The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1911-02-16
THE .JEFFERSONIAN

neither seeking expecting any positive favors
for my constituents; but demanding in the name
of justice and the constitution that should let
them alone IN the peaceful pursuits of their in
dustry, and permit them to enjoy the fruits of
that industry, undiminished by unjust and oppres-
sve legislation. never felt never could feel
any interest in the ambitious struggles of political
parties for power and Office in comparison with
that absorbing interest which I always felt in this
great question: l have long regarded it more
important to that portion of the Union in which
my destiny has been cast than all the presidential
elections that will ever take place. For myself,
would make almost any surrender of federal
honors if | had the power to secure to my con-
stituents 'their long-lOst rights
And, sir, when these rights restored by the
compromise act of 1888, [ disposed to say,
Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace Satisfied with this Adjustment and dis
gusted with the miserable scramble for the emolu-
ments of Office, to which the great interests of the
country but too often sacrificed, l retired
from the federal councils with the firm determina-
ton to spend the remainder of my days in peace
full retirement. And when that compromise
violated, consented to come here from earthly
consideration but the hope of being some agency
in restoring it, And now declare that when the
hope Of accomplishing that great object shall de-
sert me, shall shake off the dust of fly feet, and
leave this hall forever. Sir, what may be the
result of deliberations this question, [ will
not venture to predict; but l warn the senators
who represent the manufacturing interests here
and elsewhere, that they have small interest in
the speedy adjustment of it. The day may not be
distant when they will cease to control the legis
latiOn of this country to make it subservient
to the interests of great capitalists The eyes of
the people of the West and Northwest are open
ed and opening, to their true interests They find,
by sad experience, that every blow you strike at
the prosperity of the southern and southwestern
States inficts an equal injury upon them. These
staple States are their natural markets for their
own great staple, live stock-of which the States
of Kentucky, Tennessee Ohio Indiana, Illinois,
and Missouri raise for distant markets, ten to
twenty times the amount of their cotton bagging
and hemp; to say nothing of tobacco, breadstufs,
and Gin the case of Tennessee) cotton, which they
produce for foreign markets. Sir, speak from
practical knowledge when I say that a rise in cot
ton Of two cents pound will produce than
corresponding rise in the price of live stock and
bacon; and do firmly believe that the passage of
this bill would double the demand for live stock
in South Carolina, and enhance the price at least
25 per cent.
However secure, therefore, gentlemen may feel,
they may find that they stand sandy founda-
tion;a land venture to predict that, in five years,
the West will be as united in opposition to pro-
tective tariff the South. Sir this monster of
legislative injustce-this Mammon of eastern
idolatry-can never be worshipped by an enlight-
ened people, when stripped of his DISCUSSES:
unveil his deformities, and his deuded followers,
not less than his victims, will shrink back with
adherence Mr.. President, l have humby at
tempted to perform this office; and now having
done my duty, [ leave the consequences to God.