Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-02-04
THE TARIFF QUESTION.

Caucus OF THE DEMOCRATIC ANTi-PR0TEcTi0N
MEMBERS.
!! caucus of the Democratic members of the
House Of Representatives, who are opposed to
4 protective tariff, was held in Washington on
Tuesday night. About fifty members were
present, principally from the South. OF the
North. " were from New York, two from
Minnesota. one from Ohio, and five from Iii
nois.
Mr.. Millson, of Virginia, said he was unwil-
linz to be bound by the action Of the caucus.
The House Of Representatives was the proper
place for action. lie offered a series Of rcSolu-
ton declaring it to be inexpcdient 10 disturb
the present tariff and against protection or spc-
citic duties.
Mr.. Phelps. Of Missouri, was opposed to
specific duties and protection in any form. but
was in favor Of a modification of the tariff for
revenue purposes. TO meet the demands OF
the treasury. He remarked that there should
be a rctrenrhmcnt of expenditures.
Mr.. BarkSdalr, OF Mississippi. was opposed
to all duties. lie favored ircc-tradc and direct
taxation.
Mr.. Miles, of South Carolina, spoke to the
same effect.
Mr.. Stewart, o. Maryland, did no: know
whether he was properly present under the
cali. rs liz was in favor Of 4 judiclouS tarlil
for revenue purposes. He thought the pre-
sent tsritf was not perfect, and that Il change
might DC made to the advantage OF the coun-
try.
Mr.. Morris. of Illinois. wanted the chairman
on ways and means (Mr. Phelps, of Missouri
TO answer whether the mint intended to
report any tariff bill. and if so. of what char
actcr:
Mr.. Phelps replied that he could answer for
himself. lie was disposed to report n bill inodi-
fyinc the tariff. in order 10 increase the rcvc-
nue. of the country. But he had to inform the
gentleman that the committee had come To L
deadlock.
Mr.. Morris suggested to Mr.. Phelps to pre-
pare n bill and submit it ut an adjourned meet
ing for consideration.
Mr.. Garnet. of Virginia, opposed the modi-
ication Of the tariff. lie alluded to the fact
that the present expenses of the Government
were more than Necessary. lie considered 1t
the duty Of the Democratic party to inaugural"
n system of rctrcnchmcnt and reform. lie
offered a resolution for the appointment Of 4
committee Of five to report on the lncaiiS by
which the expenses Of the Government may
be reduced.
Mr.. Lamar, Of Mississippi. was opposed TO
specific duties. He thought it high time for
the Democratic party to define It's position on
the tariff, and allow the present law to have a
fair trial.
Mr.. Stephens. of Georgia, said that when he
first entered Congress, in lS43, the expenses OF
the government were only twenty millions per
annum. The country had gone through an eX-
pensiye Mexican war, with 81, 900 soldiers in the
field. for litv-thrcc millions. Now, in n time Of
nc,cc the estimates were scvcnty-thrcc millions.
There were many expenditures which were
wholly unnecessary, and Il reform was indiSpen-
SADLY requisite. He believed that forty millions
was an abundance for the national expense. lie
was. therefore. opposed to an increase OF the
dutiey. The expenditures should he brought
within the present receipts.
Mr.. Crawford, Of Georgia, offered 4 series oil
resolutions As q substitute for those offered by
Mr.. Garnet. which the latter accepted. ihe
first resolution declares it incXpedlcnt to dis
turb the tariff Of 1851. The second provides
for the appointment Of 4 committee oil i've To
report ut the next meeting OF the caucus the
means by which the expenses Of the govern
ment can he reduced.
MI. Crawford believed, and was advised TO
that effect ut the Treasury Department. That
the simple extension oi the treasury note law
for one or two years, authorizing the reissue
of the notes for nearly twenty millions. which
are rcdccnable next July, would he sufficient
to relieve the treasury. -
Mr.. TAYLOR. of Louisiana, expressed himself
strongly against any decided action ut the pre-
set time. He believed il to be due the Dem
ocratic party and the country to postpone inr-
ti,cr proceedings until u general meeting OF the
Democrats Of the House conli he called to coI'-
slider the resolutions.
Mr.. Stewart, of Maryland, made an ineiiec-
,nal motion to table the resolutions
Mr.. Reagan. Mr.. Phelps Of Minnesota. Mr..
Craigc of North Carolina and others, pariici-
patcd in the debate.
The resolutions were then adopted hy nearly
an unanimous vote.
Mr.. George I Taylor, of View York, was oppo-
Sed to these proceedings At this time. lie
though, it premature, and calculated to place
gentlemen in 4 false position before the conn,
try. He was unwilling 10 bind himself by the
proceedings OF this caucus, representing ~ 1t
did, less than onc-half of the Democratic mem
beers of the House. lie therefore moved to re-
consider the vote by which! the resolutions
were adopted, with the view to have the mo'io''
entered, 50 that they might be called up iof
consideration at the next meeting.
On motion of Nr. Burnett. OF kcatlrSy, the
CAUCUS adjourned till Saturday next.
\ general invitation will, it is understood. IN
the meantime. be EXTENDED to all the Democratic
members Of the House 10 he present ut tht
next meeting.
O
THOMAS W. WALTON. ESQ.
We are requested, by 4 number Of iniiuen
tial Democrats in Pittsylvania county, to all
nounce Thomas W. Walton, Esq. as a candl'
-.ant tL,nt rn,ntr in the unnsc %