Those pronouncements were a reflection of the trade reality.
The US derived 95% of all its revenue from tariff on imported goods until 1913. Of these were blanket tariffs...a flat 20% being one example. Sometimes targeted.
But never absent.
And that includes the 1800s, your contrary contention notwithstanding.
Additionally, I challenge you to cite a single example of a large nation-state which has practiced Smithsonian free trade...ever in human history.
I never said the 1800’s were absent tariffs, only that they were relatively insignificant with government spending below 10% the GDP. I also said tariffs for government revenue is a valid use - MUCH better than the income tax.
Jim is a religious disciple of Smithian economics and facts will not deter him from his wrong headed beliefs. He dos not have the ability to learn new things. I think he is a curmudgeon.