MONOPOLY OF TRADE THE TARIFF. 633 



questions of that day, including the tariff, he says: 

 ' ' In reviewing the conflicts which have taken place 

 between the different interests in the United States, and 

 the policy pursued since the adoption of the present form 

 of government, we find nothing which has produced such 

 deep seated evil as the course of legislation in relation to 

 the currency." These are the words of Gen. Jackson after 

 having reviewed the tariff question in all its bearing. How 

 then can those who claim to be his followers and advocate 

 his principles, consistently persist in placing the tariff 

 question paramount, not only to the currency question, but 

 to all other issues combined ? The worst tariff law that 

 ever existed the tariff of abominations was during Jack- 

 son's administration, and he had ample opportunities to 

 study it in all its details; yet, after doing so he affirmed 

 that the currency question was paramount to all others. 

 That the tariff laws need revision and a reduction had in 

 the rates imposed but few will deny. But that it should 

 be the theme of so much political discussion at the exclu- 

 sion of every other issue is a matter which the people have 

 reason to regret, and it is to be hoped that the day is not 

 far distant when they will take a more reasonable view of 

 the whole" situation, and not blindly follow the dictates of 

 selfish or mistaken partisan leaders. 



