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

proposed to encourage domestic manufactures.
But, is not the evil complained Of the effect Of
the very system which has been resorted 10 as
a remedy, and which Congress is again called
upon to extend for the same ostensible pur-
pose? Can any cause be suggested, to which
such An effect can be more fairly ascribed? Is
1T not according TO the common course of
things tina: our exports should diminish with
our imports? If we will NOT buy of others,
how can it he expected that they will buy of
us? Buying and selling must be reciprocal,
or there will be no commercial intercourse.
1t has frequently been asserted that our ag-
ricu!tural products can find no market abroad :;
and hence, il is said, arises She necessity of
creating market for them at home In 9TH
er words. because others will not buy of us,
we cannot buy OF them; and, therefore, we
must withdraw portion of our labor from the
cultivation of the soil, and apply it to the
manufacture of those fabrics which have here
tofore been procured abroad.
This is begging the question. Besides, the
premises assumed are hardly consistent with
the fact, that high duties on foreign fabrics
are necessary, in order to prevent the con-
sumer from buying them instead Of those man
| ulactured here.
1t is admitted that the farmer would buy
| foreign fabrics, were he not prevented by pro-
hibtory duties; and yet, it is said, that it is
not Tor bis interest to do so. He is represent,
ed TO be incompetent TO determine for himself
| in this matter, and that, if permitted to ex-
ercise choice, he would certainly make fool
| ish bargains. II is, therefore, necessary that
| he should be compelled, by legislative enact
merits, 10 act contrary TO his own judgment
| II Am not exceedingly mistaken, a mo-
maj = "A. ,14,o
contemplate this subject in its true light. II
other nations would not buy of US the produc-
| tions Of our labor, we should not buy theirs,
for the reason that we should have nothing to
buy with. The consequence would be tina,
we should become our own manufacturers rs
| matter of necessity. and domestic fabrics
could and would be afforded cheaper to the
consumer than foreign fabrics, without pro-
| tectng duties. All the elements of sef-inte-
rest and political economy would conspire to
produce such result. The labor and CAPT
tai, necessary for tn successful prosecution OF
the business, would naturally be drawn into
II, because they could not otherwise be 50
pTofitahly employed. The prices Of the differ
ent p reductions OF labor, when exchanged for
each other, would become accurately adjust
ed according to their true value, by common
consent. and The whole subject would be bet
ter regulated, by IFS own natural tendencies,
than it could be by legislative Interference.
Admitting the fact, however, as has been
represented, that the protection and eucour-
asement of manufacturers will increase the
prices of agricultural products, is not the con-
dition Of those. who are neither concerned in
manufactures nor cultivate the soil, entitled
TO some consideration? The number OF that
class OF people is Oy no means magnificent,
nor their services unimportant, Upon them
the proposed system must operate with pecu-
liar severity, il it be beneficial to the farmer
AS well as manufacturer.
II the effect of the system be to raise the
prices of all the productions Of human labor,
and OF the services of every profession, in an
equal ratio, then none can derive any benefit
from 1t; because, its benefits, if any, result
from the advantage which it gives to one
branch of industry over others and if these
be conferred on all alike, they reciprocally
counteract each other, and the system be-
comes useless.
Ia whatever light the subject is viewed, it
is impossible to avoid the conclusion that, if
manufacturers Of any kind are to be aided and
upheld by legislative provisions, IT must be
done at the expense of some other branches OF
industry. PUBLIUS.