Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-10-27
From Lacksen,s Register.

In the opinion Of many, it may be tho't
an unpropitious moment TO introduce,
with effect, any thing which can he sup
posed to awaken in The citizens Of the u
nited States, a desire TO make a small at
tempt towards improving our manufaclo-
RES; yet II may not be improper to keep
IN view subject, the benefits resulting
from which, are the sources of national
prosperity. 1t may he said, that more
can be GAiNF9 BY exporting cotton 1.-THE
principal article or raw material we now
haVe') than by the manufacture of: at
the present time, the opinion NAV be lust :;
bat Will ask, how it will be If the cult
Vaiion Of it should increase four or five
years to come, in proportion rs il has for
rs many past? Surely it cannot continue
an oblece worthy OF the attention of ei,her
planter or merchant; whereas, if the over
PiuS Were wrought into c'oa'bing the trade
would remain lucrative one, whilst our
Citizens would be gaining a knowledge of
manufacturing; and III course oe time,
we should be able 10 raise no more than
is necessary for demand at home. Ano
Their great advantage may be produced,
by the Establishment OF manufactures
which presume is Of vast importance,
nothing less than Strengthening the bond
OF our Union. It IS well known that in the
Eastern states wool can BE- raised with
great success and the exchange of that ar
tic!c Tor cotton, will be the means OF unit.
f's interests and whilst both are advanc.
ed our national compact will every day
become stronger ard stronger. will ask,
where IS that spirit OF independence, of
hich we % nation SO much boast Are
we not dependent on Great Britain for
every article of cloaihing, and indeed for
many Of the most simple imp!emtnts Of
hushaadry! When we view the critical
situation OF affairs in Europe, we may ad-
mn doubts, whether we can be much jora-
er supplied with the manufactures of c..
britain; Tor even now such is the strait
on of shat island, in consequence of the
menaces OF an ambitious enemy, that her
snb]ec's are diverted from their accustom.
ed avocatlons, 20 perform necessary mi
iIlarg duty, which, if the necessity should
long continue, must be the means of de
prsc!aIng her manufactures Altoretber
setting aside the probability ofan invasion.
Legislators of America does il not behove
you to " M'7lk on there things ?" For By en-
courag'nG our manufactures, it may be
productive OF an advantage TO our common
county, we are now incapable Of ca.culai-
ing II the government Of The union shall
not conceive it to be their duty 10 make a.
NY advances in this interesting subic6,
perhaps The legislatures of the seyeralsiates
may consider it an object not unworthy of
attention; let the spirit of patriotism be a.
reused; and il this laudable zeal is gere-
rally ielt, perhaps ONE step may be taken
towards the attainment OF an Object, the
perfection Of which. though it be not in
the day Of those who began The work, viii
not be less desirable. Admiring posterity
whl venerate YOUR names, and render .
grateful tribute TO your memory, for be.
neht of no less magnitude than The esia-
b'ishment of the Union on an immovabie
basis, whose character will continue 70 be
a great, wise, but more independent En-.
pire.
2, 4