The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-02

From the Marietta (Ga.) Advocate.
aThe Ghosts OF the Pxsto

Some OF the wing presses have given the Presidents
late message without word OF comment, evidently
willing that II should speak for ITSELF and stand or fall
by IFS own merits. This course is certainly unexcep-
tionabe. But many editors politically opposed TO Presi-
dent Polk have deemed proper 10 denounce the mes.
sage. But slnguarly enough effort has been made to
objection rs that the Pre- dent has assaed the "ghosts
OF the past" in his unanswerable exposure of the mis-
called American system. This shows lamenabe de-
gree of ignorance strange want of candor in that
portion OF the public press that rays so little heed
to the political movements OF the day as TO call
national bank, protective tariff. and other kin
dred measures, 'dead carcases' GHOSTS of the
past" IN order to throw dscredit upon one Of
the most able messages ever submitted by American
President to an American Congress If national bank
is but ghost of the past why many attacks upon the
independent treasury? Ii the opposers OF this mode OF
keeping and discussing the public money succeed in
abolshng the Independent treasury system, what else
do they propose, wha they propose, but national
bank If the doctrine of tariff for protection is but a
"ghost OF the past" why the senseess cry about the
glorious tariff OF 1912 creating home market and ex
GLIDING the pauper labor of Europe' No! the deerm-
nation of leading men in the wing ranks manlfesy was
to secure, if possible, the restoration of the protective
tariff OF 1912, and the repeal OF the Independent treasury
This repeal would be followed by the establishment of
national bank The fact may be denied, they may ndig
nany repel the charge, but those opposed to the present
system must be in favor of a national bank. Obsolete
idea, though it may be, it is the only alternative TO an
independent treasury.
The President was aware of this He foresaw the
onset that was to be made upon the leading in
attack He has spread before the country mastery ex-
hibton OF the actual operations of the tariff OF
1916 and OF the independent treasury But this not
sufficient 1t necessary TO fortify these admirable
mea in the public confidence, by considering what
would be substituted for them if they should be abandon
ed The absurdity OF the notion of prohibiting trade
under the pretext OF protecting industry and the nexpe-
dlency and uncOnstltutionay and danger of a national
bank clearly shown by the President and Secretary of
the Treasury, all somany unanswerable arguments
favor of tariff and the independent treasury
claim OF the present administration TO the merit of wis
dom and ability The coming administration must carry
out the democratic policy, adopt It's opposite Ii
pronounce Tor the tariff of 1916 with lis ad valoem rates
and principle for the tariff of 1912, with its
rrohbitory features It's minimum valuations, and specific
duties 1t must declare for the independent treasury or
for national bank. We will see whether Mr. Polk has
not, in his last message made such appeal TO patriot
ism and reason, will, by the controlling power of an
irresistible public opinion, compel the coming admnistra
ton to respect and sustain the great principles OF the dem
ocrauc creed We shall see whether Gen Taylor or his
cabinet will dare, in the face of such public sentiment
10 assa the revenue principle the independent treasury