Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1882-08-29

l did, as you know, oppose Mr.. Cab
bells Unnecessary agitation of the tobac-
co tax as unwise an inoppertune. At
that time the dominant party in Con-
gress believed that If we reduce the to-
DaccO tax, the revenues would not be
sufficient to support The government,
and any agitation of the subject was
mere claptrap, and designed to deceive
the people. The result showed | was
right, and this district will never recov-
er from the losses 1t sustained by that
two years fight.
But now the treasury reports and the
reports Of committees of Congress show
cOnclusiyely that in consequence of our
Increased revenues, we can, by cOntinu-
ing the present tariff, safely abolish the
whiskey and tobacco tax. Our present
representative, Col. Cabbell, is not only
| an opponent of the whiskey and tobacco
tax, but has voted and allied himself
with the free trade advocates. know
not how he recOnciles his two positions,
but presume he imagines that he can, as
formerly, humbug the people with the
idea that he is the modern Moses to de-
liver them from all national bondage.
l am in no sense opposed to the Nation
| al Government. but favor it. | think it
was designed for our good as well as for
the welfare of other sections of the cOun-
try, and feel confident that when Our
representatives cease their silly warfare
against the tariff, we can rely on the
help of the tariff advocates to abolish
taxation on our farms aud orchards.
frln old hannnnrotin Inat,ina poc
"Free trade" and it may have served as
n rallying cry in ante bcllum days but
now when Virginia has awakcd to new
life and Is trying to recover her lost for
tunes, when foreign capital is coming in
10 develop our mines and water powers,
and our own people, recupcrated from
their past rcverscs, are engaging IN
manufactures of cotton, iron aud other
products, 1t seems TO me mere folly to
advocate free trade.
Theories are good, but results are bet
ter; Look ut the prosperous northern
States and see the comfortable homes of
her laboring mechanics and nrtizans ana
the wealth of her capitalists and you can
understand what protective tariff will
do for us In the near future.
Subjects numbers five and six touch
on briefly, ms my letter Is already too
long.
The United State constitution provides
In the Sth section of article lot that
Congress shall have power to lay aud
collect taxes. duties and cxriscs TO pay
the debts, and provide for the common
defence aud general welfare of the Uni
tcd Statrs.'
have always thought that the gen
crnl welfare demanded Of our National
Government liberal system Of free
schools and internal improvements, and
believe that the next Congress ought
and will inauguratc the one and foster
the other if not hintlcrPd by extreme
States rights advocates.
And now as to my party position, !
have as you know, While differing In
many opinions as herein expressed yet
acted with the Democratic party.
am satisfied now that the Democrat
ic party Of this dislrct, as II will bc rep
resented IN it, next convention, not on
ly differs from the views have express
cd hut Is welded to the i,lrn that il Is
treason to advocate amy liberal or pro-
grrsSivr opinions, and | therefore viii
not allow NV name ~ go before II FOR
the nomination for Congress.
My opinions are not popular now
with extreme men. know, hnt the time
will soon arrive when our district and
the Southern people will adopt them,
and we shall hear no more of sectional
ism IN this country.
"A solid South aud II solid North v
will be dream Of the past.
um, respectfully yours
W. +. SIMS.