The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-04-05

the deveOpement OF our resources as IL
done that Of other States? hope to get this
matter of iron, as we'll az of glass, included in
the next tariff bill +!
The tariff was heretofore n Democratic mea-
sure in the State Of New Jersey. The first
resolutions on this subject, as well as | can
recollect, were introduced into the legislature
of this State by MIR. James J. Wilson, gentle
man of eminence and worth; no one will doubt
or dispute his Democracy, leader of the Demo-
cratic party He was looked up too and much re-
spected throughout the State. Not many years
after this however the party was rent asunder;
one side took with them the tariff thunder--it
was all the thunder they had--they would not
allow the matter to be settled, aud thus it be-
came party question. How much more
necessary a tariff is at this time let experience
and facts show. With an annual expenditure
of fifty millions of dollars staring us in the
face can an Jthing be more ridiculous than to
quarrel about the vngaries of free trade! This
amount of expenditure will require an average
duty of thirty three per cent. on all our impor-
ia ions. We have no other resources for reve-
nue. of any consequence but the duties on im-
ports What folly, then, repeat, to be con
tDualy wrangling about the doctrines Of free
trade! Fellow-citizens, my party robes do not
hang very heavy on my shoulders when the
welfare, the honor, or the interests OF my coun-
try are at stake
have passed my grand climacteric, and can
have ut best but few more years. live now
in and for my children. If were to consult
my int. est alone or my ambition, would con
Germ myself little about the Constitution or The
laws | would not be much concerned at what
might happen. speak not for myself but for
nv childrens children, and. if it is not too much
to say, for my God and for my country. | de-
sire peace and liberty, and the maintenance Of
religion and the laws, as the only guarantees for
The perpetuiiy of our free government.
Here in this favored land is the last and best
asylum of liberty; drive her from these shores,
aud where will she find resting place!
Fe!ow-ciiizens, among the most important
means of preserving our government in its
strength and purity is rigid economy in our
public expenditures. They have increased in
the last quarter of century, from thirteen to
fifty millions of dollars, and if the augmenta-
ton of increase should be the same during the
next twenty. five years, the cost of this govern
ment will be carried up to the enormous amount
of two hundred millions Of dollars, about three
fourths of the expenses Of the British Empire,
not including the payment of the interest or her
public debt If this prodigaiity and waste
be ruined. If corruption, with its hydra. head
and its long train of evils, once begin to sap the
foundations Of the republic, freedom is gone for
ever.
desire to see this government brought back
to the simplicity and economy of the days OF
Jefferson. Such sentiments may seem strange
to some of my felow-citizens, but it must be
borne in mind that belong to the young and
progressive school of Democracy. 1t is true,
was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, among
the srictest sect of Federalists. My father
was Federalst | was too young to take
part in the politics of those days. He was
compeer of Hamilton, and Washington, and
other great men Of those times; he loved
them when they lived, and loved their men,
cries when dead 1t was his glory to fol.
low where the footsteps Of Washington led. If
| had been old enough in those days, would
probably have been Federalist purer band
of patriots and more honest men never ruled
the destines of any country; they acted wisely
in their day and generation.
Our fathers knew well the impossibity of
the FUTURE they did not attempt to
stretch their arms into futurity to regulate the
conduct of their sons fifty years in advance, no
more than we will attempt to do the same thing
for the fifty years next to come, Since their
day our country has increased in Importance,
and wealth, and power, far surprising the most
sangnine expectations Of the founders of the
republic we must Judge and act in regard to
public affairs for ourselves.
do not like that principle which bids me
stand still, because Washington stood still
This is not just to the memory of that great
man, whose opinions were formed fifty years
ago under an entire different state of things.
In the days Of Washington there was much
more to be apprehended from those dangers
which threatened dissolution of the States
than from those dangers which threatened
consolidation of the whole into one central
government.
The powers of the general government should
be strictly guarded, and its patronage restricted
Everything that they can possibly manage
should be left to the control and directions OF
the several State governments. The operations
of the several governments should be confined
within the strctest rule of the Constitution
Our efforts should be now exerted to disem
barrass the general government from any inter.
meddling with the internal affairs of the States
and to put an end to prohigate waste and extra
VACANT expenditure. But | will stop. | am
obliged for the compliment you have paid me-
and the attention with which you have listened
to what have had to say. bid you farewell"
| will only add, that the speaker was frequent
ly interrupted with bursts Of applause, and that
the impression made, generally, was of the mos,
satisfactory kind. The Commodore, you will
remember is one of the United States Demo
cratic Senators from New Jersey is great
favorite with his party in this State and his
many friends who urge him for the Presidency
From the augusta ConstiiutionaHst.
The Telegraph.
We unite our earnest protest to the following in