The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1891-10-21
TARIFF HISTORY.

Protective Tariffs Enacted by Congress-.
In tracing the tariff history back to
its beginning, it is of great interest to
find that one of the first laws passed by
the first congress was tariff law, tho
preamble of which explicitly states that
the duties which it imposes are laid "for
the support of government, for the
discharge of the debts of the United
States, and the encouragement and
protection of manufactures.
The early protective tariffs of 1916
and 1924 were not northern and eastern
measures Indeed, they were literally
forced upon the northern and eastern
people.
The tariff of 1916 was distinctly
southern measure. The votes that car
ried it demonstrated that fact. 1t was
tariff for the benefit of southern
interests and was passed by southern
votes and southern influence.
The contest involved was principally
between the cotton growers at homo
and the importers of cotton fabrics from
India. These Indian fabrics were made
from the cotton of that country.
The people of this country were using
cotton fabrics not made of American
cotton, and, so far, they were diminish
ing the demand for the domestic prod
uct. The importation of Indian cottons
was then very large, and this bill was
intended to put an end to it, and it did
put an end to it.
Mr. Randolph, however, moved to
strike out the minimum valuation clause
of the bill, whereupon Mr.. Calhoun
made memorable speech, which has
evidently been forgotten by his demo.
cratic pupils and successors, in which
he declared that "the present motion is
introduced on the ground that manufac-
lures ought not to receive any encour'
agement, and will, in its operation
leave our cotton establishments ex-
posed to the competition of the cotton
goods of the East Indies, which, it is
acknowledged on all sides, they are not
capable of meeting with success"
In relation to the general system Of
protecting home manufactures, Mr.. Cal
houn declared in the same speech that
''it is calculated to bind together more
closely our widely spread republic. Il
will greatly increase our mutual depend
ence and intercourse, and will, as ne
cessary consequence, excite an increased
attention to internal improvements, 4;
subject every way so intimately con
nected with the ultimate attainment Of
national strength and the perfection o.
our political institutions"
1t is, also, fact that the protection
tariff of 1924 was adopted by southern
and western votes, and that it was con
sidered matter of severe reproach a!
against New England that she failed t.
support that measure.
1t must be remembered, however, tina
the great manufacturing interests of thu
north and east had not then been estab
lished, but that they rapidly sprans
into existence under the stimulating
and fostering agencies, and the solemn
government guarantees, furnished b,
these protective tariff measures, carrie,
I by southern and western votes and il
f1uences
When, however, northern and caster
capital and enterprise has become al
most entirely invested in, and devote,
to, the great manufacturing industrie
of the country, and it became NANTES
that those sections were likely to con
troll the development of these importan
and growing interests, the south re
nounced its early political policy, re
sented the industrial pre-eminence an
prosperity of the north and east, an
carried its hostility so far as to threate
the dissolution of the Union.
The notification agitation was in r,
sistance to the tariff measures of 49,
: and 1889, and the subsequent secessio
!. movement was but logical sequenc
' of the attitude which the south ha
: assumed on this question.
The democratic party, as representa-
and expressing the new and dangerol
tariff heresies of the south, has eve
since been furiously fighting Il
: splendid protection policy of the repu
lican party, which has by its beneticel
: influence elevated our glorious COUNT
{. above all other nations in the enjo
, !. ment of every political privilege and
! the possession of every social blessin
VI