Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1859-09-23
THE Hon. James Cooper, Ex-United States

THE Hon. James Cooper, Ex-Uniteed States
Senator from Pennsylvania, has. written long
letter toa number of Philadelphia gentlemen,
on the subject Of cheap postage, and protection
to the iron interests. Mr.. Cooper is one of
those quiet, unassuming statesmen, of the land
ofPenn,.whose abilities consist in sound think.
ing upon subjects. Of material interest, rather
than in making frothy stump speeches about
manifest destinyn and our inalienable rights.
We have, therefore. read his letter with good
deal of interest, doubling not that when others
haveread it, it will have its influence in giving
new shape or impetus to their opinions,
The effect which the reduction Ofpostage has
already had, was, he says, "toSquickeu intellec.
tunl activity, promote public prosperity, hcili.
tate intercourse between those whom distance
had tseparated-thus ministering to the senti::
ments Of friendship and kindred, as well as to
the advantage and convenience of those enga-
ged in the various occupations of life." No
increase in the rates of postage should be made,
hecontinues, except in case of stern necessity.
No such necessity exists or is likely to exist
The only argument in favor of an increase is,
that the Postal system is not self-sustain.
ing one. This, he contends, is an unsound and
fallacious argument, being founded on the notion
that the Postoffice should be sustained by itself
1t would be as wise to insist on selEsustaining
Judiciary; for the provision of sufficient mail
facilities and cheap postage, is as much duty
ofthe Governments the provision of ft tri-
bunal for the redress Of wrongs and the restora-
ton of rights. The policy of high postage had
its origin in the harsh and grasping spirit of
despotic governments, and was used, he says, as
an origin to force money from the people In
England, the postage on letters for all distances
is ono penny mot quite two cents) and he thinks
that it,should be brought down as low in this
country.
In. order to decrease the rates of postage, and
at the same time not decrease the receipts of
of the Department he suggests further improve
ments in the plan partially introduced by the
act of Congress Of 1852. That is, for the gov
eminent to furnish stamped envelopes at the
nominal value of the stamps The envelopes
can be furnished at from one to three mills each,
and as they cost the consumer, at present
Especially those distant from the chief manu-
features, in the Eastern cities) nearly one cent
each, there will thus be saving, equivalent to
reduction, of one cent on all letters sent, with
out at the same time materially affecting the
receipts ofthe Department
The argument that such reduction would
occasion deficit, to be supplied from the Gus.
toms and other sources of revenue, he prononn>
ces bad one, because an increase of duties on
foreign imports would also be benefit Iii
necessary, indeed, to prevent another great
commercial reyuIsion, already threatened by
the enormous amount of our foreign indebted.
ness.
From this subject he comes to that of the
iron interest of this country. The iron trade is
one of the most important, and destined, under
wise and judicious policy, to outstrip, in mag
nitude, every other interest of the country, and
yet is paralyzed under the present system of.
law duties. "That an interest" he says, $50
vast, so national in its character, and in the
prosperity and extension of which the CONNER
cial supremacy of the country depends, should
not only be disregarded and overlooked, but
viewed with an eye ofjealous distrust by those
whom duty and national pride should induce to
foster and protect it, is an evidence of the un.
worthy and narrow prejudices which sometimes
blinds men, who ia, other respects are just and
liberal"
Should the Government refuse to protect such
interests, Mr.. Cooper then recommends tho
organization of league ofthe suffering interests
for their own protection. He fully believes that
such aleague could effect the desired purpose.
The iron interest alone holds the balance Of pow
er between the conflicting parties, in the States
ofPennsylyania and New Jersey, and in certain
contingencies in other States, as we'll as in
number of Congressional Districts in various
parts Of the Union.
Such are the. policy and viewsOfa gentleman
whose ability in suchmatters is pretty generally
acknowledged. These questions (ani especially
that relating to the iron interests of the coun-
try,) will no doubt, enter deeply into the next
Presidential campaign. Notwithstanding the
extensive influence of the slavery. question, VIC
would not be surprised, that the question of
Protection should make the next President.
JuDoE L1rrLE1onS, accompanied by j. H.
Standish, Esq, an attorney, left NeBaygo,
Mich, on the sOth Ilt, to hold Court at Ira.