The Delaware register, or, Farmers', manufacturers' & mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1829, 1829-04-18
From the N. Y. Statesman,


THE american Sustem.-We have hitherto deferred
entering on this interesting subject and at this time
we shall suggest but few leading considerations
By the American SYSTEM we intend such course OF
national policy as will encourage the productive indus
try Of this country in the three great departments OF
agriculture, manufactures and commerce. And such
a policy as will counterva those measures which have
been, or which hereafter may be adopted by foreign
governments with the design of discouragng the in
dusrols habits of our own citizens Much has been
said and written OIL what is called the freedom OF trade
"a project (Which some doubt are sincere my OF
persuading all the nations of the earth TO open their
ports and admit perfectly reciprocal trade. Wheth-
should be gamers losers it is in our opinion
useless to inquire--as perfectly satisfied such
a scheme never can be carried into effect. Though
its advocates have been and respectable, and
though their doctrines have been dused far and Wde
yet among all the nations Of the earth not single
convert has been gained.
We have been often told, that Great Britain had
commenced the great and good work, and that duty
called on us to follow her eXample-but an examlna-
ton of her laws will show, that her ancient system OF
restriction for the protection of the industry OF her
subjects has been adhered to with tenacty which no
circumstances has induced her to furego. Her corn
laws, which exclude the bread-stufs of other nations
from her markets, and which amount to nearly COM
plee prohibition of of valuable staples, and
the principal sapa Of large section OF our country
nave not been materially relaxed Notwithstanding her
promises and her repeated proclamatons that she had
begun and even made progress in her boosted liberal
system. And whatever may he her professions, and
however sincere and efficient her individual efforts,
her laws no doubt will continue to give as they have
for ages given preference to the labor of her own
citizens those of other countries. She may
preach berality to others, but her prevailing move
ments will continue to show that the advancement OF
her own interest will be sacrificed to such ex-
tended patriotism.
We may therefore consider the utter impracticabii-
ty Of such theories as settled. And that they never
can be rendered practicable unless thorough regen-
Grafton of the world is effected. And we have con-
slcred it evidence of unsoundness in any states
man soberly to attempt to carry them into executions
and we would especially warn our fellow citizens
against those who recommend to to become the pl-
0neers.
II habit, custom and interest imaginary or real, will
necessarily prevent compact of SO universal nature
from being concluded and acted upon, shall we not
govern ourselves accordingly Shall not regulate
our conduct conformaby to the actual state of things
rather than to such state of things desire, but
which we never can realize?
In the intercourse of private life this would be
knowledged wisdom, and why is it not equally so in
our intercourse with nations