Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-03-07
March 4, 1923

To "a Friend Of Manufactures When had the plea
address you the 18th ult supposed that my
concluding paragraph would satisfy you that a,ogeth-
disposed to accept such protection could be got for
domestic industry, if he but ttle and partial
to particular branches, though al the same time prefer
ring national, f you choose) American system, by
which system, that will effectually protect every
species Of industry manufactures that needs it. against
all foreign competition whatever Expecting that your
patriotism did extend beyond this, because do not
know what more you could ask fancied that com
muncations would But compliment of
y three columns from you, compels to take the quill
again, not with view to convince you that my sentiments
this great and all absorbing question correct, be
that you know already, think the small OF
argument and the conclusions Of your last essay
abundanty prove but for the purpose of presenting
YOU and to readers the object which you have in wr
ting, and which. from judging b. yourself you atrb-
ute
Blu before proceeding to that part Of the subject, will
what have been endeavorng get you to under
stand that my ideas on the tariff protecting system
First that all the protection needed ought to be given
Secondly, that it ought 10 be gwen speedily.
Thirdly that it ought to be given universally, not par
tally, but with eye all the interests, and the whole
interest But Foarshly if the whole cannot be protected,
then would select that branch of industry which needs it
most and which would lead to the general good say
voo, and 4vooenS AS to the precise mode in which this
protection shall be afforded, that it be etectua and
complete, offering the simultaneous advantages to the
grower of wool and the manufacturer, care not and
presume shall both have to be content in leaving the
settlement Of that to wiser than either OF us, though
many ingenious than you are, think will not be found
wish to be understood entertaining all the objections
monupoles and monied arsocraces that have before
expressed, and if mistaken, the only way to
cape runous consequences arising from them general
W and from those particularly in manufacturing, to make
the protection of which speaking general possi
BILE and in such way that the individual capitalist feel
its vivyng influence the time and in equal proper
ton with them think this strong for advocating
national SYSTEM and all that you have said in favor Of the
v and against the many has failed to convince me that
cry and branch Of business in this country is not emit
tied all the benefits of protection, legislation and law
look upon this fundamental principle in our gov
crnnent and have doubt at all but that when the OBJ
iect of legislation is benefit the that it is conss
tuona Congress has the power to lay duties and to levy
taxes direct and indirect when the "general welfare
oulres it and from these words general welfare" is,
beeve that the power TO confer partial benefits con
strued To avoid the dangerous and ever varying mode
of constructions, of wrestling parts OF the text from the
context and shutting them together i'll splendid coni
sion so as to draw what meaning you please by con'
s,ructon from the shuf,ed mass would prefer adopt
ing system for "the general welfare, because this is al
horized by the literal meaning and because 1t is so Just
and SO reasonable that be found to oppose it,
1t will be perceived by this that wish TO avoid co,s'ruc
ve interpretations they smell too much OF the lawyers
shop But while desire to conform to the literal meaning,
and have always done recorded any doubts
Of nv own against the power of Congress to legIslae tor
the "pcneral welfare" but have recorded my inability
10 discuss question which OF the beet and abhst
statesmen are at issue about"
am not as you believe, "new friend of manufactures
nv friendship for them antecedent to yours expect and
Is Funded upon that thorough conviction that does not ad
init of any changes of opinion for particular or Temporary
effects sha continue advocate these interests through