Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1858-12-10

tiona and it, effect 10 increase the taxes OF the
people and make their buriheus irregular The
President favors the adoption Of the specific sys-
item, whilst his Secretary says 81 would adhere to
1.-The principles of the present tariff act What
shall We do when the doctors diherf for here is
10 real dilemma.
The chief executive officer Of the government
recommends one system Of measures to Congress
for their adoption, whilst Ms subordinate delivers
a homily to the same body in opposition thereto !!
Since the foundation of the government, was the
like of this ever known before? And this too. in
the party that has but ono SET IF principles
What balderdash are all these high pretensions
when even the President and his Cabinet cannot
agree. but proclaim their dissensons to the world
| Upon one principle however they are agreed; 1t
10 the touch stone of the party. and that by which
every true democrat is known-the spoils. For
these they will sacrifice all minor interests, and
though occasionally quarreling like kilkenny cats,
will unite and work together like beavers t" pro-
cure and keep office. Few die. and none resign"
said Mr.. jefferson. 1t is 30 still. and no honest
difference of opinion upon great questions OF pub
lie policy is sufficient to seyera Democratic Cab
met in modern times. But We cannot conclude
this article without showing what The States,
Democratic paper published ut the Capitol, says
about the Presidents heresies:
| For ourselves, saysthe States we are obliged to
protest against the Presidents recomn endation OF
lspeciic duties as a substitute for the Democratic
principle of ad raiorem imposts. In fact. upon
| his own representation of the obstacles which
impedcd the successful operation Of the tariff OF
1857 we do not admit the necessity for II revision
of our revenuc system. If, As the message CON
tends the results Of the tariff of 1857 were inter
rupted by tho rcvulson of that year, why not
postpone any change in the present regulations
until their efficiency stested by farer experiment!
The reply is that upon any possibility the revenue
IF the existing tariff will not be adequate TO the
cx pcnditurcs Of Government We answer. that
sound policy would suggest n temporary provision
for the deficiency, rather than resort to sudden
and frequent alterations in system Of which the
chief essential il stability in operation. The com
merca enterprise ofthe country is nst beginning
Ito adjust its calculations by the tariff OF 1891, aud
any change in the present rates Of Impost would
necessarily introduce EN- barrnssmcnt aud confusion
in the Relate Of trade.
But If it be determined that the public ext
gcncies demand nm immediate reform in tho
financial system of the Government, then let that
reform be accomplished in accordance with the
principles Of the Democratic party. We must
take no backward step. Least Of all should n
Democratic Congress assent 10 u restoration OF
the exploded hcrc-y Of specific duties. We I'M
iorstand upon what motives OF policy the sGgges-
ted was submitted hy the Executive; but II Is
better that particular interest should endure
temporary depression. rather than the party agree
10 an abandonment Of ITS pr' neiulcs.