Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1854-01-04
CREDIT on RAIIRoAD IRON

give credit to importers of railroad iron
Mr.. CLINGMAN ask leave to introduce a bill en-
titled bill to give credit to importers of railroad
iron;" of which previous notice has been given
There objection, and the bill was read
first and second time by its title
Mr.. CLINGMAN. This is subject Mr. Speaker,
which we frequently had before the last Congress,
but which was not acted upon. do not know what
is the present feeling of this House. but think
there is strong necessity for the passage of such
law at this time In the last Congress it may, per-
haps, be remembered that the proposition failed by
single vote on one occasion. AT that time there
were five members out of the House who had prom
ised me on the previous day that they would be
present to vote for the proposition. only mention
this fact to show it mere accident that pro-
vision similar to the one of the bill submit did not
take effect at the last Congress.
You will also recolect Mr.. Speaker that during
the last Congress VIC allowed several companies cred
it on the terms proposed in this bill but did not
succeed in passing any general law. 1t is simple
matter, and presume that every member of the
House has an opinion upon it now.
beg leave to remind gentlemen that within the
last eighteen months there has been an enormous
rise in the price of railroad iron. Less than two
years ago it could be had for forty dollars per ton in
this country, after paying all the duties and charges
and now it is worth nearly eighty dollars per ton to
the consumer here. The consequence is, that many
of the States and companies which began to execute
works with sufficient capital two years ago. find ow-
slble, for them to proceed.
l also understand Mr. Speaker, that the money is
not needed at this time in the Treasury. We have
large surplus on hand. My bill proposes credit
of four years: In all probability at the end of that
period, the Government may need the money very
much If the duty goes into the Treasury now, in
stead of what propose, it will be expended before
that time, when it may be wanted.
think therefore, as financial measure, it would
be wise policy to throw the receipt of this money
IL.
Treasury to.bc exhausted for the construction of
tional vessels, or for any other purpose which the
House may propose; and if it turns ouf that at the
end of four years. we are involved in some war
and we getting to be warlike people, and need
all the means we can lay our hands upOn-this mon-
ey will come in very opportuncly. l think it would
have been well, perhaps, for the Secretary of the
Treasury to have recommended this as Of the
means by which to get rid of the surplus revenue
which now receiving from year to year. If
the proposition which he has made in his report
should be adopted and carried into effect, the
reduction of the revenue would not take place until
year from next January, and, in the mean time,
there will have been large accumulation. Ipro-
pose, then, with view of trying the sense of the
Mr.. SHELTON, Gntcrupting) I would ask the
gentleman from North Carolina Nr. Clingman
whether it would not be we'll to include in the bill
the importing merchants Of the United States?
Mr.. CLINGMAN. That raises ques' ion which |
from New Jersey at another time. There are two
reasons why that should not be done. First, the
price of goods generally, has not undergone any
great rise during the last eighteen months, and in
the next place, these nportations by merchants arc
importaonS for private purposes while the other is
an importation for railroads which made by The
States and Companies for tho benefit of the public,
and especially the great agricultural interests
have no doubt the farmers of the country vii!
ling to pay taxes whenever the Government stands
in 1off fl,o,,, s,,h,,i f1af {ha,y
ought not to be compelled to pay cash duties when
they arc not needed for any purpose whatever.
know there is certain interest in this House which
is represented with more fidelity than any other in
tereSt under the Government; and notwithstanding
it has large number Of representatives upon this
floor, who faithful digent, and Jealous it also
hss large outside representation here, which is op
Grating more strongly
Mr.. SHELTON, Gaterrupting) 1 am not here as
the representative of the iron interest by any means
but desire to have eye to all the interests of our
common country.
Mr. MEACHAM. / rise to Question of order. 1t
is that the gentleman has right, during the call
upon the States for petitions, to present this bill
and discuss the question: before it comes before the
House.
Mr. CLINGMAS The question is upon the eng-oss-
ment of the bill.
The SPEAKER The Chair overrulcs the question
of order.
| Mr. CEssGNAS l did not intend to dctain the
i House long. was saying that we have had for the
last few years, remarkable condition of things.
There is necessity for collecting these taxes from
the farmers and yet this iron interest is not willing
that the Government should indulge the tax payers,
when it does not need the money. Its representa-
tives up here from time to time and insist that
! the Government shall collect its taxes forthwith.
They fight this matter as though proposed to get
into their private purses. They claim sort of pre-
scriptve right to have the whole country taxed for
their benefit and hence, when any proposition OF
-hofpro iIsot1