True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-02-25
ReyisiOn Of the Tariff.

subject tothirty per cent duty. Mr..
Leicher's reduces this to twenty.four per
cent.
Wool-The duty on all raw Wool i'm
ported is now thirty per cent, but this
same Wool, when manufactured into
Flannels, Bdizes, &C., is admitted at
twenty FIVE per cent, and if made into
Blankets at twenty per cent. Mr.. Letch-
er proposes reduction Of the duty on
raw Wool 10 eight per cent, while Mr..
Campbell would admit all Wool costing
under fifteen or over fifty cents per pound
free, and leave the residue subject, as
now, to duty of thirty per cent. We
consider either of these substitutes pre-
lerable to the present impost, but neither
of them quite the thing. If we are TO
try the experiment of Free Wool, let us
try it thoroughly. 1t is confidently as
serted that the experience, successfully
of England and France, proves this the
best policy for all classes-that the free
importation Of foreign Wool, by stimu
lating, extending and insuring prosperity
to the Wooen Manufacture, not only en-
larges and steadies the market for home
grown Wool but enhances its price. we
are inclined to test this assumption, prac-
ticalIy and, should it prove false, we can
back out, During the last three fiscal
years, we have Imported nearly ninety
million of dollars worth Custom House
valuation) of Woolen Fabrics, and only
six and ha, millions worth of Wool.
Our importation of Wool has steadily
diminished, while that of Woolens firmly
holds its own. Let us try, then, the ex-
pertinent of admitting raw wool free, and
see if we cannot diminish our lmporta'
tions of Woolens. In the hope that Free
Wool, by reviving our now silent Wooden
Mills, would incite larger and quicker
home demand for Wool we hope this
Congress will make Wool completely
free.
Sugar.--Mr. Campbell proposes that
the Sugar duty shall remain at thirty per
cent. Mr.. Letcher would reduce it to
twenty-four per cent. We hope it may
be left unds.urbed. Earnestly believing
that the way to cheap sugar lies thro lis
extensive production at home, we believe
the interest of all classes and sections
requires continuance of the present
duty.
Sah-The present duty on Salt is
twenty per cent, both MIR. Letcher
and Mr. Campbell would remove this al
together.
Suk,-The duty on raw Silk is now
fifteen per cent. Mr.. Letcher would re-
duce this. to four per cent. Mr.. Campbell
would would abolish it entirely
WiHow.-We regret to see that Mr.
Campbell proposes to include Osler OF
Willow in his free list. This is purely
agricultural product, which can now here
be produced more cheapIy than in this
country, and in almost every part ol It,
We have hitherto mainly imported II
from sheer want of consideration and oI
knowledge on the part of our farmers
We are at last beginning to grow il /; our
consumption is rapidly increasing; the
duty is but twenty. per cent, and If Con
gress will just let it alone, ave are conf
dent that we shall very soon not only
grow all we need, but both produce anc
(by Yankee machinery manufacture ii
cheaper than any other country. Viii
: not Congress be so good as to let Willo "
alone!
, On the whole, we hail the appearance
of these two rival tariff bills as givini
promise of substantial accord in the fu
!, ture on the subject thus treated. 1t j
, TOO much TO hope that this Congress wi
give US specific instead Of Ad Vaorer
Duties yet if the present duties wer
Specific, we feel sure Mat it would ne
!, change Them to Ad Valorem. We trus
: that this Congress will not adjourn with
out acting deciSively on the subject, an
: we exort those who agree with us in be
lievng the diffusion and prosperity {
Home Manufactures essential to Nation,
well being, to meet every overture whic
looks to practical accord on IN honorabl
i. middle ground with frankness and libe
ality.
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