Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1865-08-30
Letter from Senator sherman.

A society has been organized in Cleveland, Ohio,
for the Protection of American Industry by
means Of an increased Protective Tariff The fol-
lowing is one Of the propositions
at is 70 be noted that during the war the extra
ordinary advance Of gold prevented importations
and amply protected our industry; that tho return
Of peace has so deprecated gold that importstions
are being largely renewed; that this added to the
necessary burden Of Excise Taxation, has begun to
cripple our mechanical enterprises to an alarming
extent; that unless relieved by early legislation We
shall speedily be flooded by the pauper productions
OF Europe; and that under these enormous disad-
vanages our home manufacturers can not long sur
vlye We must inaugurate a system of competition
between the wen-paid, intelligent labor Of free
country and the ill-paid, ignorant labor Of dense
desPotlc countries. Such system high protective
tariff alone affords thus opening our only avenue TO
financial equality with the world"
Senator Sherman, in response to q communication
from this Society has written the following letter
MANSFIELD, Ohio, August IA, 1865.
DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 10th inst, accom-
panied by a circular Of the Society for Protection
Of American Industry is received. The object
stated by you Is certainly among the most impOr-
tant that in these stirring times can occupy the at
tention Of our citizens.
We must depend upon the constant employment
Of our industrial classes and the rapid development
posed on US by war. Our industry must be eXpsnd-
ed in employment that viii yield the greatest re-
turn While we freely acknowledge the evil and
burden Of debt, whether individual OF national and
the inconvenience Of taxation, should avail
selves of any benefit that may be derived from
them.
Our necessities will compel Us to levy very heavy
taxes on imported goods. This is No longer ques-
ton of policy but it is plain and obvious duty
Surely, in making this levy, we5hOuld not only seek
as much revenue in gold possible but in doing
should also protect the industry Of our people.
Foreign goods are consumed by those best able 10
pay. Duties on them being collected mainly at a
single point are more easily and cheaply assessed
and collected than internal taxes. Besides, all taxes
Of whatever nature any article tend to limit the
consumption Of the article So far as duties on i'm
ported articles tend 20 substitute domestic fabrics for
foreign fabrics they beneficial. If this is the
purpose Of your society, il viii receive whatever
support am able 70 give It.
We arc not only able 10 meet all our national en-
gagements, but in time can supply 10 our people
from home productions all the articles with which
the industry of Europe now furnishes US. Our
country is so vast and varied in climate soil and in
dustry that We can make for and sell 10 each other
most articles demanded by modern civilization
We can encourage the skill Of our own people, and
induce to our oil the industrial classes Of all ma
tions. We thus develop orr resources, and add new
families to share not only the blessings Of power
fl and free Government but also the burdens which
its promotion has cast upon rs.
Very truly yours
JONI SHERMAN:
! r WILLIAMS ESQ