The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-04-05
THE WEEKLY OPIONEERf AND DEMOCRAT
+" Breakers Ahead"

nreakers AnASc"~'u.
The New York Times, one of the most
cordial supporters Of the Administration,
in its issue Of the Oath, contains strong ar
ticle under the above caption, setting forth
the disasters and impending ruin already
brought upon the country by the Republi-
cans, particularly in relation to the pas.
sage Of the MERRILL Tariff Bill. From in
formation derived through other sources,
we believe the conclusions arrived at are
correct. We copy the material portions Of
the article: foJ i o 4l8
The enactment of highly protective
Tariff on the heel of the last session of Con-
gress, without the slightest provision made
for its enforcement, and at the very time
when secession was so fully matured as to
indicate its character and purpose, was an
act of reckless folly unparalleled in our le-
gislative history. The measure is equally
bad in every point in which it can be view.
ed. 1t is not revenue tariff. Its object
was to discourage importations. cit cannot
be enforced on more than three thousand
miles of sea coast, and fifteen hundred miles
of interior line. The spectacle of great
nation unable to enforce law enacted with
all due solemnity and upon the observance
OF which the exercise of all its functions de-.
pend, is humiliating to the last degree.
Whatever may be the ultimate aims of
the seeding States, present advantage is
of the utmost Importance as lever for
future operations. A tariff is highly un~
popular in the Border States. The one
just enacted is the strongest argument yet
addressed to them to go with the seeding
ones, and is telling with great effect. No
matter how absurd may be the statements
and arguments used, they none the less
effect what we would avoid. We do not at
the present moment wish to give an oppor-
tunity to draw an ill.natured picture OF the
Northern capitalist seeking by legislation
to add to his gains, by increasing the cost
of everything the poor man cses. No step
could have been taken so well calculated to
ALLEVIATE the Border States, at the very
moment it has been our policy to conciliate
them. .-r q
The seeding States have US at equal
disadvantage in foreign Courts. The ma.
lions of Europe with whom we have the
most intimate commercial relations are
earnest advocates of free trade. Yet at
the very moment that we most desire their
sympathy and cooperation, we insult their
convictions and strike the severest blow in
our power at their interests. The seeding
States will take instant advantage OF our
blunder, and will make every effort to Sc
cure their goodwill, if not an actual recog.
milton, by adopting commercial policy in
harmony with their own. 1t was for this
purpose, undoubtedly, that the enactment Of
the new Tariff was postponed, to await the
report of the Commissioners just sent
abroad. I'D t-p
At home and abroad, we are already feel
ing the effects of our gratuitous folly. Both
English and French journals are teeming
with ill-natured and unfavorable remarks
with contrasts either openly stated or i'm
piled, in favor of the seeding States
What compensation have we for all these
sacrifices Z None whatever or at least,
no adequate one. How is this to be rene
died? Only by the passage of new laws
By whom is this to be done? By frac.
ton of the nation, which will be only ad-
ding fuel to the flames. If Congress were
called to day, the House of Representatives
would show only LA of its 237 members.
States having 81 members have seeded.
Over 60 members are yet to be chosen from
non-seceding States, which will not elect
till the latter part of the year ; chiefly Bor-
der States. Suppose an extra session to be
called. Shall it proceed to business with
barely quorum, and enact important laws
bearing upon all the States, with only about
one-half of them represented?
Never was a nation in greater embar-
rassment. We confess our inability to en-
force the most important laws we enact,
and sit passively down and see them vio.
lated, without raising finger, How can
we maintain any national spirit under such
humiliation? We take the step of all others
most calculated to ALLEVIATE the Border
States and foreign nations. We can neither
collect our revenue nor afford protection.
Who, under such circumstances, would dare
to embark in any enterprise? How much
revenue can be collected in Northern ports?
No one can answer these questions. Is not
such uncertainty the greatest of all evils ?
A state of war would be almost prefera BILE.
1t would be the beginning of an end. Thus
far we seem to be without direction or pur-
pose, or the means of enforcing our purpose,
if we had any.