The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-23
PROTECTION.

They mistake who suppose that fvorite popu-
lar error or pet political heresy viii remain dead
when once killed, or is ever content with one defeat
and destruction. Political heresies have as many
lives superstition ascribes to the cat and have to
be met combated, and overthrown not only nine
times but ninety times and nine. 1t is the faculty
Of truth to rise again when crushed to earth and to
survive through eternal years but it is also the
faculty Of error TO itself often from overwhen-
ing defeat, and to sustain many knock-downs as
Heenan Morissey, before finally giving up the
ghost
We have an instance of this tenacity of life in the
resurrection of the old pet wing scheme of Pro
fecfioa--a scheme which commanded great popu-
lar strength when industry was infant, weak,
and apparently in need Of the fostering care of
government; however homogeneous it may now
be with the industrial vigor independence, and
prosperity of country. Temporary relapse
and depression is one of the incidents and evidences
of honrishing and enterprsing industry and it is
during the temporary existence of such depres-
sion in manufacturing interests that the old noun
tebank, Protection, has lifted up its head again, like
Fastaf at Shrewsbury protesting that it is neither
dead nor "emboweled,' and Boosting a greater
prowess and vitality than ever
The protective doctrine is now presented to the
country in more ingenious form than usual 1t is
adapted in each locality TO the predominant interest
and feeling The proectionist in Pennsylvania clam
for high duty on iron in New England he is
eager for humping tariff on cotton and woollen fab
RIGS in Louisiana, he has sweet tooth for large
to exclude English and WEIGH rails by prohbtive
impos, and to construct the Old Dominions connex-
ions with the great West with iron made only at Trede-
gar Clifton forge, and Manakin Town If the Penn
sylvania protectonist is asked whether he is will
ling to extend his principle of protection to the cot
ton and woollen fabrics Of New England, and to tax
the masses Of the Keystone State fifty per cent on
their wearing apparel for the benefit of the Yankees
lie will scout the scheme with indignation for its in
equality and enormity If the Virginia protectionst,
who proposes to save the two millions of dollars now
sent from his State to England and Wales for iron,
is asked whether, in order 10 do so, he is will
ling that the Virginia people be taxed five six
millions sugar and dry goods, he will reject
the project with chivalric disdain. So, too, the
Louisiana sugar-grow and the New England man
ufacturer would denounce iron tariff as vehe-
mently tariff for their benefit would be de-
nounced by the Pennsylvania Virginia protectonist
Thus the protectonist in each locality is prompt
to repudiate the principle in every application
of it but the one intended for his own especial
benefit. Such is the intense, illiberal and exclu-
.sve selfshness to which protection makes its APP
peal 1t has catholicity of aim instinct; it has
no breadth of benefcence it has no nationality of
purpose or policy. The antislavery agitation was at
least sectional; it had an amplitude that at least
embraced half of the Union But the protective pol
icy is even narrower Of scope it is contemptibly
local its aspirations contracted within pent-up
Utcas it cannot look beyond its own immediate
dunghill its vision may possibly extend over sim
gle State but if il looks beyond if it casts its eyes
from Pennsylvania to Connecticut or from Virginia
to Louisiana, it Immediately repudates its own prn-
ciple with misery sel6shness and nervous alarm.
Analyze the cry of protection as you may, and it
can be reduced to nothing but cry for dread
from the federal government. What an idea! Great
States, sovereign States appealing to the federal
government for bread "Tax the people Of the
Union says Massachusetts to the federal govern
Union says Pennsylvania ito feed my iron miners
and forgers" Tax the Union" say the protection
lists in Virginia. ito enable our fouudries to sustain
themselves and flourish This is a new common
tary upon vrgina's doctrine of strict construction
and State sovereignty, Can State be sovereign which
consents to appeal to foreign government for bread
and protection
But this result saysthe Philadelphia Press speak
ing Of the Pennsylvania election, 's not only an up
rising of the people against the betrayal of their
representatives, &c. &C.; but is, at the same time
tribute to Pennsylvania feeling, and to that idea
which is cherished by all people-that of pro-
lection to American industry" most sublimated
State pride must prevail, indeed, when a beggary
appeal through the ballot-box to the federal Union
for help and bread can be regarded as tribute to
Pennsylvania feeling!p
THE APPROACHING DEMOCRATIC STATE CoNvEN-
TION OF VIRGINIA.
mo Jarnn