The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-23

| foreign producer bears at least q portion of the
burden. 1t should be remembered that Congress
is legislating for anomalous period-a period of
| revolution and war. In presence of the over
whelming events of the day, the calm theories Of
peace time must inevitably give way. II the
United States were still in the condition which
they enjoyed in 1859 1860, sound political econo-
my might dictate the adoption Of o free trade
tariff, with duties imposed for revenue
purposes only. But, in view OF the
debt we have accumulated and are ac-
cumuatng, and Of the stoppage of the export
Of cotton, rice and tobacco, it becomes matter
Of paramount Importance to check, at whatever
cost, the indiscrminate importation of foreign
goods; while, on the other hand, it is indispensa-
BILE to compel foreign manufacturers to contribute
their share toward supporting the government UNI
der which they have hitherto driven so successful
o trade. 1t is not question of protection or free
trade. The question is simply whether we can
afford to pay foreigners in gold for goods which
can as easily be manufactured at home, and
whether, in the present financial circumstances OF
the government, we can afford to neglect any
source Of revenue whatever. Congress has de-
cded that we cannot, and the country will un-
doubtedy sustain the decision
That viii be dspleasng to foreign countries is
very likely. Certain European nations have for 30
many years held possession and control Of our
markets that they have come to regard them az
their property; they may resent the new tarin as
they did the "Morrill tariff" an absolute inter-
ference with their rights. But their complaints
are not likely to find much sympathy among the
people Of the United States. This country would
have been only too happy to trade with the foreign
world on fair terms, throwing open our markets to
foreign wares, for an indefinite period OF time, had
the pending rebellion never broken out, or had
it been suppressed within . brief period of
time. Unhappily it has already lasted nearly ff-
teen months, and it may last some time longer.
Under these extraordinary circumstances the peo-
pie of the United States do not feel at liberty to
be guided by the views and wishes Of foreign ma
tons, but deem it a duty to devote their whole
thoughts to the execution Of their own purposes
and the maintenance Of the credit and resources of
their own government. They adopt this policy
with the less scruple as the nation which will be
most injuriously affected by the proposed increase
of duty-Great Britain-has not evinced by her
acts any regard or concern for a further develop
ment of commercial intercourse with the United
States. 1t was England which insisted, at the
outbreak of the quarrel, upon the recognition Of
gave heart and hope to the rebels by placing them
on par with the United States. When our fnan-
cial policy was yet undetermined England made
swift haste to deny US permission to negotiate a
loan in London and the leading British authorities
on finance boosted that they would starve us into
yielding to the rebels by refusing to let us have
any British money. 1t was to British ports that
the privateers naturally steered and was in Bri
hat fhavp vad holf
lection. 1t was British manufacturers who supplied
the rebels with cannon and modern weapons. 1t
was British vessels that the rebel emissaries sent
munitions Of war to run the blockade. Of all the
prizes of foreign craft made by navy since the
war began, every one, without single exception.
has been British. At the most critical hour in our
struggle the British government, though in pos
session Of despatch from Washington which
showed clearly that war could never arise from
the Trent affair, suspended shipments Of lead and
sstpetrc to this country, and actually laid an en-
barge upon guns which had been bought by agents
Of our government on the continent of Europe and
transmitted to England for shipment to the United
States Under these circumstances it will not be-
come the English to complain Of our new tariff as
unfriendy. We have been compelled to take care
Of our own interests. II the feelings Of the peo-
suited tariff absolutely prohibiting the introduc
ton Of British manufactures into this country,
until the present war debt had been paid of,
would be adopted without delay. The Finance
| Minister of England has openly declared that the
| British government was guided in the policy
| adopted toward this country, by desire not to
offend the eight million people who were expected
by the British to constitute the Southern confcde
0P xa.:Hn
duties are adjusted not on grounds of feeling, but
from motives of public policy and economy.
1t is not desired that British goods shall be
excluded from our markets; but it is intended that
they shall pay such rate OF duty as shall on the
| one hand, secure q substantial revenue to the
| government of the United States, and, on the
other, offer inducements to European manuiac-
turers to emgratc TO this country, aud to our own
manufacturers to expand the sphere of their indus
| try In the course of very brief period of time
| the tariff now before Congress, if adopted, viii
have the effect of developing our manufactures of
| wool, cotton, iron, &C., in very remarkable de-
gree. -Four or live years would probably enable
our manufacturers so thoroughly to develop their
business that, when the time came for return to
low duties, they would be able to undersel Ei-
rope in every branch of industry. That a large
number Of European manufacturers would come to
this country with their capital their machinery,
and their laborers, is likely enough. There is
room for all Of them. This country possesses far
greater natural advantages for manufacturing in
dustry than any country Of Europe, and, under the
proposed tariff, market superior to that which is
enjoyed by the manufactures OF England or France.
Our makers Of iron, cotton and woollen goods re-
alize fortunes in 1.-THE Of the time required in
Europe.
The following are the official tables OF the
foreign trade Of the port for the week and since
January L.
| IMroRrs.
| For fhs ueei. 1850. 1861 1892
| Dry gods. ......... ~ ,23sG00 2i5,3a 24s O53
| General merchandise 2,G30,j47 60s 3I7 22ps 6o7
| -
Total FOR the week. 81 ,959,i47 1.s23I 2yI3lCo
M.