The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1858-09-02


600 tons in 1880, to $4,000 tons in
1893, to 100000 tons. In this yeaS the
compromise tariff measure was adopted, un-l
der the operations Of which the duties were
regularly reduced each year. Between the
years 1888 and l640the production steadi.
ly increased, until in the latter year it reach
ed 10000 tons. In l642 it dropped down
to 100000 tons. Between the years lS42
and 1916, after the railroad fever had brok-
en- out in our country, it rose to 775,000
tons. The production continued to increase
until, in 1913, it reached 100000 tons. In
lS49, it sunk TO $4,000 tons, in 1850, to
5000 tons aud continued to fall until,
in 1862, it had reached 5000 tons. In
1853 it rose rapidly to $4,000 tons in
1854 to 100000 tons and continued to rise
until, in 1856, it reached / 100000 tons. II
the theory OF gentlemen now contended for
be true, call upon them to explain how it
was that, under the operation Of the tariff OF
1916, the production sunk from 800 900 tons
in lS4S (two years after the bill was pass.
ed) to 100000 tons in 1862 and, again,
call upon them to explain how (under the
operation of the same tariff the production
rose, in the short space of three years, from
100000 tons in 1852 to 100000 tons in
1855! These facts are important, and emf.
nently deserve consideration. la my view,
they demonstrate conclusively the fallacy
OF the Opposition theory, which charges de.
preston of the iron interest to the tariff le-
gislation of the last Congress. The revul.
sion through which we are now passing is
justly chargeable to individual imprudence,
and not to Governmental action. We live
in an age of the world characterized most
strongly by individual and social extrava-
gance. Extravaganza has its punishment
ia poverty and our commercial, mechani-
cal, agricultural, and manufacturing inter-
ests, as we'll as ali other interests in the
country, are suffering that punishment which
imprudence in expenditures has brought up
on them. Economy, energy, industry, aud
determined spirit will relieve us from our
pecuniary trials and restore 10 us that pros.
perity which has been SO suddenly lost, and
! the loss of which has been accompanied by
so much physical suffering and anguish OF
mind.
Tho Democratic party and the country
demanded a stable policy on this subject.
The Government must raise its revenue
mainly by duties on imports, and those du-
ties should be fairly imposed with reference
to the amount of revenue which NAV be
needed to carry on its operations, due re-
gard being had to economy in expenditure.
; All the interests of the nation and all Sec
tions should be considered in adjusting the
details of the measure, 10 the end that equal
and exact justice may be done. This il all
the South asks, and surely is entitled to it.
| The "utra protectionists" demand more.
They demand Legislation for specified
branches of industry, and would burden all
other interests to secure it. This species
OF legislation we are inhexibly opposed to,
because we see and feel its Injustice. nnd
know that it must end in the creation of
sectional jealousies, prcjudicial to that bor.
Lmony and cordiality which is so greatly to
be cherished, and SO important to our pro-
gress as nation. The excessively and on
prcssively protective tariff of 1928 Produced
results that shook the nation to its centre.
and at one time seriously imperiled the px
stence ofthe Union. Patriotism, however
trumphed, and the measure of 1883 was
passed, which gave peace to our distracted
country. A high degree of prosperity fol.
lowed, but the protectionists were not sp.
tisfied, and, to carry out their ultra views.
passed the tariff of 1912. So muuh dissn.
tisfaction resulted from it, that it was found
necessary to repeal it in 1876. The latter
measure remained in full force and effect
until, in 1857, it was ascertaned that IL
raised more revenue than was needed for an
economical administration of the Govern.
ment. We thus see that high tariffs, adopt
ed with more reference TO protection than
revenue, have been short.lved, and emf
nenty miscbevous to the public peace in
their operations and results.
Give ua, then, something fair, Just, and
equal, and our prosperity and prl gress Us
nation will be secured.