Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-08-21

We thank ncighbnrs OF the AGRcULIuEisr Tor hay.
Inc called forth the following valuable letter Expresses,
in condensed form the vews Of public policy in regard
the great interests OF the country tho maintenance and
diffusion OF which 80 many ut the usuous orators great
estspcoches have been devoted IL bcahcs sso the spirit
OF enlightened bcncvoeucc and patriotism,
which distinguish his private aud pubic ehasscrNash.
riHs Banner.
AsuLAsp, August, 1919.
To he Pabishsrs Of the Tenn. State 4srieulfsrist.
GrSrrxsrs;-I duly received your letter. requesting my
present views TO tho station that the Mechanical
Vt our population should occupy in the Uaed States and
also "a the subject of Homo Industry and
Although have often had occasion publicly express my
opinions on these ms,iers, take pleasure communities.
ting thcm you.
Ii has always appeared to me- Gentlemen that the task
OF administering our common government would be
very difficult. honesty beraty and reasonable informa
ton were carried into tho public councils IL inshtu.
ted to promote tho general prosperity, by faithful exercise
OF the powers granted by tho Constitution. All parts of
the Union aud all the great interests OF tho country should
therefore, receive the parental aud attention Of the
government NO ono section, md interest should
desire OF expect To cngross its exclusive regard
The main pillars OF Society Agriculture, Commcres
including Navigation, and Manufactures, including the
ecnanlc hrs Owing TO the peculiar position OF the IT,.
states Agriculture requires but little protection and that
confined to few branches OF it, IL is otherwise with the
oher Two interests They require protection sgs,t
inc selfish Legislation and the rivalry OF Foreign powers
which, to make beneficial and sccua should posses. two
qualities, moderation and stability intimately connected
win eeeh other. Without moderation other interests
would ec they had been unusty dealt by dsaisac-
ton would ensuc and that stability legislation SO dcsa
bic IN all business and pursuits, would bo served
Protection TO Manufactures and Commerce in fact what
ever may DC In or encouragement Agriculture The
cuvaor Of the soil the great advantage OF
having slong side of him the Blacksmith tho Wheelwrrt
tho sadtcr and Harness maker the Tsor, the Halter the
shoemaker, the Cebinctmaker ard Masons snd arpon.
tiers, ls comforts and theirs both increased by such
proximity, and they enabled augment their respective
productions But OF what avail wonld be multiply
el without Commerce, foreign and domestic, whoee Of
fee is To distribute the surplus produce Of Agriculture and
OF the fabrics of the Mechanic and Manufacturer
am 20 sr friend TO free trade think that within
the limits OF the Union, should be entirely
and perfectly equal between oil interests and all part of
our county But to that free trade which would throw
wide open porte Foreign productions without du.r
theirs remaining closed adissic allowed on
upon the condition of high duties aud severe restriction;
which would compel direct Naton instead of
the Cusomhousc 10 supply the OF the Federal Ire
ssury and which would leave domestic industry unpro
eced and exposed IN unequal with the rival
productions OF Foreign powers utterly and rreconcil.
ably opposcd Ihad hoped. aud supposed, that all would
have cheortnly rallied around arf which, seeking
supply the Treasury with adequate for hon.
est and economical administration OF the Government
should at the tme incidentally by proper dscrnns.
on extend reasonable protection such branches of
domestic industry needed IL. Thst il ell which now
asked OF insisted upon But that moderate and squ-
table basis for the final settlement OF this great and veIed
question, encounters strong and decided opposition
The Mechanic Arts, from the of the ope.
ration OF constitution, have constantly enjoyed
degree OF protection from Government the form
duties imposed fabrics of foreign Mechanics and think
II ought 10 be continued.
With respect 10 the which that portion of our po.
pasion engaged IN mechanical pursuits ought occupy
in the United States, think that all citizens native and
naiuazed, without regard their respective yocaons
should enjoy such consideration society due their
virtue and intelligence their industry sobrioy and general
department.
With cordial acknowledgment gentlemen for tn. sent-
mens OF esteem and confidence, which you done me
the honor TO express towards me,
lam your friend and obOdieni servant.
IL. CLAY.