“The American System”

I have recently heard of an economic plan from Henry Clay. He proposes that we impose a high tariff, then use the money gathered in the New England states to buy crops from the South. The money collected by the federal government could be used to reinforce the infrastructure of the Union. I, personally, think that this is still a bad idea, for the Southern states would gain less profit than they would without a tariff.

Tariff of 1816

As some New Englanders already know, Congress imposed a high tariff on foreign goods. The tariff covers textiles, iron, leather, and paper. I realize that some readers from the South may find that this tax gives to New England by taking wealth from the Southern states. Here in at the capital, we are trying hard to find a solution to this dilemma.

Sectionalists

The nation is becoming more and more unstable. The New England, Southern, and Western states are competing with each other. Henry Clay (West) says that the country needs more roads, for the regions to trade; Daniel Webster (New England) supports tariffs for business, while John Calhoun (South) opposes them. How on Earth will I unite them!