Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1866-05-16


dels here against the dangers of any in
siduous treason from any quarter, when
it comes to taxation we should not only
be just but generous and draw back on
manufactured cotton all the taxes actual
ly paid in any form that will tend most
to benefit the Southern and Western
States, and they will at once manufacture
cotton, yarns and warps much more ex-
tensiyely than they have hitherto done,
and the Southern people viii be the last
to surrender. The system of a tax on
cotton shall be so large as to reduce the
prices below twenty cents per pound
This tax will not be greatly felt by Amer
leans. Should the tax at any time op-
erate.adVersely to our interests, as l do
not think it can at present, it must be re-
duced or removed, as experience may re-
quire. Surely if the entire cotton crop
of the U. s., save what we consumed,
would be exported in a manufactured
shape or each in particular manufac-
tured state, instead of exclusively as raw
material, it would be end worthy of a
statesman, covering our country with
blessings, wronging no man, and would
do much towards extinguishing resent
ment and restoring kindly feelings
throughout the land. The Southern
coast and the banks of the Rio Grande,
the Mississippi, Mobile, Tennessee and
Savannah would soon be decorated and
enlivened by factories, giving employ
ment to thousands and bringing culture
and contentment, social life and the con-
tent of organized industry into the re-
gion where hitherto useful industry has
worn the badge of dishonor. The saving
of freightage aud in the cost of food
would secure at least handsome profits
possibly large profits to those who may
engage in the business with prosperity
With freedom to all, and such measures as
will induce them to work they may be-
come prosperous, and through the policy
of the national government, even though
the cotton crop of the present season
should be but one-half of the standard
crop, the price will be SO great that the
South viii realize more money from it
than from any previous history.
Mr.. Morrill, continued his remarks at
length.
Mr.. Raymond spoke in favor of some
appropriation for paying the principal of
the national debt. He did not think it
was proper to provide less than S50,000,-
600 the first year, to be increased from
year to year, as the system of taxation
was perfected. He favored a tax on in
comes, cotton and luxuries, and opposed
the removal of an increased rate of five
per cent. on incomes above the first S5,-
900. He also favored reduction of the
tax on spirits and opposed the taxing of
small manufacturers, such as tailors,
cheesemakers, shoemakers, &c.
The House then proceeded to the con-
sideration of the bill by sections, being
that imposing tax of FIVE cents pound
on cotton.
Mr.. Lynch moved the amendment, ex-
cepting 600 pounds of cotton in the
hands of producers. e-s-..
Mr.. Morrill, continued. The largest
export trade we have ever known of the
manufacture of cotton was that of 1853,
when it was trihe over SS,000,000. 1t
has steadily decreased since that time,
and during the war nearly ceased, not
reaching 81, 900, 900 in 1865. The system
of levying tax upon home manufactures
would never have been dreamed of but
for grave necessities. Our treasury was
exhausted, our people were tired of pay
ing taxes, and a large party among our
people were not in harmony with the
idea of maintaining the Union at all haz
ards and at any cost. Loans could only
be obtained at first in driblets, and among
foreign nations. With aristocracies eve
rywhere dominant, it was an inexpressi-
BILE joy for organs of public opinion to-
speak of our country as "the late United
States" Among them there was no
Louis XVI. to send US a man or lend u.s.
dollar, or even bid US God speed in put
ting down a rebellion the most wicked in
the annals of mankind.
This internal tax has proved a resource
of unequaled magnitude that can be used
in any sufficiently urgent crisis, and
which is an ample requital rendered in the
hour of our greatest need, for all protec-
tion, either direct or indirect, eyer be-
slowed upon the products of domestic
industry. Without these products of a
sree people, we should have been as weak
as our foes, and if not Vanquished, we
should have retired after a single indie
terminate campaign. But now the beau
ties of peace return, and we must simpli-
fy our laws, reduce the burthens of tax
payers, and cheaper the cost of living
All this cannot be done at once. We
shall do the best we can and leave some
thing to be done by the next Congress
and future Commissioners of revenue at
an early, day, Spirits, malt liquors, to-
bacco, cigars, cotton, and perhaps a small
number of other objects, it is to be hoped,
with custom duties, viii afford a revenue
with all the wants of the
The fixed economy of all /
civilized nations requiring large revenues,
appears to be to squeeze out of those az
ticles called luxuries by mankind, or
which sustain and soothe but never Gre
ate habits deplored by good men every
where, the largest sums which most strin-
gent laws will secure, and our practice in
this respect from this time forward
should doubtless conform to that of the
world.
Some changes are now proposed rela-
i've to tobacco and cigars. Concerning
their utility have serious doubts. fear
that the door which for the past year
seemed effectually closed will be opened
10 fraudulent practices, and that the rev.
nue, as well as the honest dealer, will
suffer. Tobacco growing and manufac-
turing interests, it is true, has been and
IS now, greatly depressed, but not so
much on account of the form or amount
Of taxes as on account of the large influx
Of untaxed tobacco that flowed into our
market upon the cessation of the rebel
ion; and it may be added that our tariff
IN foreign cigars is much too low.
The bill proposes to wholly exempt
rom taxation many articles, and to large
y reduce it on others, and among these
will be found slaughtered animals, salt,
sugar, starch, coal, vinegar, saleratus,
clothing and boots and shoes. These ex-
smptions and reductions will lessen fami-
y expenditures and be a relief to all
classes of the community. Dress makers
md milliners, welding potent inhu-
snce as they do, will no longer be treated
IS men, subject to taxation, but as deser-
ing favor. Though they may tax US we
10 not propose 10 tax them. 1t has been
he policy from the start to avoid taxing
ii fertilizers, draining tiles and many of
he more expensive implements of agri-
culture. 1t is now also proposed to re-
ieve freights, perhaps the most indefens-
BILE tax we have had, perpetually check !
ng commerce, and adding to the price of
purchases as well as diminishing the price
r. ealeS