Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-01-21
MEMPHIS APPEAL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 81. 1882


The New York Times, in verv interest
ing summary Of the power possessed by Con
gress over commerce, and of its ability tc
affect the prosperity OF the nation for good
or evil, presents matter worthy of the atten.
ton Of all classes of citizens for the interest:
of all are strongly bound up in the action
that legislation may take, or the neglect il
may be guilty Of, respecting many subjects
that most profoundly affect individual well
fare as well as national relations. Many
problems OF the most profound character
have occupied, since the cessation of the
war, great part of the time and attention
OF Congress. We have now reached a state
of things that allows of giving full attention
TO a number of social questions, such as the
polygamy abomination, and of various COM
mercial matters, some of which are OF
paramount Importance, and which the
country is justified in demanding shall
be entered upon without delay. The
revision of the tariff, including a considera-
ton OF whether that tariff shall have pro-
lection or free trade for its basis; the restora-
ton of our shipping interests; questions in
relation to currency, including the adoption
OF gold or silver standard, or both; the col
lection of revenue, and TO what extent it
shall be apportiOned to taxation OF internal
products, such as intoxicating liquors and
tobacco, and in what proportion to raw and
manufactured material imported from
abroad; to the negotiation of treaties with
foreign powers, including extension of the
reciprocity system we have established with
Tahiti to Canada and Mexico; TO the COM
mercial functions of our foreign co nsuls and
ministers, and the national protection OF our
foreign trade; to jurisdiction over the coasts
and waterways, including the improvement
of the Mississippi river from st. Paul to the
iettIes; and to the disposal OF the public
lands, including the forfeiture of
many millions of acres granted in
aid of railroads which have not full
A national bankrupt act is loudly called for;
the payment and refunding of the national
debt is also pressing question. The regula-
tion of commerce between States presents
several points requiring authoritative action,
especially as regards transportation and the
holding of railways to responsibility, de-
priving them of the power to commit acts o
injustice and oppression. Among these
varied subjects the regulation of the tariff
appears likely to have precedence. The pres
ent tariff contains provisions frequently con-
Trajectory, often unjust, and still oftener in
furious to our commerce, to the advancement
of our manufactures; it restraints trade, fos- |
tiers monopoly, Encourages invention, arouses
the opposition OF foreign powers, has given |
the trade of Middle and South America to |
Europe, and, in connection with our an
tiquated marine regulations, has driven the
American merchant service from the sea
10 such an extent that vessels flying
he American flag rarely seen
even in the ports with which we have extern
American capital are deprived OF the vast
income derived from our immense carrying
rade and the business that trade carries
along with it. The mere naming of these
subjects shows in how great degree our
prosperity, and consequently our
rational progress, is dependent upon the
lction of our national Legislators. Many
eaders of newspapers never read the brief
ietaiis of the proceedings of Congress they
contain, and are often utterly unaware OF
Vhat is done in Washington until they find
ONE interest of great Importance to them
elves acted upon in a way adverse to the
ountry's interests, or wholly neglected, the
ime being devoted to squabbles and per-
onal alterations. Then comes complai4t
nd denunciation, the denouncer seldom re-
Getting how far his own inattention to the !
oings of Congress- and his districts failure
0 hold their representatives and senators re
possible for their official action, may have
ed to error or encouraged delay. Every
armer, merchant, manufacturer and laborer,
Tho notes the subjects liable to Congress
ional action named above, cannot fail to see {
ow closely hisindividual interests are linked
q with national policy.