Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-02-25


the purpose of supplying its Treasury with So
much as may be necessary to carry on its oper-
ations economically it has no right in laying
those duties, to look to any other object than
the acquisition of needful revenue; that when
ever it undertakes to lay them, not with an eye
to revenue, but with an eye to protecting any
one class of the community, either manufactu-
rers or Others, it does SO in violation of its obi
cation to the many it robs the majority for the
purpose of placing money in the pockets of the
minority: therefore it is not in consonance with
the spirit or with the terms. of the Constitution,
but is utterly subversive of every principle of
Justice and fairness in legislation. Equality is
the great principle with us and in disposing of
the burdens of the Government, these burdens
should be so distributed that they may fall as
nearly equal as possible on all classes Of the
community, and on all the interests of the COM
munity.
A wise, good and great statesman of my
own beloved Commonwealth, who filled various
Important positions within the gift of her people
as Governor, Senator in Congress, member OF
this House, and others of less Importance, and
ably and faithfully discharged the duties OF all
i allude to Governor Gles-laid down these
doctrines in regard to Government, its powers,
and its duties. | ask for them the attention OF
the committee:
sit should never be forgotten that government
itself is an evil but to certain extent necessary
one. Beyond that necessary extent every move.
ment of the Government is in derogatlon OF
common right, and becomes common curse to
the people. Every enactment is in derogatlon,
of common right; and every enactment beyond
the necessary limits of governmental power Is
an act of despotism. 1t is q usurpation OF the
rights of the people"
Again, Mr.. Giles says, speaking of the rights
surrendered and the rights retained by him
when man in his individual character went into
state of government:
"Whence, then, the derivation OF the govern
mental right to take from one man the surplus OF
the proceeds of his own labor and give it to an
other, neither rendering public service, ana
both being equally entitled to the protection
of the Government in the enjoyment OF
all their individual rghts9 No legitimate
Government, still less the Government OF the
United States, being Government OF chartered,
limited powers, has any right whatever to inter-
meddle with the surplus proceeds OF mars 10,
Dor after paying the public contributions; and
any encroachment upon this sacred guarantee TO
| the individual by Government is q palpable and
upiustifiable usurpation. But the rapacious
hand of Government. feeling power and forget
ting right has at all times seized upon~thls
surplus Of the proceeds of labor for the ac..
complisment of its capricious, profgate, ana
mischieycus schemes"
subscribe, cordially subscribe, to these doc
trines of Governor Giles, and regard it as very
important that they should be borne in mind IN
the consideration and the adjustment OF this
measure. We all well remember the effects
which were produced by the enactment OF the
tariff of 1928 1t was followed by fierce sec
tional strife which threatened, at one period OF
its existence collision between the Federal
Government and the State of South Carolina
Never have witnessed such excitement as
existed at that time in all sections OF the Union
and but speak what all feel and know when
saw. if blow had been struck, the bond OF at
lection that unites these States. would have been
severed. and severed forever. Every patriot
throughout the land deprecated the then exist
ing state of things.
/ do not desire to see such result brought a.
| bout by the action of this House now. In the
adjustments of the tariff, by which the revenue
is to be collected to support this government,
trust our action now will be marked by prl'
dence, q sense of justice, and due regard fol
the rights, interests. and prejudices even OF all
sections desire to see it adjusted, and It's De
tails arranged and settled, on some far prlncl
ple. which will enable Representatives and Sen
ators from the North and the South (while mel
: ther section may get all its demands) to return
TO their constituents, and satisfy them that the
measure is Just and equal in its operation. J.
d. we thus act, just and generous constituency
, will not only approve and abide by the measure
that we may adopt, but they will hail the spirit
which actuates us as an omen OF future peace tt
the country. ! desire to see nothing more o
those sectional disputes which have cast gloon
over our land, and divided our people. l desire
to see the kind feelings of early and better day
restored to our country and our councils. In
affection of the people is the only safe and Sc
cure foundation on which this Government cal
t rest. Withdraw them from its support, and it
s davs are numbered. Let us cease our wrangles
!. terminate our hostile opposition, and no longe
5 waste our strength in war from which we Cal
reap only "a harvest of Woe"
:, imagine, then, you will agree with me tina
the farmer. the planter, the day-laborer, ever.
d class in society represented in the profession
J and otherwise and the mechanical Interests, al
e all are interested in a reduction OF the revenu
y to the standard of the Governments wants ol
J, an economical scale; and that the only lnteres
: opposed to reduction of the revenue VIII coln'
d from the owners of manufacturing establish
+ ments and stocks, who have been growing IA
: upon protection. Are there not enough. her
e representing all these various interests that
r have enumerated who are ready to agree upol
e some measure which promises to settle this queS
d ton upon fair and just basis, that the countr.
n will recognize and approve2 We must setti
: this question; we must preserve the people irol
y the evils of this surplus in the Treasury; ah'
S having settled it, and saved them,t VIII perhap
SI 30
s But suppose You come to determination t.
adopt some bill that will be acceptable to tn
n manufacturing interests of one section OF tn
f country. while it is obnoxious and unacceptable
# to the other section, or to other interests th'
t question will not be settled You cannot eXpec
n acouiescence; and you must return, at the mex
t session of Congress- prepared TO have the que.s'
0 ton re opened.and to renew the war. You vii
: have this subject kept before Congress ana th'
: country. rs bone of contention, pro0aoly 10
] wears to come. You will open again the foun
tain of bitter waters
e In 1916 the question was settled by the adop
: tion of the existing tariff. So far as my ooser
vation has extended, the principle or whlch ina
: tariff rests has met with very general concur
: renee in the public mind throughout the country
north and south, east and west. If, then, w
have this point to start from-ifthe principle OF
which the question was then adjusted is accep
table and we are now called on, as we are, u
revise the measure, is there any other safer OF
. surer plan to meet with public appreciation. ane
f to command popular favor in behalf OF oul
scheme than to start at that point, and make
: uniform reduction, as far as may be necessary t1
meet Government wants, on the various sched
ules then recognized as the proper basis lor th'
( adjustment of the CONTROVERSY
Mr.. CAMPBELL, of Pennsylvania. Let me
osk the gentleman question. Understood HIN
to sov that he is in favor of reduction OF duty
on imports on the schedules of the tariff OF lS4t
{ in order to diminish the revenue of the Govern
ment. Now is not the gentleman aware that
r further reduction would increase the revenue OIL