Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1842-11-26

Most Ct these men whose names are published
above have been distinguished for their yea! 10
favor Of locofocoistn, and mos, of them now
leaders Of the party of miscellaneous principles.
But scarce ten years have passed since this Pc
tition was presented to Congress, and, we repeat.
signed by the leading Iocos Of the State Of lodi
aua,-many Of whom have been recipients OF
office at the hands of the late loco administrations
Bounty for the Cultivation and Manufacture
of silk.
The following is the copy Of a petition now IN
eircuat ton, IN this and the i'd Ioinng counties
1t deserves an extensive circulation, and the sub
jcct of encouraging the cultivation Of Silk Is
worthy the serious consideration OF The Legisla
lure:
To the Honorable Senate and House Of Assembly
Of the State Of Indana:
THE undersigned inhabitants and citizens Of
--respec,foIly represent that the annu-
al reports Of the Secretary of the Treasury Of the
United States, for ten years past, show, that, Oh
average, about twenty millions Of dollars worth
Of silk has been imported into the United States
annually, from foreign countries, amounting in
the whole, for that time, TO the enormous sum Of
two hundred millions Of dollars. This immense
sum is drawn from the pockets Of the people Of
this country, in specie, for an article of Foreign
growth and manufacture, which, with proper en-
enlargement, can be produced from our own soil,
and by the industry and skill Of our own citizens.
To remedy this evil, II is only necessary for the
Legislatures Of the several States TO grant such
bounties for cocoons and reeled sik,a will induce
tna tn in he hus q
,oa is now fa!ly settled, that the soil aud climate
of the Western States, particularly, &c well
adapted to the production Of silk, and II is equally
certain that citizens not wanting IN en-
terprise and industry but like all other new bran
ches of business, the production Of silk requires
experience to render it profitable. Those who
engage in il are at first necessarily subjected 10
losses and dlsapPoin'men's, and, 10 encourage
them 10 porsevere anG overcome these embarrass-
ments believe it TO be gond policy for the
Legislature to pass law,at their present session,
giving ii bounty on cocoons and reeled Silk, equal
TO that which is awarded by any Other State
This would induce many people to hazard the
undertaking Of business which must ultimately
become, under the fostering care Of our l.egis!a-
ture a vast source Of wealth TO the State and
Nation, and at the same time, give employ meat
Il numerous class Of people whose circhm.tan~
ces forbid their engaging in any other profitable
business. Nor is ii unreasonable that those who
are irst engage in any branch OF business
which promises 10 become of vast National i'm
portance, should be literally encouraged b. L.
gisative bounIies, inasmuch those who subse>
quentIy engage in it, derive great advantages
and avoid serious losses, by duo observance of
experiments of those who preccde them and lead
the way. The bestowment OF bountes fJr the
encouragement Of the industry and enterprise of
cur citizens, does not impovcriSh the State, bat
adds TO the common veal. The money still re-
mains in the hands of our citizens, while it serves
to render people, independent OF Foreign
Nations. The undersigned, therefore, earnestly
pray TIA. q law may be passed at the present
session, awarding sach bounties both for cocoons
and reelod silk, as you shall consider that good
policy requires, and the interest of the State de-
mands.
BoUNTIEs AWARDED By THE FOLLOWING STATES:
= al ,ci, Ir,iI