Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-01-12
s,iss,ess os
27,eis,s5o 55
i49,S2S 90
ls,74o,ooc 90
1G 90 @uoi
$50 Htr0 t#H
10
Hr
ssi,7o4,ess II
Ways and Means.

+, ....e ....... -..s... q q .... goij fV1,o9S
,. Ways and Means. s....t
It will be observed that there is estimated
dsfici, on the Is, July nexi, of $685. ,i21
&C, and on The ist July, 1851, of $i0,547, ,o92
"a making, in the whole, an estimated de-
ficii of sic S76,214 80 10 be provided for,
arising from the expenses of the war and
treaty with Mexico. f..-....r 81
IN proposing some alterations in the exis-
ting tariff, with view as well to the neces-
sary augmentation Of The revenue as the en-
couragement Of industry, I think it right to
present distinctly the views entertained on
the latter subject, in the hope that course
may be adopted BY the wisdom and pairo-
tism Of Congress which qmay TO harmonize
dscordan, feelings aud promote the general
prosperity. ...
!. I entertain no doub, OF the rightful pow
er Of Congress,o to regulate commerce and levy
imposis aud duties, with the purpose OF en-
couragng our own industry In selecting
for adoption one Of two proposed regulations
of commerce, it would appear TO be clearly
the right of Congress to choose 10 one which
would, in lis opinion be most salutary TO the
country; and, in like manner. in laying i'm
posts and duties, it would seem that the en-
deavor ough, to be to regard the interests Of
the whole people, not as little, but as much
as possible.
Ii is not question Of assuming a power
expressly granted by the constitution, on the
ground that it may tend TO the attainment OF
general end therein expressed. Here the
power 10 regulate commerce and the power
to levy and collect duties are and collect du-
lies are expressly given, and the only ques-
,ion is, Whether they ought not to be exer-
cised with view to the general good.
1t seems 10 me that to exercise these or
any other powers with any other view. would
be misuse Of power and subversive 9 The
legitimate eud Of Government. 'a.
find no obligation written in the consiiu-
tion to lay taxes duties or imposts at the low
est rate that will yield the largest revenue.
As instances Of the exercise of the power
of regulating commerce, may be mentioned
the prohibition Of importaiions, except the
designated ports; The prohibition of the coast
ing trade 10 all foreign vessels, and to all
American vessels, not licensed and enrolled
the prohibition Of certain trade 10 foreign
vessels under the nav vigation act Of lS46 the
prohibition of certain trade TO American yes.
sells by the nonintercourse act, and Of all trade
by the embargo act the draw back on the
re-exportaton of foreign goods finally, the
prohibition of the introduction of adul,erated
drugs into the country by the act Of the 29th
of June, ls4s.
Under the power to levy taxes, duties and
imposts, refer TO the discriminating Tonnage
daties on foreign vessels, the discriminating
duties on their cargoes the preamble TO the
first law imposing duties posed under the
constitution, and the enaclments of most of
the subsequent ones. ty 5000 .
These enaclments show that al most or all
periods OF our history the views which have
expressed appear to have been sustained and
acted on. .,i.--..r.. .-...
II. All legislation designed to favor par
ticular class to the prejudice of others, or TO
injursga particular class for The benefit Of
others, 10 maniiestly unwise aud unjust.-
Nothing can be more destructive Of the true
intel esis OF The country Than such legislation,
excep, the refusal of real salutary legislation,
under an erroneous impression that il may
favor one class to the prejudice OF others,
while in fact the denial Of it Injuries all clas-
ses, aud benefits nobody. $40
Ill. As every producer in one branch OF
useful industry is also a consumer Of the pro-
duets Of others, and his ability to. consume
depends npon the profits Of his production, it
follows that TO give prosperity TO one branch
Of industry there will be individual rivalry,
but among the several branches Of useful in
duslry there must almost exist an unbroken
harmony Of interest,". ,.-
No country can attain due strength or
that does not BY its own labor
carry its own predictions as nearly as posi-
BILE to the point necessary TO fit them for uti.
rnate consumption. To export its raw mate
rial and re.impor the articles manufactured
from that Of another country, is to prelermii
The means which nature has provided for its
~
For instance, we exported, during the fis-
cal year ending aoih June, 1885,. raw cotton
10 The value Of about six,y.six millions Of
iallars. II that cotton had been spun and
woven at home, (supposing its value to be
fourfold by manufacture,) !, would |
have produced vslne Of shout one hundred |
Ind ninety-eight millions in addition. i1 I
This question would not be completely an.
'wered by merely prouoancing the added |
vaius Of one hundred and ninsty-eight mil
lions of dollars 10 large prof, TO the mann.
ursr, any more than the question Of ,he
siFeos Of the production Of wheat would be
BY dsducting the cost sf ssed |
wheat from the value Of the crop, and pso-
a. Il n. L.