon. John NJ. Miles,
Of Conn, the question Of referring the Tariff
Reduction bill from the House. 1t will be seen
that he takes ground, which, unless utterly aban-
.doned, will prevent his voting for the bill in any
shape. This strengthens the hope that the bill may
be defeated.
Mr.. Niles said that he was in favor Of the refer
cncc of the bill, because of the Importance of its
details; and not only for that reason, but because
Of the peculiar novelty Of the principles of this
bill. There were, III his vew some difficulties in
the way. His object in advocating the reference,
was not to delay or defeat the measure. He had
believed upon this subject Of the Tariff some leg
islauon was required; now it was not specially
called for. The bill before the Senate, in being
announced to the country at this crisis would strike
the people with absolute and general surprise
Now that there is q war with Mexico, requiring all
the revenues we can Gaisc, the people will not cX-
p2ct-they do not expect so sudden an experiment
OF extreme reductions. Before the war commenc-
ed, the measure would have been regarded as more
reasonable; nowthe people are unprepared Tor any
material disturbance of the existing law. | had
thought sir, that it the part of wisdom, under
the circumstances, to wait another year. had
hoped-the hope was a faint one, | adnit-but still
/ had hoped that the time was near at hand when
the question of the tariff would cease to vaclllate
from one extreme to another-that it would cease
TO be football of party eXperment-tho mere
playthng of the utras of Protection, or the ultras
Of Free Frade. | am in favor of the reference of
this bill, because do not wish to sec it pass it
is. wish that the Iron interest, the Wooden in
terest, and other important interests would not be
wholly abandoned. But it is to be feared that the
passage of the bill as il is is resolved upon, and I
am osonished at the faulty at the blindness, the
wiul blindnessof its friends in regard to its inan-
clal character. Are no amendments TO be allowed
from those in favor of, or opposed to the bill? Up
on such bill as this when called upon to vote, |
shall not hesitate long what to do. | have had no
agency in framing this bl-tbe Senate has had
none-it is an Executive measure-a Treasury
bi-to which we are Just called upon 10 register
our votes. The friends of the measure are certain
ly not aware OF the deep responsibility they are d
bout TO assume. 1t is not light subiect-not g
light subject sir. What will be its result? We
may find ourselves, two years hence, under the ne
cesslty, from the operation Of this bill, of a loan
S2JOOOO0O finances deranged-and the grea
business Interests OF the country in state Of pros
traton Sir, tins is sub cct not to be trlled witt
1t shall not be trifled with by my consent. Thi
important subject Of the revenues should cease t
he the subject oil party caprice. | have heard n
objection to the reference but want Of time.
This is no objection at all-the mere considerable
Oh u Week, OF TWO weeks more, IN u measure so "
tally important as this. 1t affects all the Eursuit
Of the people-all the interests of my constituent
every family in every State will come under its II
luonce | am willing therefore, to give the sub
ject the fullest consideration-to sit here ill AT
gust-to remain here through the dog-days-thr
all the sicky autumn preferable to hasty and il
conslderate action. If the Committee will not hay
time to look over by detail the thousand article
embraced in the bill, will they not have time
look into the general principles of the bill? Ca
they not look to the true interest of PENNSYLVANIA
and to the struggle of that State to support the bu
den of her debts? Can they not look to the WOO
en- interest? shall take my course. | shall stan
where have always stood-in the middle groun
tho Tariff ground Of the Democracy Of the Nortl
The people there know their rghts-they well I'm
dersand them-they will not submit to be despo
ca OF them, nor to be trampled in the dust A bi
upon lheir doctrines shall have nv support, A
lar as inns Dill is inconsistent with these principe.
shaii oppose n-oppose it, sir, if | stand alone
Inc doctrine oil Tariff with the Democracy c
the North, is Tariff for Revenue. with its dis
ordinations Of Protection. Is this bill with dis
ordinations Of Protection? No. sir In som
parts 1t gives an incidental protection md in oil
ers, it Is framed against protection There is onI
one uniform principle in the bill, and his is III
principle of al Udtorem duties and it is nr;nc
pie which is unequal, impracticabe, and absurd n,
on its face. With these views, Mr. Niles cons;i
ed the reference Of the bill to the Finance Con
mttee as altogether proper and expedicnt.