The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-09
A MICHIGAN FARMER.
ANN AaBon, Michigan, Dec. 30, ls45.
To The Editor ofMe Union: -

To the Editor o. me Union: .... ......- Il.
STA: 1t is really curiosity to US backwoods
farmers to look over the speeches of the hightarii
advocates in Congress. As a sample of others, !
! viii make few extracts from tho speeches of the
honorable Mr.. Stewart Of Pennsylvania, of March,
1874, on the repeal of the bill for the distribution OF
the sales of the public lands This gentleman brings
in the tariff, as Mr.. Giddngs does aboltionism into
debate, no matter how disconnected the subject may
be. ...
In that debate Mr.. Stewart charges the democrats
with reducing the tariff, to the injury of American
farmers, and contended that it was British bill,
made for the protection of British manufacturers.
In the same speech he asks what are going to do
with the surplus revenue which would be derived
from the existing tariff, if we did not give il to the
Staes and adds that the treasurer, in l641, showed
that the revenue was only 1900 900; and this
year, he says, we shall have $40, 100000
Now, all the gsntleman's Boosting unfortunately
for him) turned out to be humbug. The tariff pro-
hibted the importation of foreign goods, and the
expectation Of the farmers produce, crippled the
productive industry Of the farmers; and, finally,
there was no surplus in the treasury to divide.
What the genteman's opinion is worth, and how it
corresponds with facts, leave it for others to judge.
Space forbids further comment.
On referring the late Presidents message to APP
propriate committees, Mr.. Stewart said we had not
enough of revenue at present. The secretary told
them there would be deficit Of %, 600, 900 this
year. Why, this is wonderful falling off from
the gentemans Dragging calculation of 40000,-
900. This tariff works, in their hands, much like
the United States bank, that would regulate ex-
changes and work wonders for the prosperity of the
people. II did work well for few individuals,
whose notes were discounted, and afterwards sold
at auction for cent on the dollar; which broke
down the bank and almost ruined the country. So
it would be with the tariff. We keep sharp look
out for those interested gentlemen who blow hot
and cold with the same breath. The people have
no confidence in such wild speculations. Ali their
shutting and sophistry is fully appreciated, and
passes for what It Is worth. Farmers, generally,
are not well educated but profess to have little
sprnkling of practical common sense, sufficient, at
least to detect wolves in sleeps clothing with the
frauds and mpostons practised upon by those
who little about us, only for the fleece they
annually receiving by means of the tariff. 1t is
neither for the honor the interest of republican
government that the mass of the people--the pro-
ducers Of wealth, who support government, COM
merce and navgation--should be fecced to build
up privileged order unknown to the constitution.
What a miserable condition the laboring classes
would be in if they had to depend for information
who tell us that high duties make cheap goods and
the more taxes pay manufacturers, the richer we
grow. II seems to me that, if gentlemen had due
sense of selErespect, they would not attempt, by
sophstry to impose upon the understandings Of the
people, even If they knew they could succeed. But
so il is they think that thrcefourhs of the people
were born for no other purpose than to toll and pam
per manufacturers who refuse to sell US goods only
at their own prices Therefore, the aboring classes
call for reduction of the tariff to admit cheap for.
eign goods at prices corresponding with the price Of
our produce in ordinary seasons, which would re-
eve our necessities, and enable us to appropriate
the fruits Of our industry to our own use. When
the tariff is cut down, 1 wonder what speculation
these knowing ones will 60 into to prey upon the
industry Of the people,
Some Of the large tariff speeches, last season, had
about as much to do with the merits Of the case
Mrs Caudle's curtain lectures. But think IL the
tariffites improve in speech-msking for year or
two to come, they have for two years past, they
will be able to take the rag from Mrs. Csudle.
Il is ntmated by some Of these gentlemen that
the tariff discussion in Congress will occupy several
weeks more. Now this question has been long
since decided by a large majority Of the people,
| their minds are made up, the mind of Congress is
fixed, and debate viii scarcely alter single vote;
/ then WHY spend 30 much valuable time and the
peoplc's money, in useless discussions
The people Of this State are well united and pre-
| pared to sustain the government upon the Oregon
question; and, II need be- they viii shoulder their
rifles to defend their rights from British aggression
| A FARMER.