The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-06-16

Thoughts on The Restrictive System.


restrictive system of commerce is claimed by certain
economists farmers and planters measured; bold
stroke of reform for to propose who would under
take stem the of civilization and progress Are
they willing adopt the old British corn and navigation
laws for this young republics Would they compel our
cotton and corn-gIowers, they would all British sub
ecs whether Irish Canadians TO purchase and to sell
in the home market instead of having the choice Of two
In order TO make fair comparison between the two
countries, 1t should be borne in mind that Ireland
Canada are no less part and parcel OF the British empire
than Name Texas, California integral portions OF
the United States To arragn the condition OF Ireland
Canada as resulting from free trade with England, and to
suggest restrictions upon the remedy, would
be tananoun to advocating intercourse between
South Carolina California and the rest of the Union.
What is this but Modification?
The very branches of agricultural industry supposed to
be most benefited by partial legislation would
later feel the effects of their deusve theory, could It be
carried into practice Let the tariff of duties upon obac
co, sugar. and wool be high Maryland, Louisiana,
and Vermont might ask, competition among those who
would speculate in any field of operations OF the
money, smuggling, must inevitably upset all their cal
culatons. Besides, the good sense of the community
at large Will never permit partial law (Which must
lnlure some to the extent OF its benehhng the reclp-
tents OF favor) to remain the statute book Tor
any length of time Protective measures have been
repeatedly tried and rejected. They did not even an
swer the expectations OF their friends, who, like inc
brlaes, were constantly clamoring Tor OF the IN
toxcating draught, miscalled protection. Fair warning
has already been given to all who may be DESTROYS OF
embarking on dangerous enterprises, which require ex
cessve stimulation The present tariff was far from
being intended direct favor Offering, as il does, incl
dental those engaged in particular
SUITS it likewise affords the most convenient and least
objectionable mode OF raising revenue for the econom
cal administration of the federal government, The ar
fetal contrvances OF man only succeed when they
do not run directly counter TO nature. For this reason
Legislators, while they propose attaining certain object
the public weliare-shoud never allow that object to
escape their purvlew and the burden OF proving their
position should be thrown upon those who purposely
ransgress the limits of experience, seek to promote
worthy ends by unworthy means. The greatest attain
xnoHro hIx HnIU S
of questionable propety Corporate power is sometimes
given number of individuals who rofessedly combine
for their and the public mutual convenience and ad
vantage; but nasmuch as BY their united strength
without any privileges being granted beyond corporate
title) they become powerful for evil well good,
and fully able individuals to defend their own
interests, they expect TO be narrowly watch
ed, lest by any accident design they give offence.
Hence happens thai the community requires to be pro
tected against themand this proportion to their lnu
ence and capital. To talk of protecting corporations
against the community, is not worthy OF ser GUS consd,
ration in country where justice is rendered by we-con
stituted tribunals.
What agrculturists are interested in discovering through
appropriate journals, how they most easily put
money in their purses, but by what legitimate and honor
able they may best promote their prosperity,
feeling assured that this alone patriotic and es-
senal to the general welfare. AT their monthly associa
TONS they have objection to the counsel and co-opera
ton of manufacturers and others who might be disposed
to ater their weak points OF characteristics est 40 h0se
docer'," it is good policy TO hear all parties AS class
they too generous TO take advantage OF their numbers
to Cypress their fellow citizens in minority They are
also sagacous not to know, that for every dollar they
might be aAowed by their wmakers for exclusive pur-
poses, other classes less scrupulous will exact and secure
an eagle Not being adopts in the science of log rolling
and obbyism, they prefer the standing rule OF justice to
all no favors asked or given.
Farmers then, acting the defensive; the largest
portion of them having been elevated 10 independent
position by their industry and merits are well-con-
with things they are the only contents being
some large landholders in the Older States, who. IKE
ing, instead of luXuriatng ideness and dissipation
and some who recommend high duties on foreign manu-
factures that in their particular neighborhood hotbed
establishments might be reared, and few more cabbages
and potatoes disposed OF at enhanced price Let these
latter reflect that if northern capitalists will not or can
not undertake TO build factories IN ONO, where corn is
set down IS bushel, neither would they patron
ze that luckless region with their ordy presence,
high tariff should enable them to erect hundred more
factories in Massachusetts, and the diminished demand
for agricultural produce from abroad should reduce corn
10 2t cents, and cotton to nothing.
Free trade is subject too palpaby honest and inell
gible for American farmers TO mstrdst its value A
country like Portugal may noDinaly enjoy tree trade,
when it has nothing left to trade with by of the
grinding oppressiops of past ages TO advocate re-
srctive policy by reference to her example, Why not
advocate constitutional monarchy preferable for the
United States, the ground that Belgium appears to be
thriving The Begians may be very industrious and
amiable people; but breathe more freely and
work with better will on this side the Atlantic, even In
this desperately deblalng atmosphere OF equal rights
VIII, next favor with argument that commerce is
most profitable and free when il is most taxed!
The well conducted arrangements of domestic life may
be regarded the prototype OF correct national policy
the interests of single family representing, on small
SCALE those of community. Their general relation to
other families in the neghborhood is the SAME as that
sub-sing between contiguous natlonsfealty to their
country taking precedence OF courtesy to Others for
precisely the that fealty to themselves and
their own household is the first law of nature. The ad
vantagcs of industry and thrift. the mode by which their
mutual wants be best supplied and the adjustment OF
their business accounts concern them all alike In
worldly sense the prosperity of each household or nation
mainly depends upon itself No doubt naturally
more favored than others, and in their with
brighter prospects; but it will depend upon their own
conduct whether their inheritance is improved or squan
dered Their duty consists not merely IN providing tor
their absolute necessities, but in ambition to enjoy
those intellectual moral and physical advantages OF
which their organization is capable Being no less
pleasure than duty to exert all our faculties, IN
proportion as we exercise them with benefit to our
selves, we at the time benefit the community,
whether that exercise entail The consumption Of things
already an existence, the production Of things
not previously in existence This, apprehend, is
the foundation stone of political and social economy;
AS far human foresight and intelligence can control
events every dispensaton Of natures gifts should be
turned to the best account. Even the gold mines OF Cal
iforna may prove blessing the hands of hghmnded
people The arts and sciences are invoked to consum-
mate this noble purpose 1t may not be in the power
all to produce and consume alike, and consequently to
enjoy the amount of happiness. However, a free
between the and and