1850 American Gold Tycoon.

Chapter 317 British have Xiangjiang, I have Nagasaki

In a scene that is not very harmonious, today's protagonists Fillmore and Pierce appeared.

This was the first time Liang Yao saw Pierce. Although Pierce was only four years younger than Fillmore, the age gap between the two seemed to be more than four years apart from the outside.

Pierce has a good figure, handsome appearance, and well-maintained skin, which makes Pierce, who is nearly fifty years old, look like an energetic young man in his thirties.

Pierce is 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm) tall, with a typical high nose bridge, broad forehead, gray eyes, thin lips, and a mass of curly black hair.

Without a doubt, this is the most handsome presidential candidate in the United States in recent years.

In stark contrast to Pierce, his debate opponent, Fillmore, was bloated with a blissful face.

Pierce's eyes swept over the distinguished guests in the stands, and when his eyes fell on Liang Yao, there was an undisguised expression of disdain in his eyes.

It also represents Pierce's attitude toward immigrants of color, especially in support of his opponents.

Fillmore also glanced at the distinguished guests in the stands. Unlike Pierce, Fillmore's gaze only briefly stayed on a few spectators from the south.

Fillmore knew very well in his heart that it was the VIPs in the stands who could decide whether he would be re-elected, not the people fighting fiercely in the stands.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen, and welcome to Civic Plaza in New York City. I am Fish, and I will be the moderator of this debate.

The debate was between the Whig nominee, Lord Fillmore of New York, and the Democratic candidate, Senator Pierce of New Hampshire.

The debate will focus on tariffs, as well as national security and international policy issues for the United States.

The following two candidates are invited to express their views. "

Fish, the former governor of New York State, stroked his thick black hair that he was proud of, and made a simple and clear opening speech in front of everyone.

The issue of tariffs is one of the most divisive issues between the North and the South, and it was also the focus of discussion in the 1850 Compromise. Fish raised this issue as soon as he came up, obviously putting the two candidates on fire and forcing them to State your position on the matter.

The north hopes to set up tariff barriers to protect the country with high tariffs, which can also be said to protect the local industry and commerce in the north.

The South, on the other hand, hopes for low tariffs, or even zero tariffs, free trade with European countries, reducing the export cost of farm products mainly cotton, and importing industrial products from countries such as Britain and France at a lower price.

"Tariffs are the main source of fiscal revenue for the federal government, and such major issues need to be discussed in Congress, not in public.

At present, the tax rate of the country is determined by Lord Fillmore and his cabinet government. I don’t know what Sir Fillmore thinks about the current tariff rate, whether it is high or low, and whether the tax rate will be raised or lowered in the future. ?
As far as I know, the southern states are currently suffering from the 24.42% tariff. Do you think the current tax rate is appropriate? "

Pierce tossed the thorny subject to Fillmore, who, while not the most seasoned politician in the Democratic Party, understood that the issue should not be taken lightly.

Liang Yao is also very interested in this topic. After all, California now has its own industry. On the tariff issue, California and the Northern Free State have the same opinion, hoping to protect the local manufacturing industry in California with high tariffs.

The difference is that California currently has some high-quality industries, such as machine tools, sewing machines, kerosene and other industries. Due to the large profit margins, there are no strong competitors in the international market. Exports with high tariffs also have a lot of room for profit.

However, many states in the north do not have many such advantageous industries, and any change in tariffs will have a great impact on them.

"The 24.42% tariff is already the most reasonable tax rate at present, taking care of both northern states and southern states.

It is true that tariffs are finally discussed and finalized by Congress, but as the president, he also has the responsibility to propose reference tariffs in Congress. Now you are unwilling to disclose your views on tariffs to the public in public. I wonder if the American people elect you to be president. What's the use? "

Fillmore said clearly.

"Whether the tariff is high or low depends on which country it is for. For Britain and France, our current tariff is more appropriate, but for Japan and China, our tariff is obviously too high.

Thanks to our efforts, Japan has just opened its doors to us this year, and its trade policy is very favorable to us. I think the United States should also adopt lower tariffs, or even zero tariffs, to conduct free and equal trade with them. .

If I am re-elected, this will also be the focus of my work, reducing tariffs on Japan and Far East countries.The Far East has a huge population and markets, and we should not focus our trade only on Europe.

We now have our own concession in Japan, a port where American merchant ships can freely enter and exit for supplies, and even troops stationed in Japan to protect the safety of American citizens overseas.

This is a competitive advantage that we did not have at any time before, and we should take advantage of it.

The United Kingdom has Xiangjiang in the Far East, and we, the United States, have Nagasaki in the Far East. "

After Fillmore's speech, he won the approval of the audience.

Obviously, Fillmore's speech is much more beautiful and realistic than Pierce's answer.

Pierce was also at a loss for a moment, knowing that he had lost the debate on this issue.

Pierce's rival in history was General Scott. As a relatively pure soldier, General Scott had impeccable military talent and ability.But it is Scott's shortcoming in politics, so Pierce can easily win the debate over Scott.

But now, what Pierce has to face is Fillmore, who is also a lawyer like him, has more political experience than him, has actually been president for more than two years and is eloquent.

Pierce, who is mediocre, obviously has no other commendable advantages in front of Fillmore except for his good skin and his drinking capacity trained in the tavern.

The United Kingdom has Xiangjiang in the Far East, and we, the United States, have Nagasaki in the Far East.This sentence made the people on and off the stage fall into a climax.

In the middle of the 19th century, modern nation-states were trying their best to shape their own modern national consciousness, and so was the United States.

It is a very proud thing to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the heyday of the British Empire in the Victorian era during this period.

Although the audience in the distance couldn't understand what Fillmore said, they still cheered like the audience in the front row.

(End of this chapter)