Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-08-19

home market for oar manufactures, arc Pr
cIsely the opposite IF those necessary 10 oo'
tain the foreigners. In the former, me increas-
ed expense of production in consequence of sys-
TEN Of protection may be more than comPensa-
ted BY the increased price at home of the articie
protected; but in the latter this advantages loSt
and as there is no other corresponding compeh-
satlon, the Increased cost of production must De
dead loss in the foreign market. Bat whe'he'
these advantages, and many others that might DC
mentioned, will ultimately compensate 10 lhe
full extent or not, the loss to the MANUFACTURES
on the reduction of the duties, certain IL Is 'ia.
we have approached point at which sIeh.
change cannot be much longer delayed; anu "'a'
the more promptly it may be met, the less eS'
element there will be, and The greater leisure q
calmness for cautious and ski:tui oPerauo" l"
making the transition; and which 1t becomes
those more Immediately interested duty to con.
slider. Nor ought they to overlook IN consIder-
ING the question, the different character OF the
claims of the two sides. The one asks from the
Government no advantage, but simply to be let
alone in the undisturbed possession OF their natu-
ural advantages, and to secure which, as Tar as
was consistent with the other objects OF the con-
stitution, was one Of their leading motives IN en-.
erins into the Union; while the other side claims,
for the advancement Of their prosperity, the po-
sitive interference of the Government IN such ca
ses. OF every principle of fairness and justice
such interference ought to be restrained WITHIN
limits strictly compatible with the natural al.
van.ages of the other. He who looking to all
of the causes IN operation, the near approach
of the final payment of the public debt; the grow.
ing dsaffecton aud resistance to tine system in
so large section of the country; the deeper prin'
ciples on which opposition to 1t IS gradually turn.
ing; must be, indeed infatuated not to see great
change is unavoidable; and that the attempt 10
elude or much longer delay it. must finally but
increase the shock, and disastrous consequent
ces which may follow.
In forming the opinions / have expressed, l
have not been actuated by an unklnd feeling to.
wards our manufacturing interest. lnow am, and
ever have been decidedly friendly to Them though
cannot concur in all Of the measures which have
been adopted to advance them. believe consi.
derations higher than any question os mere pecu.
uiary interest, forbid their use. But subordinate
to these higher views Of policy, regard the adj
vancemeut of mechanical and chemical improve
ments in the arts with feelings little short of en-
thusasm: not only as the prolific source OF nation
al and Individual wealth, but as the great means
of charging the domain Of man over the material
world; and, thereby, Of laying the solid found
alton of a highly improved condition Of society,
morally and politically. fear not that we shall
extend our power too far over the great agents OF
nature; but on the contrary. ] consider such en-
largement OF our power, as tending, more certain
ly and powerfully, to better the condition OF our
race, than my one of the many powerful causes
now operating. to that result. With these impress
sions, I not only rejoice at the general progress
of the arts in the world but in their advancement
in our own country; aud. as far as protection can
be incidentally afforded, in the fair and honest
exercise Of our constitutional powers. think now,
as have always done, that sound policy, connect
ed with the security. independence. and peace OF
the country, requires them to be protected, but
that we cannot 90 single step beyond, without
ieopardizing our peace, our harmony and our lib.
erty; considerations of infinitely more importance
to Us than any measure Of mere policy can posi-
bly, be.
III thus placing my opinions before. the public,
l have not been actuated by the expectation of
changing the public sentiment. Such motive,
on a question so long agitated. and so beset with
feelings Of prejudice & interest. would argue, on
my part, an insufferable vanity. and profound
ignorance of the human heart. To avoid, as far
as possible, the imputatiun of either, have con-
fined my statement on the many and important
points on which have been compelled to touch,
to simple declaration of my opinion, without adj
vancIng any other reasons to sustain them, than
what appeared TO me to be indispensable to the
full understanding of nv views; and if they
should, on any point, be thought to be not clearly
and explicitly developed, it will. trust. be
attributed to my solicitude to avoid the imputa-
tons to which have alluded, and not from any
desire to disguise my sentiments; nor the want
of arguments and illustrations to maintain posi-
lions, which so abound in both, that it would re-
qu,re a volume to do them any thing like justice.
can only hope that truths. which feel assured
ere essentially connected with all that we ought
to hold most dear. NAV not be weakened in the
public estimation by the imperfect manner in
which have been. by the object in view, compel
led to present them.
With every caution on my part, dare not hope
in taxing the step have. to escape the lmputa-
ton of improper motives; though have, without
reserve, free Y expressed my opinions, not re-
garding whether they might or might not, be po-
pular. have no reason to believe that they are
such as will conciate public favor, but the oppo
site: which greatly regret, as have ever placed
high estimate on the good opinion of my fellow
citizens. But, be that as it may, shall, at least