The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-01-03
For tie Massachusetts spY.l

IT appears by the writings of Pubiius' tina t
he has commenced an elaborate argument
gainst protection being extended by govern
ment to the Woollen Manufactures, and indeed
to every kind of protection to every, or any,
! branch of American Industry. If understand
himTisht, as No. 9 is published, and he prom
ises more hereafter, it might be we'll to look in
to his logical productions, and see ii he is cor
rect; for, generally, people only view one side
| of question. Indeed his arguments are old
ones, and many men are extremely cautious OF
engaging in any new enterprises therefore
such arguments, by many, may be considered
weighty. However, | will notice some posi-
| lions, and will endeavor 10 show that the rea-
sonlng OF PublIus is mere skimmng the sur
face, while the depth of the subject appears
entirely undisturbed. He asserts that our
Manufactures, by duty on foreign woolleus.
have an advantage of 80 13 per cent. which
taxes the consumer that amount more than
though the bounty was not granted our Manu-.
facturers. Facts are always.to he relied on. in
preference TO sophstry and in this case, Pub
Illus is extremely unfortunate in not having
them ia his arguments.
In regard to Woolens, let facts here tell the
story. 1t is agreed by the Oldest merchants in
Boston, that Broadcloths and Woollen Goods
generally, such as are manufactured here. are
much lower in price than ever was known.
even when the duties were but per cent. Iii
| recollect right: aud nc other reason can be
| given, than the increase of American Manufac-
] lures. The consumer can buy better cloth
OF our own manufacture for So per yard, than
he could Of imported, before we had Manufac-
lures Tor "a and Tor this fact, appeal 10 all
candid judges tor its correctness. Then if this
l &c fr,rn NJ D,,bl
horse instead of the consumer having to nav
double, by increasing duties to so per cent il
appears that, by relying on American skill and
industry, he obtains the same value of goods
| for one half their former imported prices. I
hope that Publus is in favor of America. and
if so will presume that he is, by birth and feel.
| ings Of Independence, an American.
By his mode of reasoning, it is presumed. in
| act, that foreigners can always be able to fur
nish goods OF like quantity 33 I-3 per cent
cheaper than Americans, otherwise there would
he no risk Of the consumers having TO nav thar
amount more. Who aOould reason nus, and
consider hinlselfa Yankee. The reverse has
always been witnessed, in any thing that Amer
lean invention and skiH has undertaken. The
improvements made by the calculating Yam
kee, since the wisdom OF Govcrnmen, has in
tertered for their protection. ought TO satisfy
Pdblius and even the superficial observer, that,
by granting ialr competition OF orr own cit.
Gems 10 our own markets, in any pursuit Of in
dustry, does not tax the citizens of this country
for any particular branch protected, as compe-
tition is LEFT free to Americans, and none who
choose engage can be excluded. II Govern
ment should name fevindviduals. who should
have exclusive right to manufacture Woollen
Goods, aud deprive the rest OF the community.
then there would he monopoly. l. ii post
BILE that an American, al this day, should have
such contemplate opinion Of the powers and
skill Of its citizens, as 10 suppose cher only TT
or the coarser labour, comparatively like the