6l2 THE IMPENDING REVOLUTION. 



Free Trade means the abolition of all import duties 

 and the revenues raised, either by a direct taxation or an 

 internal revenue on domestic products such as is now levied 

 upon tobacco, whisky, etc. 



With regard to the protective system there are some 

 things that might, perhaps, be urged as wise and judicious 

 measures and in harmony with the teachings of some of 

 our wisest and best statesmen; and, which experience has 

 shown to be consistent with the material advancement of 

 the Nation. But the evils that have grown out of this 

 system, by the utter disregard of our statesmen to adhere 

 strictly to the principles which would have resulted in all 

 the advantages of the system, have given us good cause 

 for alarm and brought the system into disrepute. In look- 

 ing after the special interests of certain industries, the 

 public good has been too sadly neglected. It is hardly 

 necessary to state that the tariff question is one that has 

 engaged the attention of our statesmen from the earliest 

 foundation of the government. 



George Washington in his first message to Congress 

 declared that: 



u The safety and interest of the people require that 

 they should promote such manufactures as tend to render 

 them independent of others for essential, and particularly 

 for military, supplies. " 



The very first act of the first Congress was prefaced by 

 a preamble, declaring its object, in this language: 



" WHEREAS, It is necessary for the support of the 

 government, for the discharge of the debt of the United 

 States, and the encouragement and protection of the man- 

 ufactures, that duties be levied upon goods, wares and 

 merchandise imported. ' J 



In his second message to Congress, Washington said: 



"Congress has repeatedly, and not without success, 

 directed their attention to the encouragement of manufac- 



