Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-10-15

the leading purposes and ends for which the conede
racy was formed and to discharge it from Of its
highest and most sacred obligations Vermont will
denounce the doctrine wherever she meets 1t, that
any government in which she is concerned was lnstl-
tuted to provide for its own wants, while the interests
OF the people were to be regarded beyond the scope
OF its purposes. Indeed, the heritical proposition
bears upon its face the stamp of its own absurdlty-
Yet this regard for the industrial interests OF the
country, which we ask of the government, Is IN no
practical shape incompatible with provision for Its
own distinct wants. We are content that Congress
should impose such an amount of duties, and such
only, will raise sufficient revenue to meet the ex
pendtures oil the general government, while we insist
that determinations be made for the distinct and PROM
inent purpose of granting protection wherever it is
needed Let the relative scale OF duties be fixed IN
accordance with this principle; and the absolute rate
we cheer(ully leave to be determined by the necess-
ties of the case.
The rejoicing, in foreign lands, which has been
elected under the assumption that "hencetorth the
principle of duties for protection must be considered
as abandoned in the United States" is not without
sufficient OCCASION if this abandonment is, IN truth,
destined to be perpetual Under it, we surrender to be
shared with other nations, small portion of the ben
etits Justly accruing to from the industrious and en-
terprsing habits of our popuatlon-dlvdlng the fruits
Of toll which in the otherwise favorable circumsan-
ces under which it is bestowed ought to raise US a.
bove the common lot of humanity in the enjoyment OF
the comforts and blessings Of life.
1t cannot however be supposed, that those who ad-
vocate and sustain the free trade policy contemplate
this result primary and direct object OF pursuit.
But the important consideration that this policy bene-
fits other lands at the expense of own, is overlook
ed by the supporters Of the system in their earnest
desire to accomplish coilcdent purposes Of their own,
or purposes at best of local and limited utility, to the
attanmentof which they are ready to sacrifice the
welfare Of the country.
But whatever be the motive which prompts to this
cold deserton ofthe interests of the country rathe
20 the unnatural warfare which is waged against them
Vermont will raise her voice and exert her energies
against such an unjust and hearteSs policy as has
now gained the ascendancy until she sees the resoa-
ton of that system of protection to American indus
try which the Fathers of the Republic" adopted
without misgivngs, and pursued without waverng. -
Her confidence that success will finally crown he
efforts is founded upon her strong conviction that tn
policy of which she demands the adoption, not mere
y local but nationa! policy and that hence she can
not want for aid IN the establishment of system
so benign in Its operations, and SO vitality essential Il
her own and the general welfare.
Whether any specific action is requisite in regard tC
this important subject to others not advered to- il
which our interests are involved by our connection
with the general government is cheertuly conhded t
your decision, to be determined by your own judg
ment lnregard TO what the interest OF the State ma
demand.
Permit me to assure you that | shall cordially &C
operate in ali your designed to promote tn
welfare and prosperity of our people. And in tn
discharge of all our official duties may we be guide
by such motives, and be enlightened with such wisdom
that with the divine blessing to efforts, non
of the great interests of the Sate-hcr industry edit
cation, morals, or relglon-shall suffer at our hand
:, HORACE EATON.
| EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Montpelier, Oct 10th, 1916