Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-07-07
!, CATION of means an embezzlemen. masked with

cation of means, an embezzlement masked with
legal forms .,.;.a no 70
duction OF The prohibilory duties gradual. When
they were imposed in 1912, they were mol lmpos-
ed gradually. They were imposed by The slen-
derest of possible maorities in Congress, against
the protest OF the main body Of the Democratic
pariy, and in the face OF solemn declaration that
they should be repealed the first moment that
their adversaries found themselves possessed OF
the power The menace has had It's effect ever
since; men have been cautious OF engaging in
manufacturing enterprises; those whose estao-
lishmens are already in existence are inordlnate,
ly prosperous. ple,horic with good fortune, ana
will suffer nothing from an immediate reduction
OF The duties 10 revenue standard"
But we should not only reduce the probibtory
duties TO revenue standard, but we should levy
productive duties on many articles which are now
free. Among these, we look naturally to tea and
coffee. A low and moderate duty, which
the consumer would scarcely feel, divided
among so large population, would bring a
large return into the Treasury. Circumstances
will prevent any movement being made 10 intro
duce this reform into the Tariff bill-but we hope
to see supplemental bill adopted, levying dis
tincl duties on these two important articles, the
revenue from which should be appropriated 10
the expenses of the war; The duties would be
temporary, TO cease when the expenses OF the war
shall be paid of. At present, by the dishones,
operation of the minimums OF The present bill, We
see duty of a hundred or hundred and fNy
per cent. laid upon cotton goods, which are strict
dnfv Laid
coal, prime necessary OF life. All this is done,
and yet gentlemen exclaim against the injustice
of low revenue OF twenty per cent. upon tea
and coffee, which do not come under The class OF
necessaries with as much truth as the articles we
have mentioned.
We cannot doubt the patriotism or intelligence
of the American people. We know, that they
will far more willingly contribute 10 the service
and honor of their country, than be forced, as
they loo long have been, 10 enrich the favored
monopolists, whose capital has been protected by
duties imposed with view 10 their especial adj
vantage. BY the present system, large proper
ton OF the public revenue goes into the pockets OF
capitalists, instead OF into the general Treasury.
The country is al war and in embarrassment,
and such violation OF right and justice should
not, and will not be sanctioned by The popular
voice. The spirit OF the aae is opposed 10 mono
poles. We know not what may be the fate
Of The Tariff bill-but, if il be defeated, the
question will go TO the people, and they will
send representatives, honest and able, 10 wire
off The system of iIiberality and injustice
This partial Legislation is in violation Of every
principle Of free governmental is in direct con-
prevention Of the liberal spirit Of the age, which
is destined TO strike down The barriers Of preju-
dice and ignorance, and establish peace and good
will between all nations. Our fears are mingled
with our hopes, as TO the action of the present
Congress. The sentiments we have avowed we
have always maintained, and never shall we
abandon them. They are the sentiments which
Virginia cherishes more warmly than ever, and
which will yet spread over the land and triumph.