The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-11-08

ed, than for the purpose of parading my own
crude ideas before you. These are the effects
of what is termed Indirect Taxation. We
have another species of tax, called Internal
or Direct Idxation, so direct that it is
thought best that everything pertaining to it
should be done by indirection. This species
of taxation, in the way that it is now levied,
is but little. if any, less oppressive and OBJ.
noxious in it's operations than the one we
have been considering.
So far as taxes are levied upon manufac-
tured articles, the result 10 the same; and
had we means or data for investigating it
feirly and truly, doubt not but we could show
that at least 81 ,000, 000, 900 more was taxed
upon the industry Of the country, for which
the nation receives no benefit, which would
make, in the aggregate. the sum of 81, $780,
DOC, 900, over two thirds the whole amount
of our national debt.
But, considering the amount at which we
first arrived from imports alone, of 81 AGO.
600, 600 over and above the taxes claimed by
the nation, from that source, and taking our
national, debt at its present estimate of So
2OO, 900. 600, you will discover that you
could liquidate the whole of it in the short
space of two and half years, without any
further taxation, could the money you al
ready pay reach the treasury scarcely
need say TO you that the excuse for perpetra-
ting such an enormity-so oppressive and
paralizing to all the great industrial pursuits
OF the country-is protection to manufactur-
es. In the early history of our country
when manufactures were in their infancy,
and capital was not as easily commanded as
at present, it was deemed prudent to give
them the encouragement Of the government
by levying discriminating duties upon import
ed articles, until such times as the manufac-
fOrlaa could 90 a hliah fhannoalvas
sonably secure basis, so as to enable them to
compete with foreign goods. What was then
conceded as a measure of expediency, is now
that the interests under the protective pol
icy of the government have become strong,
powerful, and even arrogant-do anded as q
right.
This subject has, in former times, been
made party question. 1t may become such
again. As such l am not discussing it, 1t
is only as a question affecting your interests,
which l deem paramount to all others, affect.
ing your welfare, present and prospective,
In a manner calculated TO paralyze the euer-
gies of the farmer, and rob industry of it's
legitimate reward, that / allude to it. Con
sidering myself as belonging TO the indus
trial classes, and having no political hopes,
my sympathies, naturally, are with the class
to which have ever belonged ; and N urging
you to throw off the burden which is bearing
you down, and emancipate yourselves from
an evil which must eliminate in a bondage,
little. if any, less than European serfdom,-
you will do me the justice, | am assured, to
suppose that in 30 doing | am actuated by
no sinister purpose. but DESTROYS alone of pro
noting our common good.
The evil is upon US. 1t is deep seated and will
be hard to eradicate. 1t will seek in the future,
it has in the the past, to perpetuate itself BY
any and all means, honorable or dishonorable.-
1t now commands wealth; and wealth NAV, and
in all probability has and will command double
influence; the influence attached TO money, as
money, and the influence attached to money, as
a bride To corrupt Legislation. Under the cor
ruptlng influence consequent upon the struggle
through which the nation has just passed, il NAV
be doubtful how far such Temptations may affect
the virtue and integrity of our Representatives
There was time when many good and well
meaning men espoused the doctrine of protection,
using the speclous plea that the higher the
| tax the cheaper would be the article upon which
| it was levied. Either the progress of higher
order OF intelligence, the practical illustrations
which the people have had, has exploded that
sophistry, until, at this time, there is who
would hazard his reputation for truth and SANITY
| by advocating such II theory.
In Eng land even, where IL has met with most
| favor, and from whom too many of our public
men have copied their ideas of national policy
it is beginning to be viewed in its proper light
A late number of the London Times, discussing
the proper subjects tor legislation by the new
| parliament, says 1T should be the object of
national determination that distractions to trade
| in the shape of twenty millions of custom dues,
and nearly as much excise, should be materially
reduced Enormous taxation not only enhances
/ the price of the commodities TO which il is es-
/ pecially applied, but it takes away from hun
dreds, and from millions, sources of profitable
employment"
| Concluded To-mOrrow.l