Herald Of The Times

The resolution heretofore reported by Mr Smith, from the Committee on Finance, calling upon the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish the Senate with the project of a bill for reducing the duties levied on imports, was taken up. Mr Tyler said that he had been chiefly instrumental in prevailing on the committee of Finance to adopt the resolution now before the Senate. He thought a speedy action on the subject of the Tariff was indispensably necessary—that it was due to the country—to the condition of the finances, and demanded by the fearful crisis into which our affairs had been unfortunately plunged. He still remained of the opinion which he at first entertained. A great crisis had arrived, and definite action was necessary to save the country. The question could not be blinked; and for one, resting on principles which had governed him through life, was ready for action. He was not for shedding blood in civil strife, but for prompt legislation, which could heal up the wounds of the country. He found himself, however, differing with some of those with whom he commonly acted, without whose aid the resolution could not be carried. Some objected to it for one cause and some for another. He hoped that these objections would give way to better reflection, and that those who agreed in the main would not differ about unessentials. For the present, therefore, he declined to press the subject, and moved to lay the resolution on the table—which was agreed to.