The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-01

to extract their due share OF the public burdens
from the rich, than would specific duties which
bore as high proportion TO the value of the
goods as those imposed upon articles of univer-
sal use. Besides, Mr. WALKER reminds us,
IN the famous Treasury report, of December 9th,
lo4S, THAT from improved machinery, new
inventions, and reduced cost of production, the
foreign articles are constantly diminishing in
price, whilst, the specific duty remaining IN
changed, IL is constantly increasing in ratio" A
specific duty upon articles of luxury would
therefore be constantly tending more and more
towards distribution of taxation in Just proper
ton 10 the ability Of the aX-payers; while upon
all articles of general necessity and use. it could
in the nature Of things tend no more to inequal-
ty of taxation than if it were to fuctuate with
the foreign cost. Such 1uctuation, however
uncertain it might render the total amount of
revenue, could not affect its equality among the
entire body of the people.
There is no reason whatever, therefore. for u
preference for nd ralorem duties, as means
OF correcting the inequalities of taxation but
decidedly the reverse. Yet these gentlemen
land, endeavor to present the ad uaiorem tea-
ture OF the existing tariff as if it was some
small instament, not very great indeed, vet
such as the blindness of mems eyes and the
hardness of their hearts permitted. of that mil
lenial equity, for which they hold themselves
in readiness, to be found in direct taxation
This is rank, barefaced hypocrisy. BY these
D. Il, ~ a
Tended on the ground of protection, not as the
incident but as the leading object it cannot be
defended at ala tariff with al paloreDa duties
less than any other.
They either in their hearts believe that the
principle of protection is sound one, or they
are without the shadow of an excuse for urging
the immediate and sweeping repeal Of It's every
vestige, and the establishment of direct taxa
ton.
II they admit the principle of protection let
them 90 with us, and give free scope and full
effect to that incident of the tariff which fur
nishes It's solitary justification. BY so doing
they at least hasten the time when trade shall
be entirely free, and indirect taxes wholly
abolished, instead of merely holding themselves
In readiness for 1t, they do for the end of the
world Give thorough protection, promote the
rapid growth Of manufactures, and the end will
in due time be reached. SO taught Mr.. Secre-
tary WALKER. Hear him:
''The belief is erroneous that as manufacturer
increase in number skill, capital, and products,
they will perpetuate high TARIFF. When they at
tain this condition. and their fabrics exceed the
home demand they will desire free trade to open
to them the foreign markets In England this is
the case, and their are the great
time will be, and ultimately unite with all other
classes in desiring the abandonment of all tariffs
and custom houses, and the repeal of all restric
tions on commerce"
Which will you do, gentlemen viii you
90 with us, and establish thorough protection.
IN the spirit and for the sake of free trade-to
be thus attained, we verify believe, in the
speediest way and most perfect form-to be at
tanned before another census comes round. if the
country will only unite, without regard 10 party
or section, in hearty and vigorous effort. or
will you go at once for direct taxation? Don't
stand holding yourselves in readiness for the
man that is never coming, but be honest and
fearless, and do one thing or the other.