Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-03-22

ket, which the domestic article had OBJ
tanned. The repeal, therefore, would
have no Legitimate effect. But might not
the foreign article be imported in vast
quantities, to glut our markets, break
down our establishments, and ultimately,
to enable the foreigner to monopolize the
supply of our consumption' America is
the greatest foreign market for European
manufactures. 1t is that to which Euro
pean attention is constantly directed. If
great house becomes bankrupt, there,
its storehouses are emptied, and the goods
are shipped to America, where, i'll con-
sequence of our auctions, and our Gus
tom-house credits, the greatest facilities
are afforded in the sale of them. Com
binations among manufacturers might
take place, or even the operations of TO-
reign Governments might be directed to
the destruction of our establishments. A
repeal, therefore, of one protecting duty,
from some one or all Of these causes,
would be followed by flooding the coun-
try with the foreign fabric, surcharging
the market, reducing the price, and a
after which the foreigner would leisurely
look about to indemnify himself in the in
creased prices which he would be ena-
bled to command by his monopoly Of the
supply Of our consumption. What A
merican citizen, after the Government
had displayed this vacillating policy,
would be again tempted to place the
smallest confidence in the public faith,
and adventure once more in this branch
of industry?
Gentlemen have allowed to the manu-
featuring portions Of the community no
peace: they have been constantly threat
ened with the overthrow of the Ameri-
can System. From the year 1920, ifnot
from 1916, down to this time, they have
been held in condition of constant a
arm and insecurity. Nothing is more
prejudicial to the great interests of ma
tion than unsettled and varying policy
Although every appeal to the National
Legislature has been responded to, in
conformity with the wishes and sent-
ments of the great majority Of the Peo-
pie, measures of protection have only
been carried by such small majoritcs, as
to excite hopes, on the one hand, and
fears on the other. Let the country
breathe, let its vast resources be devel-
oped, let its energies be fully put forth,
let it have tranquility, and, my word for
it, the degree of perfection in the arts
which it will exhibit, will be greater
than that which has been presented, as
as our progress has been. AL
though some branches of our manufac-
lures might, and, in foreign markets, now
do, fearlessly contend with similar 70
reign fabrics, there are many others, yet
in their infancy, struggling with the diff
ficulties which encompass them. We
should look at the phole system, and re-
collect that time when we contemplate
the great movements of a nation, is very
different from the short period which is
allotted for the duration of individual life.
The hon. gentleman from South Carroll
ma well and eIoquently said, in 1884,
mo great interest of any country ever yet
grew up in day; no new branch of in
dustry can become firmly and pro6tably
established, but in long course of years;
every thing, indeed, great or good, isl
matured by slow degrees; that which at
tains speedy maturity is of small value,
and is destined to brief existence. ItI
is the order of Providence, that powers
gradually developed, shall alone attain
permanency and perfection. Thus must
it be with our national institutions and
national character ITSELF
l feel most sensibly, Mr. President,
how much l have trespassed upon the
Senate. My apology is deep and de-
lberate conviction, that the great cause
under debate involves the prosperity and
the destiny of the Union. But the best
requital l can make, for the friendly in
diligence which has been extended to
me by the Senate, and for which shall
ever retain sentiments of lasting graft
tude, is to proceed, with as little delay
as practicable, to the conclusion Of dis
course which has not been more tedious
to the Senate than exhausting to me. l
have now to consider the remaining of
the two propositions which l have alrea-
dy announced. That is,
2dly. That, under the operation Of
the American System, the products of
our agriculture command higher price
Ihan they would do without it, by the
creation of a home market; and, by the
ofwealth produced by man.
industry, which enlarges our
powers of consumption both of domestic
and foreign articles. The Importance
Of the home market is among the estab-
ished maxims which are universally re-
cognised by all writer's and all men,
However some may differ as to the rela-
i've advantages Of the foreign and the