Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-03-20
SOUND DOCTRINE.

The following wholesome resolutions
were adopted by a convention of Me-
chanics, Manufacturers and Laborcrs,
assembled at Middletown, Con. on the
9th February. Does not reason tell us
and our experience prove, that the CON-
forts of the working man depend essen
TALLY upon the amount of his wages! No,
SAYS Mr.. Buchanan, "REDUCE the
price oflabor, and you corer the country
NTH blessings and Benefits" But hear
what the people say
Resolved, That this Government was created for
the good of the many, and not for the benefit of
the few only. That it was intended by its trainers
to exhibit to the world a people free and equal,
not only politically, but socially, to secure which,
while they repealed the law of primogeniture, to
prevent the too great accunulationof wealth IN
the hands of any individual, they were equally
careful by the principle of protection which they
incorporated in The Constitution, that the wages OF
the worinsmen should never be reduced TO a level
with those Of the >eris of Europe.
2. That New England mainly depends on her
~ tIlN' il lHt lIJIBo "
her population, and consequently, as representa-
ton varies in the same ratio with population, she
relies on them for her just political weight in the
Union.
5. That while we claim under the Constitution
the right to as full and efficient protection to our
labor from the elects of foreign competition, as i.
extended to the coa>tlng trade, we limit our de-
mands to a tariif that shall he so adjusted as tC
raise exclusively from such imports as compel,
with the labor and productions Of this country
whatever revenue may he necessary for the sup.
port Of Governments.
4. That the doctrine advanced by our Southern
brethren, "That the Government has no con>tjlu.
tional power to protect our laborers from foreign
compelitlon," is subversivc of the Constitution
and, If admitted would deprive us Of the creates
benefit we have from ii. That in uniting withou
distinction Of party TO maintain this doctrine, ant
deprive us of our rights, they show us the cours,
which II is necessary for us to pursue if we woul,
retain them.
5. That such an union is, as they prove, not in.
compatible with honest differences on other sub
iects; and that in conformity with their example
while we diiier as TO some OF the qualifications 0
candidates for office, we unite in considering NJ
one entitled TO onr %suIirages, whatever may be on
preference for him in other respects, who is no
an open and avowed advocate, not only of tn,
right, but OF the expedicncy Of protection, TO tn,
extent claimed in these resolutions.
6. That this Government was founded in con
promise, each section OF the Union yielding some.
|, thing to the other, that it might in return obraii
an advantage to itself and the general good b
promoted. That under the influence of this com
promise, is exhibited in the Constitution, we hav
thus far prospered.
!, 7. That our reason tells us, and our experience
under a protective tariff proves 10 MS, that ON
comforts depend on the amount Of wages Tha
although the condition oflhcse who live on salarie
or the interest Of their money, may be improve
I by the removal Of that production Ia theory, tn
truth OF which we by no means admit,) ours b
tho consequent reduction Of our wages, would b
materially injured, aud that a republican govern
ment, ifrlghtly administered, will never allow {
I injury ofthe many, for the personal tenef, Of III
" few.