The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-03-08
MR.. SHADES straightforward

subject, and that in which modern wisdom car
alone see 1t! He regarded the encouragement O
manufactures as {" nationaf' object. In ''na
tlonal view," the change was, in his opinion
more than recompense for the privations and
losses connected with the injustice which had
[ forced manufactures into existence. he saw
with the eye of practised statesman the neces.
sary connexioD between the interest of manufac-
lures and every other internationally reasoning
that branch Of industry which consumed the
products of agriculture on one hand, and EN-
ployed the agencies of commerce on the other,
possessed difiusive energy which would make
its influence to be felt for good throughout the
entire country. Well might he commend TO the
"patriotic" reflections of the Congress of the
United States an interest thus national, and
worth such sacrifices. But modern patriotism,
contracting the scope Of Its vision, sees nothing
but hateful monnpolies, and sectional interests,
where MADISON, in the soundness of bis wisdom
and the fullness ofhis patriotism saw the wealth,
the strength, the independence. and The glory of
the whole country.
The subject was followed up by Mr.. MADISON
in his next message, sent 10 Congress on the 9th
of November, 1911, liz which he said:
although other objtc will press more i'm
mediately on your deliberations, a portion of
them cannot but be well bestowed on the just
and sound policy of securing 10 our manufactures
the success they have attained. and are sill at
tanning, under the impulse OF causes not perma-
nent and to our navigation. the the fair extent of
which it is, at present, abridged by the unequal
regulations of foreign Governments. Besides
the reasonableness of saving our manufactures
from sacrifices which change of circumstances
might bring upon them, the national interest re-
quires that with respect 10 such articles at least
as belong to our defence and primary wants, we
should not be left in state of unnecessary de-
pendence on external supplies"
Here was no abatement of Mr.. MADIsoN's zeal
in favor Of the protecting policy. 1t was in his
pinion, '.just and sound policy" He would
take care TO secure the success already attained
by manufactures, and save them from the sac
rfces TO which a change Of circumstances might
expose them.
The next position of Mr.. MADlsoN's opinions
on this subject find in his special message TO
Congress Of the 20lh of February, 1915, accom-
panving the treaty of peace concluded at Client
on the Oath OF December proceeding. Having
congratulated Congress and the country on the
suspicious event, and recommended the adoption
of various measures called for by the change in
the condition of the country, he closed by again
urging upon the attention of Congress the great
interest which seems to have been ever present
to his mind.
"But (said he) there is no subject that can en-
ter with greater force and merit into the Geli5er
atoms of Congress than consideration Of the
means to preserre aud project the manufactures
which have sprung into existence, and attained
an unparalleled maturity throughout the United
States during the period of the European wars
THIS source of national independence and wealth
aariously recommend, therefore, to the prompt
and constant guardianship of Congress-
Here again is exhibited Mr.. MADIsoS's zeal
in behalf of this great interest. No subject could
10 his opinion, enter with greater force and merit
into the deliberations of Congress. The wealth
and the independence, not merely Of the manu-
facturers, and the capitalists, but of the nation,
were involved in it. Ii was. therefore, in his
opinion, worthy Of more than passing sugges-
lion. He anriousiy recommended it TO the
prompt and constant guardianship OF Congress.
Guardianship! That was the relation which,
during the first forty-four years of this Govern
ment, existed between il and the manufacturing
interests of The country. Mr.. Madison well
knew, and every statesman ought 10 know, that
without such guardian care the manufactures OF
no country can succeed against the capital and
skill, the bounties, premiums, and prohibitions,
of old and well-established manufacturing COM
munities-to say nothing of The pauper labor
with which the manufacturers OF this country
have to come in cometitioB. 1.-THE strong mind
ed practical men who framed our Constitution,
and who long gave direction to our public affairs,
constructions Of tie Constitution, instead Of
Selling and carrying out its great principles,
we should still have been hewers OF wood and
drawers of water TO the manufacturing capital
and skill of foreign countries.
But must cease comment and let Mr.. Madi-
son again speak. He thus continues to press
the subject in his next annual message, Of the 9th
of December, 1915.
I'm adjusting the duties on imports TO the OBJ
Al - H.
manufactures will necessarily present itself for
consideration. However wise the theory may
be which leaves to the sagacity and interest OF
individuals the application of their Industry and
resources there arefn this as in all other cases,
exceptions TO the general rule. Besides the con-
ditio1 which the theory itself implies, oil reclp-
rocal adoption by other nations, experience teach
es that so many circumstances must concur in
introducing and maturing manufacturing estab-
lishments, especially Of the n ore complicated
kinds, that a country may remain long without
them, although sufficiently advanced, and in
some respects even peculiarly fitted for carving
them en- with success.
In selecting the branches more especially entitled
to the public patronage, preference is obviously
claimed by such as i'll relieve the United States
from a dependence on foreign supplies, ever sub
ect TO casual failures, for articles necessary for
the public defence, or connected with the primary
wants of individuals. 1t will be an additional
recommendation ofpartcular manufactures when
the materials for them are extensively drawn
from our agriculture, and consequently impart
and ensure to that great fund of national prosperi
ty and independence an encouragement which
cannot fail to be rewarded"
Here, again, is exhibited the practical good
sense Of Mr.. Madison. He discards The theory
which so leaves to sagacIy and interest the ap-
plicatioo of industry as to disregard the con-
sideralion that it must be adopted by other ma
tons 10 render its observance consistent with
our Independence while he seFs-what would
thai some modern wise men could see-the direct
counexIon Of manufactures with agriculture, in
all its Department -using its raw materials. and