ABSTRACT
The tariff law of 1816 was not considered an administration measure, in any proper sense. Mr. Madison's recommendations upon the subject so accurately reflected the public sentiment, that its passage occasioned as much popular enthusiasm as did that of the first tariff act, under Washington's administration. The Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Dallas, made a report to Congress recommending an increase of duties upon cotton and woolen goods - not as a revenue measure alone, but with the alleged purpose of giving additional protection to manufactures. The interests of agriculture require a free and constant access to a market for its surplus, and a ready supply of all the articles of use and consumption on reasonable terms. The House of Representatives contained, at that time, some men of very great ability, who then and subsequently exercised almost unlimited influence in molding and directing public opinion.
