The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-07

The New York Evening Posi- thus comment
on the last tariff movement in Congress


on the last tariff movement in Congress
The NEw CoTTos ScHEME.-It is related
that in the time of fable, the bat, presuming on
his wings as credentials, attempted TO join the
assembly or birds. He was driven out, as be-.
ing no genuine fowl OF the air, and next, confid-
ing in his. four legs, appeared in the convoca-
ton of beasts. Being repulsed there. he after.
wa5s. from a sense OF shame, kept himself con.
ceakd by day, and only came out in the night.
That was long ago. The bat now comes out
boldly in the daytime, and wheels in ostenta-
tious circles, over our heads Dir. James, of
Rhode Island, member Of the United States
Senate Democrat with Wing principles
the u an who, while the Wings were apparently
in the ascendant, gave public assurances that he
was in favor Of all Wing measures, and who AZ.
forwards, when the Democrats had carried the
elections in most Of the States, took great pains
to let the world know that he was Democrat
has lately given noice in the United States
Senate OF his purpose 10 introduce in that body
a measure Of great importance--one Of the most
important which is likely 10 be brought before
Congress at lis presents session.
Its proposal TO abrogate a most essential
part Of the present tariff, and 70 mske begin.
ming Of higher duties. For this purpose, Il Is
said by the partisans Of protection that he has
intrigued both with the assembly Of beasts and
that Of birds. As Wing and friend Of pro.
lection, he has, according TO bis authority. se.
cured the support Of the Wing members FOR his
measure, and as Democrat, he has made sure
Of the assistance Of sufficient number Of the
Democratic members ~ secure a majority for
the bill he il about 10 present.
The protectionist journals, we perceive, are
-. H.. -. .r1 fo.9
thing, says the New York Tribune, 10 get rid OF
the tariff Of 1916 any measure which will &C;
the example OF introducing higher rate Of du.
ties into our revenue laws, on whatever article ],
may be laid anything which will break in upon
the system Of Moderate imposts Lat ne but
succeed in beating one Of the stones Of the
building out Of It's place, and we shall By and by
have It's entire walls level with The ground.
A principal feature in Mr.. James's scheme. i
a higher duty on the finer cotton fabrics. One
would suppose That the duties on cotton goods
Of different qualities were tolerably well sppor.
toned 10 their value. Cotton fabrics which eos,
dollar yard, are charged with a duty OF
twenty-five cents yard those which cost bui
ten cents, pay n trihe over one cent ward. Mr.
James il extremely anxious that the more deli.
cate and costly tissues should have still create,
difficulties thrown in the way Of their mporla.
ton into this country. Why Is this
II is well known that Mr.. James has himself
been concerned in the manufacture OF fine cot
tons, and in this enterprise il has been sort oi
hobby with him 10 cause his spindles 20 be
whirled and his shuttles thrown bysieam pos er
instead Of water. lie is even the author OF 4
book setting forth the economy Of using steam
in TIE cotton mills. Have you seen James
book |" said one Rhode Island manufacturer d
another, both of whom employed water power
have, was the reply, and Il reminds me o.
an anecdote Of gentleman, who happened, IL
travelling at the West, 10 stop al Cincinnati
lie entered ore Of the business streets. in which
he perceived that all the shutters we're closed
Pefceiving a door ajar, he stepped in, and saw
man weighing out groceries by the brilliant
light Of several lard lamps, Of whom he inquire,
the reason of what he bad seen, sopposing tina
possibly the shops and warehouses bad beef
closed in consequence Of some public funeral
The man looked hard at him, and begged tina
he might be allowed TO ask how old he was
About sixty years. was the reply. And in al
that time asked the man, have you not fount
out that lard-light is cheaper than day.lightp
The anecdote is as pertinent an illustration o
the absurdity Of the whole system OF projection
as u is of the mistake Of supposing that powe
like steam, which it lakes money TO generate
can be cheaper than that Of water, which is spon
taneous.