New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-05-25
ARE WE PRoTEoT1os1sTs7


At the intersection Of our two principa
thoroughfares stand several tons Of iron
Pennsylvania, We presume-cast into th'
form of man, erect aud in full oratoria
action. It was intended as the mementt
and monument Of patriot, whose de
votion to the interests of his country wer'
never excelled in the classical ages O
Grecian or Roman history.
We may presume that testimonial g
costly, SO conspicuous and, we may add
80 obstructive of commercial and popular
convenience must have represented .
highly intelligent conviction Of the prin
ciples and services of the distinguished
subject.
From indications arising out of the
confused Indifference Of our public
leaders, we should infer that the memory
and the doctrines Of Henry Clay have
alike persisted from among Us. We have
even seen an anti-compromise meeting
held at the base of his statue. It some
times occurs to US that his blackened
image may excite the speculations Of fu.
ture antiquarians, and that regard fol-
his patriotism and doctrines having slike
been lost, there may not arise dispute
whether the statue was intended as an
emblem of the era of colored emancipa-
ton.
We are led thus to inquire whether the
doctrines of Henry Clay have any dis
ciples among us? Are we protectionists?
Our fellow-citizens have accepted the
leadership of the Democratic party. They
elect Democrats to Congress with dis
pensation to vote for protection Of rice
and sugar. The Democratic party are free
traders on principle. Their advocacy Of
protection is permitted violation Of a
cardinal faith. Hence we see the Demo-
cratic member vote for pro.ection Of iron,
calico, sugar or rice, but for free trade in
all articles in the production Of which
his constituents are not interested directly.
We repeat the glaring fact that ma
jority Of the members who voted to admit
the sugar of Hawaii duty free were Demo-
Gratis. These men were, in this case, true
to the principles Of Calhoun, Hayne and
Hunter. They voted for free trade against
protection square.
But if Louisiana favors protection, how
is it that she supports party whose doc
trine is 50 destructive Of her chief inter-
ests? Free trade Democracy has slaugh-
tered the sugar interest of Louisiana 50 far
as the establishment Of q precedent can
effect that object. Hon. N. P. Banks, of
Massachusetts, who should have appre-
ciated the value Of Red river sugars and
the necessity of their protection, is classed
and acting with the Democracy in Con-
gress. He has made the most able argu-
ment in favor Of free sugar from Hawaii
on the avowed ground that the present
is comparatively Insignificant,
but it establishes q precedent principle
under which the whole sugar product Of
the Pacific coast Of America, the whole
coast of Asia, and the six thousand islands
of the Pacific intermediate between Asia.
Africa and America may be introduced
without duty into the markets of the Uni
ted States.
We can show that Louisiana produces
but about five or six per cent of the
sugars consumed in the United States.
The figures were in 1874 10000 tons
foreign to $4,000 tons domestic sugars.
We can show that the whole importation
into our Pacific ports at the same period
was 80, 900 tons, or four and fraction per
cent of our whole consumption. Yet the
Of the Democratic free trader is
to admit four per cent of our sugar con-
free, that it may lead to the in
PRODUCTION Of the whole foreign consump-
ton duty free.
If the Democratic doctrine be free trade
to the whole people, protection to those
who protect themselves, it would seem
that the Louisiana planters and laborers
should attach themselves to some party
which protects those who can not protect
Pennsylvania, New York,
Connecticut and Massachusetts, standing
together, will command seventy-fve votes.
Their interests being identical in respect |
% many manufactures, they may combine |
md secure such rate of duty as satisfies
hem Louisiana and Carolina, with the |
portions Of the Gulf States which produce
sugar and rice, can not, perhaps, COM
nand fifteen votes directly representing
hose interests. Free trade Democracy,
hen, protects iron, calico and other man.
fabrics to protect the interests |
# their constituents, and then votes for |
rec rice and sugar to feed and employ
heir constituents, and as pleasant mode
# vindicating free trade principles.
Now, the difference between the direct
on principle and the intermit-
ent protection for local gain may be
hown by the doctrine of Henry Clay, as
ia ed in his own words.
1t is to be found in his great speech at
'incinnati, August 8, 1880, in vindication
nd explanation Of the American system.
We shall say no more at present than
hat be was defending himself and his sys-
I'm from the Democracy Of that day.
hitch, as he alleged, sought to destroy
9th. Mr.. Clay thus announces the true