Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-30
REpucrIoN OF THE TARIFF.

We felt sure that the opposition we have
made to the Treasury recommendations touch
ing the manner of reducing the tariff, would
bring upon us the hostility Of the monopolist
press. We did not; howeves think that the
manufacturing interest would be so impolitic
as to permit its journals TO be nsolent and
offensive.
The principles of the Democratic party are
now in the ascendant. Those principles were
liberal, and they were carried out in spirit
too liberal perhaps. The manufacturers were
not assailed by the Revenue Law OF 1916.
On the contrary the manufacturing interest
has prospered and extended under the IN
fluence and during the operation OF that law.
1t was satisfied we thought, with what 1t re-
ceived. The Wings confessed that they were
beaten. Federal ideas disappeared; but now,
when we repeat the commercial principles OF
the Democratic party, protective prints Willy
and abuse u.s.
Why is this? What have we done? We
have assailed the Tariff recommendations OF the
Secretary Of the Treasury; and the assault has
called FORTH not resistance only but impudent
abuse. This is fact not unworthy Of conside
ration. Twelve months ago, no protective
journal had the effrontery to be. impertinent IN
speaking of commercial matters. Only few
of them would even speak of the subject OF pro-
lection as thing which the Federal Govern
ment ought to countenance. Why, then, has
change taken place? Why does the manu-
featuring interest begin to swell and hector
The reason is plain. That reason can be found
in the fact that Democratic Secretary OF the
Treasury has recommended the abandonment
of Free-trade principles, and return to the
Chinese policy for which the Wings contended
so strenuously.
Amongst the journals which have assailed
us, we notice the Newark Advertiser. That
paper charges us with hostility to the manu-
featuring interest-with disposition to hurt
that interest; and, it intimates that we are OPP
posed to a reduction of the Revenue from
Customs. We have no unfriendly feeling to-
ward the manufacturing interest-we do not
wish to injure ii, and no man can speak truly
and say that we do not advocate reduction
of the Revenue. We say now, what we have
said many times before, the income OF the
Government is too great, and it ought to be
reduced; but, in making that reduction, we
insist that Free-trade principles shall be kept
in view.
We would confess ourselves under obliga-
tons if the Newark Advertiser, or any of its
protective confederates, or if any other de-
fender of the Secretary Of the Treasury, would
condescend to submit an argument tending to
prove that the manufacturing interest is enti-
tied to especial consideration and particular
protection and encouragement. We say that
ayriculture-thr nursing mother Of the State
is more entitled to the fostering care Of gov
eminent than any other interest in the country.
Can any man tell us why it is not? Will any
one undertake such task? We think not
vet the Secretary of the Treasury would dis,
criminale against agricuture-he would put
additional burdens on that interest in order to
swell the profits Of associated wealth.
The manufacturers have reaped rich profits
Under the Revenue Bin of 1886. Even the
Secretary Of the Treasury tells us that they are
exporting to foreign markets, and that he wishes
10 strengthen them for competition in those
markets. Will the Newark Adoertiser tell us
WHY the government should undertake such q
task2 Will that journal, after having learnt
better language, tell us what exclusive right the
manufacturing interest has to the favorable
consideration Of the governmentH Will it tel
us why further determinations should be made
in favor of that interest imposing further dis
examinations against agriculture and com
merce? Tire manufacturers are not suffering
The exports which the Secretary Of the Urea
sury testifies to, shows that they are goinl
abroad and seeking wider marts. Why, then
should they demand greater privileges thar
they now enjoy?
We protest against any such proceeding
and we do not mean to abate the force OF on
protest on account of the impudent misrepre
sensations and insolent sneers of prolectiv
journals. We remember well the arduou
struggles Of the Democratic party-its excl
tons. and its sacri6ces--in building up tn
Free-trade policy. II is but ten years since tn
great battle was fought and the great victor
was won by the election Of James X. Poll
Now, when every man recognizes the benefit
which flowed from that triumph; when eve
the Wings have avoided the issues then d.
cided, Democratic Secretary of the Treasur
undertakes to overthrow the Democratic polio.
and the protective journals applaud and su
tain his recommendations. This is gre'
pity; but yet the duty Of every true Democr'
is clear. Men must not be permitted to plat
themselves above principles, and if, throug
ignorance or temerity they should do so, thu
ought to be promptly rebuked and repudiate
The present Secretary Of the Treasury has r
commended that Free-trade be abandoned, al
that the protective policy be embraced. W
therefore, urge the Democracy to cling fast