Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-02-04
LETTER FROM MIR. BEALE.


Dear Sir: Yours of the 2lst instant was RET eived few
days since not only acknowledge the right but with plea
any questions In relation 10 the discharge Of puo
lie duty as your representative -
In answer 10 YOUR first inquiry, "Wheher will consent
TO be candidate for reelection 10 the ensuing Congress-
beg leave refer you card Of mine recently puoneo
in the "Unon which, II not sent 10 you Will DC ouho a.
Point Pleasant
You next ask my opinion upon the subject of the tariff
answer that am in favor of low tariff and OF course OF
the tariff OF 1886 for that too numerous 10 De
set forth within the limits OF letter. The great iact
has proven in the financial history OF the last iour
years. that have at any period enjoyed greater ma
tiona prosperity. Never has there been more revenue
thrown in the treasury for the length of time than by
the low tariff of 46 Never have the products Of the soil or
Of general labor been more amply reuneated the reasons
of which are obvious
We possess the materials for manufactures and pro
visions which the Europeans want five buy oil tnem u
enables them 10 buy of shut up ports by high
or prohbtoy duties the products Of their labor we In
capacate them from purchasing and consuming the pro,
SOIL trade and exchanges become sagnated and
our treasury Impoverished.
Further Is impossible that the home market can con-
sumo the of the agricultural productions OF this wide.
spread country We look them TO the markets OF the
world tor consumers-nve them into ports,
and carry our productions doing into all the
ports and harbors of the world under the benifcent nu-
euce of low and reciprocal duties. Again am opposed 10
high duties upon the principle OF their operating unequay
and unusy upon the different avocatons Of life und the
different employments of capital and labor.
know of no why the government is under greater
obligations by its legislative interference the makers
of wooen and goods from loss and bankruptcy than
is TO save by another class Of its citizens
the growers OF cotton and agricultural producs-from
like fatality.
great and imporan, fact In the history of our legis-
laon from it's origin to the present moment that the gov
has derived principal revenue from tax upon tho
introduction Of foreign goods and has thereby given ana
will probably continue TO give, Standing and perpetual pro-
lection capital and labor employed in How
over high low the tariff may be, this is its effect.
have therefore, thought that, agriculture bore the
prncpn burden Of taxation by being less cared for might
as an of justice and equity In arranging the duties on
pinu
within the revenue pon upon such articles as WOOL hemp
and flax products of the soil a, TO give compensa-
afford balance Of the burdens between tho TWO
prca, interests Of agriculture hGd manufactures.
Whether, In the adjustment OF the details Of tarih Tor
revenue iron and salt articles so necessary to ahe want
of full supply of which /. sensbly felt In time of
extracted as they arc the bowels of the EARTH general
y In interior regions Of The country fifty per cent Of whose
value made up from the and consumption OF the nsr-
cultural productions OF the vcnage otherwise far from mar
ketmgh also be cassed among tho9e articles whose
productions ought be encouraged for the purpose Of main
tanning equpose between the manufacturing and agr
cultural interests of our country is question mat may wen
deserve our consideration
Upon the subject Of internal Improvements have ever
thought that the power granted 10 ne genera
ded 10 make commercial regulations with them either by
treaties by legislative privileges granted restrictions
imposed as might best suit our policy
And regulating commerce between the states IL was
only intended 10 prevent the shacsles and mpostons up
trnde and intercourse between the whc thel
cicd interests offended pride might dispose them 10 IN
dulce In Under the assumption Of facilitating CONNER
cia intercourse between the Suites II exercised 80 'e en-
tent the wants OF the country would either absorb our
entire revenue restricted be exceedingly local AND par
tinl IN the distribution OF Its fsvors
From the unsettled condition Of this qucsion-ifom the
danger growing OF Its liberal exercise there no nea
sure more required than amendment OF the constitution
fixing some definite limitation 10 this power.
Under government OF law there is nothing more 10 De
deprecated than the Of doubtful powers II the use
Of this power is necessary public prosperity lei us have
the formal assent of the people and the States 10 Its exercise
Although The surrender would give TO the general govern
strong centrazing tendency, other important re-
scrvaons may be held unccn:sr:;na;ed.
Thanking you for the interest taken in this matter have
only add tina, you will please make such OF this letter
as you may think best.
am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. N. H. BEALE.