The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-05-13
,rha American, system.

rrom washington letters we learn that
the Repabl seans, In casting about to see
what they shall do about tho Early future
campaigns, have decided upon a plan Tor
reyiying something like Mr. Glars Arneri-
can systen. The idea seems to be to COM
bine q protective tariff with other ideas
looking 20 the encouragement Of American
interests both on sea and land, with the
view Of getting the benefit OF an American
enthusiasm, which there will be great ei-
forts TO arouse.
We are gratified at the Information. it Is
all the world better that the issues OF a party
character should relate altogether 10 the
practical Interests and general welfare oil the
nation, entirely disconnected from any sec
tionai;sn or fanaticism OF any kind. Inc
discussion of such issues will never impair
the peace or the harmony OF the nation.
That the Republicans think OF entering
upon this new kind OF discussion Is good.
IT shows that they either tire OF the war OF
passions that has racked the country Tor so
many years, or that they see that that war
promises not only no advantage, but threat
ems them with serious injury. and that they
must find something in lieu OF it for agita-
ton hereafter. J..
The "American system" is not bad
theme. Since our civil war. which SO Sc
riously aIienated the sections, it is very
much to be desired that we should harmo-
nize those sections by uniting them upon
national Interests, and arousing their
friendly rivalry in exertions for the promo
ton OF tSe peace, prosperity, and power
and dignity OF the Union. The southern
peoplc know that the Union is their coun-
try, ard it is their right, as it will promote
both their interest and pleasure, to devote TO
It their earnest and vigorous support.
Upon the subject OF any form OF policy
named HAmerican system" there is no
great room just now for any wide division
of opinion. The public debt requires a
heavy tariff, and it cannot be iudiciously
levied without afiording decided protection
to American industry. Besides, so repul-
sive is the burthen of internal taxation that
the whole country will be ready at an early
day to transfer that burlhen to the tariff
upon importations.
So that we cannot we'll see that there is q
probability Of framingan American system
lust now that will occasion very wide diff
ference OF opinion amongst the people. l.
Besides, it should be borne in mind that
great revolution, physical rs we'll as po-
liticai, has taken place, and that manufac-
turing has commenced in the South. There
fore, while strong discrimination in levy
ing taxes on foreign irnportations may not
be approved as earnestly in the South as in
the North, still the cry for free trade"
will be neither unanimous nor strong in the
South. So we cannot expect very anil
mated struggle over this theme of contro-
yersy.
MIR. CLAY was great man. His country
was embalmed in bis heart, and it was bis
proper love of his native land that fired his
words and kindled sympathy in every
mind. We trust that our Republican fell
1ow-citizens will be able to infuSe great
deal OF public devotion into their political
issues. The more OF that the better. A con-
test in which this noble feeling is the ami
mating motive cannot fail to enno5lc the
actors and invoke blessings upon the coun-
try. It cannot fail TO make sectionalism
and fanaticism ugly and detestable.
Success to the American system!