Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-02-22

full. The United States require the use OF
tins power, because they do not ABOUND in
population. The diminution OF manual la
oour by means of machisery, in the cotton
manufscture i'll Great Britain, was in the
year 1910, as two hundred to one.
Our manufactures have already availed
themselves of this power, and have profit
ed by it. A little more experience in ina
king machines, and in managing them with
skill, will enable our manufacturers to sup
ply more fabrics than are necessary for
the home demand.
Competition will make the prices of the
articles low, aud the extension of the cot
ton manufactures will produce that con-
petition.
One striking and important advantage,
which lAbour-saving machines bestow, is
this, that in all their operations hey re
quire few men, as reference to another
part of this report will show. No appre-
tensions an, then, be seriously entertained
that agriculture win be in danger Of hav-
ing its efficient laborers Withdrawn from
its service.
On the contrary, the manufacturing es-
Establishments, increasing the demand for
raw materials, will give to agriculture new
life and expansion.
The committee, after having, with great
Difference and respect, presented to the
House this important subject, i'll various
points OF view, feel themselves constrAin-
ed. before concudiHg this report, to offer
few more observations. which they con-
slider as being Immediately connected with
it, and not less So, with the present and fu-
rure prosperity ofthis nation.
The prospects Of an enlarged commerce
are not Il ttering.
Every nation, in times of peace, will
supplY its own wants from its own resCur
ces, or from those of other nations.
When supplies are drawn from foreign
countries, the intercourse which viii en-
sue, will furnish employment to the nayi-
Ga ion orly If the countries connected, by
I'll, il reciprocal wants.
Our concern does not arise from, nor
can it be incre ased by, the Irritation which
eur navigation and trade will have prcscri-
bsd to them, by the peace and apparent
repose of Europe.
Our apprehensons arise from causes
that cannot animate by their effects. Look
whcresoever the eye Can glance, and what
are the objects that strike the vision? On
the continent of Europe, industry, depri-
we'd of its motive and Indictment, is para
lyzed the accumulated wealth OF ages,
seized by the hand of military despotism,
is appropriated to, and squandered ON OBJ
jccts of ambition the order OF things I'M
settled, and confidence between man x man
annihilated. Every moment is locked
for, with tremulous, anxious, and increased
solicitude hope ianguishes and CONNER
cial enterprise stiffcns with fear. The po-
litical horizon appears to be calm, but ma
ny Of no ordinary segacity, think they be-
a ho'd signs portentous of 4 Change, the in
dicati0ns Of violent tempest, which VIII
again rage, and desolate that devoted re-
gion.
Should this pr diction fail, TO change for
the b tier, under existing circumstances,
can take place. Where despotism-mil
itary espot sn reigns--silence and fearful
Stiffness must prevail.
Such is the prospect which continental
Europe exhibits to the cuterprl2r or a.
merican merchants.
Can it be possbe for them TO fad il
that region, sources which viii supply
them with more than seventeen millions of
dollars. the balance due for British manu-
lectures meoyted this balance being o.
yer and above the value of all the exports
to foreign countries from the u States
The view which is given of the dreary
prospect of commercial advantages accru-
ing 10 the u. ). by an intercourse with
continental Europe, is believed to be just
The statement made of the great balance
in favor Of Gre:t Britain, due from the
~. OCateSi IS IOuNucA Nii tiiattCl VI AtNt.
In the hands Of g. Britain are gathered
together and held many powers, which
they have not been accustomed hitherto to
fee and to exercise.
No improper motives are intended to be
imputed to that government. But does
not experience teach lesson that should
never be forgotten, that governments, like
Individuals, are apt "to feel power and
forget right ;" 1t is not moons stent with ma
tiOnal dccorum, to become circumspect &
prudent. May not the government Of G..
Britain be inclined, in analysing the basis
of her political power, to consider and re-
gard the United States as her rival, and
to indulge an improper Jealousy, the enemy
of peace and repose
Can it be polite, in any point of view, to |
make the United States dependent on any |
nation for supplies absolutely necessary for !
defence, for comfort, and for accommoda- |
tionS
Win not the strength, the political en-
ergies of this nation be materially impaired |
at any time, but fatally so in those of diff !
Guilty and distress, by such dependence |
DO not the suggestions of wisdom plainly |
show, that the security, the peace and the
happiness of this nation depend on opening !
szas ing all our resources, and draw |
lem whatever shall be required |
lie or private accommodation ? |
lee, from the views which |
+ $. consider the situation of |
&c Adj shments to be Pc /