The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1821-03-07

from ibs National ia,eiliyeneer.

Z When tive Bdnkgb Bill was before
the Senate, there were sometimes amend
incnts offered, and remarks made on them
which the want OF time to report, and
room to insert, prevented notice OF.
Amongst these, was motion made 10y
MIR. Knight, Of RI. on the 18th inst.
20 include Manufactures in the operation
of the system. On this motion, Mr.. K.
made the following remarks:
Mr.. KNIGHT said, it had been stated
by the Honorable mover Of the bill, (Mr.
Van DYKE that it is intended particu-
larly for those who are subject to risks
and losses in their lawful business; for
those who entrust their property out of
their control and on the ocean. In this
position, perfectly agree with the hon.
orable gentleman, said Mr.. K And, as
the bill does not provide for every class
ct our citizens, who are subject to great
risks and Losses in their business, l now
move sir, to amend the bill, by inserting
/ in the-->line Of tbe first section, after
the word merchant, the word muuufac-
turer. The bill will then read. that if
ANY merchant, manufactures, or other
person. &c.
In order to shew that manufacturers are
entitled to the benefit of the provisions of
this bill, permit me to state few facts.
II is well known to gentlemen living in
the eastern section OF the United States,
that the freshets occasioned by the break
ling up of one Of northern winters, often
do great damage to the mills. mill.dsms,
and other property belonging tomanufac-
turing establishments. l have known,
sir; many persons nearly ruined by these
disasters; their labor, toll, and savings
for many years, entirely swept away by
oa,e Of those freshets.
But, sir, water is not the only element
TO which they are exposed; Ere, too,
hath made is ravages. ! believe, sir,
larger proportion OF this kind Of proper
~ has been destroyed by fire within the
y. States. In fact, SO frequent has been
tie destruction Of manufacturing estab-
lishments by FIRE, that no prudent person
will insure against it. The Offices to
the east totally rejects all applications for
Insurance on cotton mills. They would
not be taken even'st what would be cal.
led by the merchant war risk--a premi-
um that no regular business can give in
this or any other country. II this
amendment 10 adopted, it will not only
ihclude cotton manufacturers, but the
manufacturers Of hats, WOODEN, hemp,
powder, &c. would ask, sir, who
among US would insure on q powder
mil? | presume, NOBODY, at any pre-
millm that could be afforded by the pro-
prietor, unless it was person. wiling to
b. blown up. Then. sir, the manufac-
turer i. compelled to risk and endure all
losses tina, may happen; and, il so un-
fortunate as TO lose his property BY fire or
ether casualty, be is doomed to everlast-
ing misery while on earth: while the
merchant. who can be insured, and
thereby divide his loss among the com.
fnunity, you exonerate from responsible
~; you set him free to seek new for
tunes, and to provide for himself and
family the means Of comfortable SUBJ
sistance-
Here, it was observed by Mr.. Van
Dyke, that the manufacturer was en-
bsaced in the bill.
1t is now suggested by the honorable
mover Of the bill, manufacturers are en-
braced in the operations of the bill. Be
II so, But, if they arc embraced in the
Bill by implication, why object to the
smcndment? Why not have it clearly
expressed? | admit there is no. music
in the word, yet it will not destroy the
harmony Of the bill. if it should be in.
serted. Besides. sir. ] have been taught