The daily union., 1846-06-29
DUTIES OF TEA AND COFFEE.

DUTIES OF TEA AND COFFEE.
We give place very cheerfulIy TO the following
communication, not only because 1t comes from
able aud Jealous democrat IN Congress, whose
views in every way enuted to respectful atten-
ton, but because, we have often said upon smi-
lar OCCASIONS are desirous to exhibit the utmost
hberallty towards those members Of our party be-
tween whom and ourselves an honest difference Of
opinion exists to the details Of important meas
ures. We have, however, word Of comment to
offer upon the leading propositions set forth in the
article
|. And first, we say that if 1t shall appear, as
our correspondent states; that sufficient revenue to
defray the expenses Of the war can be raised by
any suitable duty upon articles properly called "lux
urIes, we are glad to know that fact and will cheer
fully go for such duties in place of tax upon tea
and coffee. But until we sec the articles enumerated
more specifically than our correspondent has emu
merated them, and ull we see reliable estimates Of
the amount of revenue which will accrue from such
articles, we must be permitted TO doubt that such is
the fact And, meantime, urge that the labor
ing classes Of the country will feel less burdened by
small temporary tax on tea and coffee, (not
amounting, probably to one cent per pound, and
so, in fact, costing each family of the laboring
classes but very small sum year, than by the
creation of war debt.
2. In the second place. we must say that
not prepared to adopt, in its full extent our cor
respondents statement Of the principles upp which
revenue to be raised for a special er' like that
Of the present war We believe bat al taxation
upon articles Of general consumption Is an evil.
We hold that luxuries are TO be taxed first and
taxed in view of revenue to the extent that they
can bear. But we believe that when such taxation
Of Iuxures is inadequate to produce a sufficient
revenue, a tax upon tea and coffee, Of small
amount, and for brief period and ,cih pie,o to
special purpose, and that too most patriotic pur-
pose, in which the feelings Of the whole democracy
of the country are deeply ensted-that such a tax
upon tea and coffee is eligible mode OF raising
with certainty considerable amount Of revenue as
can be selected. We deny that such a tax under
the circumstances, would be be oppressive
or unequal, or unjust. We firmly believe that it
would for limited period be cheerfully borne.
3. In the third place-as to its being of unequal
operation in different sections of our country-we
footing with almost all taxable articles And this
must necessarily be the case where the aboring pop
ulaon in different sectors is of wholly different
race, character, and position.
A, As to the suggestion tina: direct taration is
preferable to tea and coffee tax, must say, with
all respect for our correspondent, with whom
sincerely sorry to differ, that in the present state of
lie faali bo1b .Il,,, ,hero
present be no sort Of comparison between the two
modes Of raising revenue here suggested. In con-
cluslon we add that, in saying that the opposition
to a tea and coffee tax would come more naturally
from the opposers of the war; and from the uphold
of the tariff, than from anti protection demo.
Gratis and supporters Of the war, we did not
mean to intimate, and did not intimate,
any want Of patriotism in those democrats
who conscenuously oppose the tea and coffee
duty. We repeat that we think the tax on tea and
coffee an evil We should be glad to have some
way pointed out to Of properly and justly raising
revenue enough for the without it. But till
this is done, we, in view Of tariff reform and OF
avoiding an enormous war debt, shall continue to
advocate such q tax one of the best expediens
for the crisis. In doing this, we shall hope to be
judged ohartably by our friends, even as we mee
out charitable judgment to those of our democratic
friends who honestly differ with us in opinion on
this point.
On one point, however we will take this oc-
cason to make single suggestion Congress
is engaged in reforming the tariff with a view
to permanent revenue system to operate in time Of
peace. 1t is also considering the proper mode of
providing a temporary revenue. Between these
objects there is no natural connexion WHY should
they be embraced, then in the same bill? Why not
reform the tariff in bill, with view to perma-
nency in state of peace, and provide, by other k-
gislation, means to carry on the war; If there be
honest differences Of opinion among our friends on
this last point, as now appears To be the case, why
should such differences stand in the way of our
great measure Of tariff reform' We respectfulIv
suggest that friends unite on the tariff question
reserIng the subject of ways and means for the war
for a separate consideration. In this way the views
Of Congress on the tea and coffee duty, as II Temporal
ry measure, can be ascertained without preju-
dice to the great cause Of tariff REFORM which the
country has so much at heart and action upon which
is of much vital importance.
With these remarks we most cheerfulIy COM
mend the article of our correspondent to the aten-
ton Of our readers.
For the Union
"WAR DUTIES ON FREE ARTICLES"
Mr.. EDTTUR: As your valuable journal has be-