The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1826-12-20
THE WooLLEN ar.aNyE.gCTyRg

we Ih'S Gay publish the first of a series o
pumbers sgncd Publiws, on the subject O
The W ooi'en Manufacture, and in opposition
to aifording further legislative protection
'neretof We do this with much pleasure, be-
lieVing that The cause of truth never loses
strength BY investigation, and, in matters Of
general interest, it is proper that the public
journals sh,uld give both sides fair hearing.
Our corres'ondent appears TO be well acquaint-
ed with the popular arguments against legis-
lative protection, and advances them with a
good degree of clearness and force. These
arguments we have always considered as verv
plausible, and while we agree with Publius
that they lie at the surface,n we cannot
agree with him that the truth lies no deeper.
| P1staus commences with an assumption.
which the manufacturers would probably de-
ny, mat, in spite of the advantages which
the duties create in their favor, the British
continue to furnish our market with goods at
cheaper rate TO the consumer than can be
furnished by themselves.n That they occa-
sionally do is granted, and it is to guard a.
galnst these fluctuations of the foreign market
that they ask for protection. Ifthey could be
assured the price at which the British could
supply our market for term of years, it is all
they would ask, and probably more than they
would ask.
We advert with pleasure to that part of our
correspondents atlicls where he says can
truly say that the prosperity and glory of our
country, as exhibited in the 1ourishing condi
tion of such Of our manufacturing establish
ments as are of paturai growth, never fail TO
excite within me feelings of pride ard exults-
ton." To which of our manufacturing esta5-
lishments does he allude? Probably to the
cotton, which is now the most furnishing, and
which, let it be remembered, has been made
so by protection similar to that now asked
for that of wool. Under like circumstances.
it is teliercd that the woollen business has
the Advantage. Subsequent to the late war,
when thecountry was inundated with British
manufactures, the manufacture of cotton was
completely prostrated, while that of wool was
enabled, Through great difficulties and embar-
rassment, to survive the shock. The cotton
business could not. again, have revived, but
by mean of efficient protection. Those who
had SCENT once crushed by the application of
an immnse foreign capital 10 that object,
would rot again invest their money while
subject o repetition of the same cslamities.
Protection was sought for and granted yet,
even atlhat time. so unpopular was thu meas.
ure hee, that both the Representatives to
Consres from this County lost their seats in
Consequence of the support which they gave
1t. Bat time, the unerFing test of the expedi-
envy Of measures, has affixed his seal to the
vision OF this That business. notwitb-
staldng its unexamp,ed depression a
bTGd, is DOW one of the most fiourishing
breaches OF domestic industry, imparting
porOn o: IFS own vigor and prosperity to other
| Occupations. The public are furnished with
suchyoods cheaper than they ever were i'm
porte, and the demand for foreign markets.
"heri they come in fair competition with
brltsl goods, is large and progressively in
creasns. One such fact is worth host Of
/ fine spun theories.
! Where an immense capital is invested, as in
England, in any branch of manufactures for
expectation, it is in their power. by a little
concert, TO crush the infant manufactures of
the people they have been supplying, unless
protected by the government. A familiar IL
lustntion of this position may be found in the
monopoly Of trade, which one or more capital
lists Qten maintain in our small towns. How of
ten % we see the people OF place compelled,
for years, TO pay exorbitant prices for the goods
theypurchase, or TO be at the expense of OBJ
tainilg them from distance, because, if any
one adventurous enough to enter into com.
petition, he is driven from the undertaking. by
the established capitalist putting his goods for
a time at price which must prove ruinous to
a beginner. Yet who will say, it would not
be for the interest of that people to patronize
and sustain the person who would continue to
supply them at iair prices, till he should be
able to enter into successful competition with
his more powerful neighbor.
/ DIX
.MISCELL.AyNEO ITEMS.