The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-10-05
Fom The Patriot and Union.
An Item for PrOtectiOniStS.

who act with the Opposition in this State
commences and ends in protection. In
every campaign voters are implored 10 sus-
tain the Opposition because they are in ia
vor Of aprolective tariff. Last fall, when
business of all kinds was stagnant, and
thousands of men were thrown out of en-
poyment by the temporary suspension Of
manufacturing operations, this cry in favor
of projection 10 American industry was used
with considerable effect against the Demo-
cratic candidates. Persons out of employ
ment we're impressed with the belief that
,if the Opposition carried the election, in
one way or another, a protective tariff
would be enacted, and under lis beneficial
influences manufactures would prosper,
money become abundant, and labor at high
wages be in constant demand. The bait
look, for men in distress will clutch at any
hope that is presented. But how hollow
and heartless are all these professions on
The part of Republicans. The trick is 10 be
played second time, possible, for on all
sides we hear from the Republicans the
loudest professions in favor OF a protective
tariff. Voters are again promised that if
they contribute TO Republican victory,
American industry shall receive ample pro.
lection when that party take possession of
the Government. These professions are a
cheat-made TO be broken. The Republi-
can party is not in favor of protective tar.
iff-its victory would not be the victory of
the protective system. Outside of Pennsyl-
vania their organs do not pretend to advo-
cate high tariff. We have, on several oc.
casions, quoted from the New York Eusning
Post, leading Republican organ of great
ability and influence, to verify these allie.
cations, and again commend 10 the espec-
iai attention of protectoniss the following
extracts from late number of the same
paper. In commenting upon the remarks
made by the chairman ofthe Massachusetts
Republican convention in favor of protec.
lion, the Post says:
Elm what copy of the Republican platform
Mr.. Kellogg tound the doctrine of protec-
tion, we cannot imagine. 1t is not in our
copy, nor in any other that ave have seen,
nor could we consent for moment 10 be.
long 10 party which made the support of
protective tariff one of its tests of member
ship, or which even lent lis influence to the
revival of the protective system. Next TO
slavery, we regard the part which our Gov
eminent has taken in the maintenance of
the protective system as the great oppro-
brium of our country. From republic like
ours, professedy so framed as TO interfere
in The least possible manner with the pur-
suits OF individuals, the world had a right
to expect perfect freedom of trade and yet,
almost from The time of Hamilton to this
day, the commerce Of the country has been
encountered with restrictions invented for
the purpose of making all other classes tri-
butary to the manufacturers. The counsels
of Franklin, wisest Of economists, were dis
regarded, and a system of revenue laws,
often modified, but even now essentially in
force, though in perfect discord with our
political institutions, was borrowed for us
from the legislation of countries less free
than our own"
Such is the emphatic language of a lead.
ing Republican organ, speaking for the Re-
publican party. We quote ii 10 show how
emphatcaIly it repudales protection, and
how careful it is 10 preserve the Republi.
can from the suspicion Of favoring the IA
vorite dogma, in support of which the Re-
publicaus of Pennsylvania are shouting
themselves hoarse.
How coolly, TOO, The Post snubs the Re-
publican tariff men, and how remorselessly
it takes the wind out OF their sails when it
declares that "lhe protective system is no
longer The question OF the day /; another has
taken its place, dividing the people into
two great parties without reference to the
views they take of restrictions on trade"
Here is confession not very palpable
10 those who assure the people that the Re
publican party will certainly enact pro-
tective tariff If they are only intrusted with
power. The classification OF the President
among the friends of protection is in luti-
crous contrast with the daily asseverations
of our Republicans that he is determined
ee-trader, who takes a savage delight in
stopping mills, putting out furnace fires,
and crushing home industry:
"At present some of the most Jealous
friends of free-trade are in the Republican
party, and many of the most eager advo-
Gates o! restriction are among the support
ers of the Administration. James Buchan.
an is himself a friend ofprotect ion, and only
at the last session of Congress endeavored
TO persuade Congress TO make temporary
deficiency of revenue pretext for retrac
ing the steps the country had taken towards
freer system. The Whig recruits which
the Administration has lately enlisted un.
der its banners are proteclonisls. The
Democratic party tolerates all diversities of
opinion on This question; so likewise must
the Republican party, or it will assuredly
fall in pieces"
1t is about time that the Republicans
should cease asserting their claim to be
considered the exclusive friends of home
industry, or show that the Republican par
ty of The country is tariff party, which
cannot be done. The cry of protection is