The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-08
PENNSYLVANIA AND THE TARIFF.

As a Pennsy vanian, and knowing something Of
matters and things in this State, have often been
surprised at the perfect eoolns1 with which our State
has been everywhere claimed as a tariff State; and
| may surprise some people by denying in toto that
there has been any clear evidence OF the fact that
she is so and further that honestly and sincerely
believe that she is not tariff State TO the extent that
many would make US believe know that political
managers OF all sorts and parties strive, for certain
purposes, TO make II appear to the contrary; but
well remember the same game played in refer
10 the rechater ofthe United States bank Every
scheme and Continuance resorted to to make the
mpresslon abroad that Pennsy yania was in favor
Of the recharter The Legislature of the State was
managed into passing, by large vote, resolutions OF
instructions, &c, for the recharter the leaders OF
all parties were loud in advocating it, and il was
considered as matter Of course in every direction
that Pennsylvania was bank State, but mark the
result. When the subject up directly for the ac-
ton OF the people at the subsequent elections, over
whelming majorties were found the other way,
many of the "leaders" being forced to take the
back track"-to follow, and not lead; and the whole
country became perfectly satisfied that whatever the
"eaders" might be, the people Of Pennsylvania were
decidedly opposed to the bank. | believe precisely
the result would be witnessed if the tariff of
1912 could be brought directly before the people on
It's merits and its consequences and effects discussed
in an electi n campaign.
Without having the facts within my reach | sup
pose that not two-twenteths Of the people Of this
State manufacturers, and that at least sixteen
twentieths agrioultnrists Every one acquaint-
ed with farming in Pennsylvania, knows what hard
work and strict economy II requires TO make bare
living. The farmers Of Pennsylvania, unlike the
manufacturers, never make "princely fortunes. :"
Under this famous tariff of ls42, which they were
told was TO produce such wonderful effect in their
favor, their products at the very lowest ebb.
Flour-,heir great staple-is now selling at less
than four dollars the barrel; not equivalent
ty cents the bushel for wheat. Most Of our repre-
sentatives at Washington well know what poor
business this is for farmers and that so far from
paying "nterest on investments" it will scarcely
pay for labor and seed These gentlemen know
too, that there manufacturers and ronma sters
enough in Pennsylvania who live in spendor, and
make from fifteen to thirty per cent. on their invest
ments and yet they persist in calling on the poorly
paid, hard-working farmers to pay these enormous
high tariff taxes for the benefit ola few Especial ia
vortes." The people of Pennsylvania are ntelli-
gent; and without clear evidence of the fact, will
not believe or admit that the great body of them are
utterly lost to their interests and welfare
to support such state Of things particularly at this
time, when there is every reason to believe that a
little liberality and reciprocity with foreign nations
would open wide immense markets for their pro-
ducts. A PENNSYLVANIA.
Philadelphia July 4, 1916.