Lynchburg Virginian

Communicated.

Messrs Editors—I have been much amused, as well as much mortified, in perusing the disputes (for they are not worthy to be called discussions) respecting the tariff of 1832. In the conduct of those who condemn the reduction of the tariff by the act of the last session of Congress, I am forcibly reminded of the conduct of a spoiled child—the more you attempt to gratify it, the more it complains—and if you yield everything, it becomes outrageous—and finally nothing but chastisement will bring it to its senses. Now, is it not strange, very strange, that taking off six millions of our taxes, makes our burdens greater? This is really something I do not understand. If Congress next session, should in their wisdom reduce our taxes six millions more, and bring them down to twelve millions, the burden shall be intolerable—these complainers will become outrageous. This is something like taking off the duty on coffee, sugar or cotton, etc. The articles generally rise in price forthwith. Will someone explain their patter? The truth is when the duty is taken off an article, the produce of a foreign country, the producer immediately puts it in the price of the article, and instead of going into the treasury, it goes into the pocket of the foreigner. I remember well when there was a great outcry against direct taxes (the whiskey tax, the rice tax, &c.) but now the outcry is against indirect taxes—taking the money out of our pocket without our knowledge! Who likes to have his money pulled out without feeling it?—I am for taxes so direct—I say let us feel our burdens, and then we shall know what to complain of—This metaphysics of politics I do not understand.

PHOCION