Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-05-07
BRITISH FREE TRADE.


posed change in the tariff of Great Britain, for
several reasons that appear to us to be unan-
swerablc. First, the projected repeal is pure
Iva measure of domestic policy TO England.
which does not depend on the action of TO-
reign governments, and which will be adopt- /
cd, 1t adopted at all, without regard to reciD- |
rocity. secondly, the proposed measure is |
Par"ai IN Its nature, extending only to those |
articles OF trade which the people of England
accm II supremacy necessary TO obtain at the
lowest possible prices, whilst the most oner-
Gus duties, and most injurious determinations
are retained in the case of other articles If
greater Importance in the commerce of the
two countries. Thirdly, it is extremely doubt.
ful, whether the present revenue laws of
1reat Dri'ain do not operate more favorably
10 the United States, even in respect To the
articles on which the duties are proposed TO
DC repealed, than will the new plan of the
British Premier
II these considerations arc sound, surely
me most enthusiastic devotee to the theories
Oh Tree trade Will not contend that the Ameri-
can government should abolish its revenue
system, or modify il in any degree. in conso-
quence of the impending changes in the COM
mercial policy of England. And vet we
umnk they cannot be successfully refu,ed.
II is undenabe that the sudden popularity
OF repeal, is the immediate result of an extra
ordinary failure of the corn harvest. and is
SIMPLY the expression of the general desire
Tor cheap food. The refined reasoning of
DAY or Adam Smith, SO popular with many
American politicians, has had no part in this
movement. The extraordinary somerset of
The Premier and the leading Wings has been
constrained by the irrepressible demands of
the populace for bread. The fearful dearth
OF provisions in Ireland has made it indis-
pensable that the ports should be opened at
least Tor the present. The probable policy
OF other countries, though alluded TO bv Sir
Robert Peel in some Of his speeches, has not
aouea one vote to the repeal party and that
party VIII oe just as strong and as likely to
carry their measure with the Lords. whether
the United States change their tariff or not.
we need not repeat the views we have
very recently urged, 10 show that the new
English tariff is too partial 10 be deemed an
ooiahon TO liberal commercial principles s.
AS long as the British Government derives y
revenue oil eight or ten times its value from
tooacco, the most important staple in this
country, except cotton as long as the cabi-
net proposes TO put such impositions or the
sugar OF Louisiana, Texas and Florida. be-
cause 1t is cultivated by slaves, as to prohibit
It's importation entirely ii is prepostcrous TO
talk OF commercial reciprocity. And even.
as 10 The breadstuhs, which are to be admit
ted at merely nominal duties, Lord Ashburton
mas Shewn IL 10 be very probable, that under
tne proposed system, these articles will be
urawn from the Baltic and not from the Uni
Yea o'ateS; whereas, at this moment a very
Important trade is carried on with the British
ii'a'ne'' through me Canadas, in the wheat of
the Northern and North Western States.
w G find IN a.,
very strongly fortified by some quotations
made by MIR. Walsh in an excellent letter. of
tine LIST April, TO the National Tn,elliqencer.
from the discussions in the French Chamber
OF Deputies. The first extract is from the
opening speech o. n member whose name is
not given, IN debate which took place on
ihe 5oth ult., upon new treaty with Bel
GUM:
"Ihc real object of the reform now going on
In England was not, Inc observed, by any means
disinterested example which that Power desired
TO lay before Europe, in order 10 bring about the
triumph OF commercial liberty. Her only object
was by lowering the duties on the matters serv-
ing as food to the working classes, TO diminish
the price of the produce which she exported to
all parts OF the world and thus 10 be able 10
compete with more advantage with her rivals in
manufactures. Far from looking on what passed
IN England as motive for lowering the tariff,
the honorable deputy considered it peremptory
reason for not efecling what he called a conimer-
eial dtsarmeni."
The other quotation is from a speech of
greater importance, by NJ. CUNIN- G RIpAINE,
the Minister of Commerce, and member of
the French Cabinet
''Ihe question is delicate one, but shall not
hesitate TO speak on it. They who behold i'm the
reform proposed TO the English Parliament an no.
mage paid to the theory of absolute commercial
liberty are quite mistaken. Hear, hear. They
who think that England gives in this an ex-
ample which we ought eagerly to follow, have
formed an opinion which we consider altooetber
premature. Hear, heaT.] England, when she
legislates for her commerce, never listens to any
whisperngs but those which her interests suG-
gesl; in that we ought TO initiate her, She T.
does not allow herself 10 be moved by theories
she looks Chiefly to facts. Nowhere was the !
prohiblIve system pracsPd for longer time or !
more completely than with her, and she departed
from 1t only when she saw that an absolute ne !
cessity existed for her to find new markets.
What does the reform now before Parliament
propose 10 do 1t modies the corn laws. and /
shifts to manufacturing wealth the preponderance
which has hitherto belonged to territorial power
IL reduces the duties several Of the necessa.
RES OF life, and on objects in which England
does not fear any competition; but it has most
carefully preserved them on others which de-
Inand protection. 1t is certain that ENGLAND
hopes to induce other great Powers 10 follow her
example; but will she succeed in doing so! In
order to Initiate her, in my opinion, one OUGHT to
he in the same situation as Encland-sbe 9onobt
10 be competed with equal terms But hat
IS not an easy natter for what nation has as
much machinery, as powerful navy. and as
inaDy colonies Hear hear En1IanJ T.. !