TARIFF. (May 12, 1860, Letter to Dr. Edward Wallace-Complete Works, Vol. I. p. 634.) I now think the tariff question ought not to be agitated at the Chicago convention, but that all should be satisfied on that point with a Presidential candidate whose antecedents give assurance that he would neither seek to force a tariff law by executive influence, nor yet to arrest a reasonable one by a veto or otherwise. Just such a candidate I desire shall be put in nomination. 187 (October 11, 1859, Letter to Dr. Edward Wallace-Complete Works, Vol. I. p. 584.) I have not since changed my views. I believe yet, if we could have a moderate, carefully adjusted protective tariff, so far acquiesced in as not to be a perpetual subject of political strife, squabbles, changes, and uncertainties it would be better for us. Still it is my opinion that just now the revival of that question will not advance the cause itself or the man who revives it. 188 (February 15, 1861, Speech at Pittsburg, Pa.-Complete Works, Vol. I, p. 679.) * * * We should do neither more nor less than we gave the people reason to believe we would when they gave us their votes. I therefore would rather recommend to every gentleman who knows he is to be a member of the next Congress to take an enlarged view, and post himself thoroughly so as to contribute his part to such an adjustment of the tariff as shall produce a sufficient revenue, and in its other bearings, so far as possible, be just and equal to all sections of the country and classes of the people. 189 (March 6, 1860, Speech at New Haven, Conn.-Complete Works, Vol. I, p. 617.) The old question of tariff-a matter that will remain one of the chief affairs of national housekeeping to all time; the question of the management of financial affairs; the question of the disposition of the public domain; how shall it be managed for the purpose of getting it well settled, and of making there the homes of a free and happy people these will remain open and require attention for a great while yet, and these questions will have to be attended to by whatever party has the control of the government. 190 (February 15, 1861, Speech at Pittsburg, Pa.-Van Buren, p. 28.) * * Assuming that direct taxation is not to be adopted, the tariff question must be as durable as the government itself. It is a question of national housekeeping. It is to the government what replenishing the meal-tub is to the family. Evervarying circumstances will require frequent modifications as to the amount needed and the sources of supply. So far there is little difference of opinion among the people. * I therefore would rather recommend to every gentleman who knows he is to be a member of the next Congress to take an enlarged view and post himself thoroughly so as to contribute his part to such an adjustment of the tariff as shall produce a sufficient revenue, and, in its other bearings, so far as possible, be just and equal to all sections of the country and classes of the people. |