The daily union., 1846-09-02
THE TARIFF IN NsYLYANIA.

We have already alluded to the great revolution
IN public sentiment, which appears now to be in
rapid progress throughout the State Of Pennsylva-
MA We gave some days ago an extended account
Of the large and enthusiastic democratic meetings.
in the counties of Lehigh, Montgomery, North
ampton, Chester, and Susquehannah- with
great unanimity hailed the tariff of 1886 as meas
ure ofJustce and wisdom. We have no doubt that
this healthful reaction in the public mind will go on
with increasing intensity. The democracy of the
Keystone State are everywhere fast coming to the
conclusion that the enormous bountes upon certain
investments of capital and certain forms Of enter
prise which were given by the tariff of 1912, were
entirely against the spirit of true constitutional egis-
aioT-opposed to the interests of the many, and al
variance with those principles of justice which de-
mand the reasonable and proportionate protection
OF all the great interests Of the country. 1t is
hard saying for any man to maintain before the peo-
pie that thirty dollars in every hundred is not at
east reasonable protection to any branch of busi-
ness. ....... o.. 4. ....l. .'.
In confirmation of the views on this subject which
are now prevailing in Pennsylvania, we quote at
considerable length the following article from an
influential Pennsylvania journal, the York Gazette
After commenting upon the manly and independent
course If Mr.. Wilmot in recording his vote in favor
of the new tariff, the Gazette proceeds to quote and
to comment upon the speech delivered by him upon
that occasion as follows. We call attention to the
article, not only in view of its force and TRUTH but
also pregnant indication of the state of opinion
in Pennsylvania. a.. H
From the York Gazette, August 25
We hope our readers have preserved the paper
containing Mr.. Wilmot's speech II was well
worth preserving, as the remarks will bear frequent
reperusal and examination. The great principle up
| on which Mr.. Wilmot bases his opposition to the
unequal, and consequently unjust, features of the
tariff of 1912, Is well and clearly defined near the
opening of his speech. He says:
"This government was established for the equal
benefit and protection of ALL its citizens. If con-
lined within its proper and legitimate action its du-
Iles are smple-regulallng our intercourse with for
egn nations, affording protection to person and
Property, ieaping each to pursue that particular en-.
pOymen or broneh Of industry ,ohich he may deem
most profitable, best adapted to his taste and habits
When 1t turns aside from these objects, AND SEEKS
| TO BUILD UP ONE NTEREsT--wHIcH CAN ONLY BE
DONE BY DsrREssING oTHERs--it ceases TO be just
government 1t becomes tyranny, unworthy of the
confidence or support of the people,"
That the government does thus turn aside from
It's legitimate objects-hat it does seek TO build up
one interest at the expense Of another nay of MANY
|orHERs, when It extends to the people the 'sbene.
Ms" ~ of high restrictive and prohibory duties,
Mr., WImot, we think, proceeds to prove conclu.
"vely. If high and prohbitory duties do create
prosperity-among particular
cass for whose benefit they imposed--f NAM
moth fortunes are accumulated in a few years by
The few recipients Of this bounty Of the government
Mr. Wilmot wants to know WHO PAYSs--Fnr.
mer! mcdaniel laborer! will you think Of this
Who payR
1t is well known that a large portion Of those
who are on the spot where tariff laws are made, are
n favor Of high and prohibitory duties. Why I
ihese persons bslong principally to that class to
whose benefit inure oil such laws. Mr.. Wilmot
after referring to one Of the arguments Of the re
drlctive system advocates which Is that high duties
makes to'o p,iees--(the manufacturer being supposed
therefore, Of course TO favor high duties in order
MAJ his profits may be diminished and being supposed
70 iavor, on phIlanthropic or patriotic principles,
avs which prevent the articles he manufactures
rom bearing too high price) refers, incidentally
'he interest manifested, by some Of the manufac-
orers IN tariff legislation. "Who is it," he in
klulres, THAT year after year camors loudly for
rotectlonl Is it the farmer, the Industrious and
snterpHsng arisan--the day laborerl No, sir;
70 nese men are never seen about your halls asking
me special legislation Of this government in their
tnat' They rely upon their industry and economy
OBTAIN for themselves and their families liveli-