Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-04-03

A few words upon this subject at this time, sug-
gested by the communication Of "A Resident" in
reference 70 the tariff leaf tobacco. the second
one which has appeared in our columns. The fears
of the tobacco factors very natural fthe conse>
quences of the proposed duty of ten per cent. on
the article are well founded. 1t is very probable
that the Western planters of tobacco will consider
this measure seriously prejudicial to their ine-
rests and may perhaps, st the first blush and with
out much exar1instion of the subject come to the
conclusion that they must seek some other channel
o. communication than the Mississippi river, and
some other market for the weed than New Orleans.
But little reflection will satisfy them that there
are really good for entertaining any such
apprehensons. The case is simply this: There has
been no systematic and permanent tariff yet estab-
lished. bill has been brought before Congress
which has been read a second time, and will be
called up on its final passage st the adjourned SEES
sion of Congress in May In this act leaf tobacco is
subject to duty of ten per cent, which will be laid
on the product of all States which may not be men,
bers Of the .Confederacy, and were there no pro-
vision for the free transit of produce for export to
other foreign countries such duty could fail to
have serious influence On the tobacco trade in this
market. 1t must be observed, however, that law
has already been passed by Congress, and is in
force, providing
fran any foreign country into the Confederate
States destined for any foreign country, may be en-
tered have transit through the Confederate States
free of duty subject to such regulations the Sec
retarV OF treasury from 10 TINE Ekal make,
and the said Secretary of the Treasury shall have
power 70 make such regulations as ne may deem
expedent for the safety of the revenue and for the
public convenience, which regulations may be en-
forced in the marner prescribed by law as to other
regulations in relations to the revenue
This il appears to u.s. covers the whole ground,
and will empower the Secretary of the Treasury 70
make such regulations the subjeet as will enable
the receiver TO enter his tobacco IN bond, sell It by
sample in bonded warehouses, and ship it as at
aha han nh
warehousing fees the regulations may prescribe,
which will hardly be any greater than those charged
az present in our private warehouses, while much
greater security will be offered 10 the owner than
under the present system.s -. ss.rgs.v esgs..
But II must be borne in mind that this measure is
not finatS and in all probability the entire tariff
bill will be materially modified before it becomes a
law. 1t printed and published, and action upon it
postponed for the express object of elctlng public
sentiment that after mature examination and rehec-
ton the bill might be perfected and adapted far as
practicable to the interest of the Confederacy
We speak advisedly and from personal observation
when we say we never saw men In power and ex>
ercising authority, painfully anxious TO do right
so sensible of the solemn responsibility imposed
upon them, solcitous of subserving the interests
of the people. and enhancing the honor, glory and
welfare of our nascent COnfederacy, than are the
men composing the Executive and Legislative de-
partments at Montgomery. Dissatisfaction must
ensue the Inauguration of any system, however
perfect it may be; but when confidence in our
rulers becomes established and positive assurance
is felt and realized that both the will and ability
exist their part to promote the interest and web
fare of the people, we have nothing to fear, but
everything to hope for. The policy already fore:
shadowed by the Executive and the Congress of the
Confederate States indicates that our Government
will spare no proper means to liberalize trade in
every department, and to encourage free and
remuneratiVe intercourse with all friendly nations.
Thus in regard 10 the article in question: while it
is proposed to subject it to duty of ten per
cent the tariff of the United States Government
has laid upon it an impost of twenty-five per cent
If the transit law which we have noticed should
be so construed as provide only for tobacco actu
ally IN trdlstI-strips, for example-and not for
invoices bounded here for expert and not entered
for consumption, there can hardly be a doubt that
Congress will make all proper provisions for the
protection of the trade. So far the duty will be
operative on the amount entered here for consump-
ton il will be protection for tobacco raised in the
Confederate States against that grown IN the United
States But, in view of all possible contingencies,
and for the protection OF their own interest," we
would respectfully suggest that parties interested
in the trade in this city should send delegate to
Montgomery to make such representations to the
Government and to Congress the facts may JUS
tify and if necessary ask for whatever relief the
prosperity of the trade may require.
We feel well assured that representations from
such respectable source the tobacco dealers of
New Orleans will receive the most respectful con-
alteration and If the Congress shall be satisfied that
the imposition of duty Of ten per cent. on leaf
tobacco will work injuriously tie article will be
transferred from the schedule of ten per CENT and
put on the free list
In the meantime let our friends be patient and
wait and not be anticipating troubles that may
never be realiZed-s state of mind which produces
discomfort and dsafection-quallt which, in this
juncture of affairs, are to be specially deprecated
N. o. Bulletin. - .4..r q sls.4Al8 8 q 1