The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-09-12
From the Norwich News
MPROTECTIONn TO THE FARMER.

When President Polk, previous to his election,
was addressed on the subject of the tariff, and his
opinion asked in relation TO the question OF protee-
tion he replied in substance, in his justly cele-
brated Kane letter. that he was for protecting alike
all the great interests Of the country-commerce,
manufactures, and amongst the rest, agriculture.
He was not for bestowng special protection on
any one Of them-not for pamperiDg the rich manu-
facturers by duties laid exclusively for their benefit
not for discouraging commerce by heavy restric-
tons foreign trade-but for doing justice TO all,
and the farmers (who are by far the most numerous
and important class, and whose interests had been
hitherto almost entirely oyerlooked) among the rest
Now, il was question with many how this was TO
be done-how Il was possible TO adopt measures OF
protective" character in relation to the farmers.
People couldn't be compelled TO pay more for the
produce of the farm than the market price, nor
could they be forced to consume more than nature
required. How, then, was this part OF the Presi-
dents plan to be brought about
We will answer-by creating, IL possible, wider
market abroad for the agricultural productions Of
this country. This was his view in relation TO the
matter-the substitution Of a more equal tariff for
the tariff of 1872 with its Ito CLASSY highly pro-
tectiyo, and, in some respects, almost prohlbitve
features. Thus would manufactures receive a rea-
sonable protection the interests ofcommeree receive
fresh impulse, and the farmer also receive "
share of fair protection.
Has this or rather, will this hope be realized
We believe that it will. We believe that the opera
ton Of the new tariff honestly tried will effect all
this. England, it is true, has been in measure
compelled to make essential reductions in her tariff
in reference to our and wheat, and breadstufis
generally; but the reduction of own tariff will
only help the matter along-increase the benefit. II
is as it would be with two neghbors-one from ne
cessity, perhaps, may for time pursue course Of
conduct, which is of great indirect, perhaps
direct benefit to the other Should the other, hsv-
ing the power at command to do so without injury
to himself recprocate these favors, the result may
be a closer bond of union between them, and the
creation Of still greater mutual benefit. Should he
act the churl, the first, the moment his necessity
ceases, withdraws his patronage, and with it his
kindly feelings, which otherwise might have ma
tured and continued lasting. This is familiar, but
we believe, a true illustration of the principles in
voved in the question of the tariff The fairer we
make our tariff for other nations, the greater will be
our own exportatons-that is, the more they will
want to buy of US, and with reasonable and
steady tariff, the better will it be for manufacturers
themes Ask any prudent manufacturer, and
he will tell you that this is true; and yet the great
body of them seem to forget it, when they unite in
calling for high tariff, when they know, if they
know anything, that such tariff never be per-
manent.