The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-05-27
WAsnrsGrox. May Sd, 1913.

G.srlsm.s; have received your letter of the
18th Of April You look, gentlemen, with degree
of socitude which we'll appreciate TO the pro-
liability that an adjustment of important questions
of international trade between the Uoed States and
other countries especially Great Britain, will he at
tempted. fear you estimate quite too highly my
own ability render useful service to tho public, IN
such transactions but, by whomsoever conducted,
should feel the strongest interest in their success,
should they take place. confess that, being truly
and sincerely devoted TO the protection Of American
labor and industry, consider II TO be Of the highest
m ortance TO give 10 that labor, and that industry
security, steadiness of support, permanency oil
encouragement, which they have not lately enjoyed,
and which, fear, they not likely To ENJOY here
after, unless more comprehensive policy be adopt
cd than that which has hill crto been pursued. The
question of protection has mingled itself, TO such
degree with questions Of supposed local interests
with political questions and struggles Tor political
r~-r that has not been suffered TO be at rest, on
| any basis. II has naa -apose This is evidently
great evil All interests demand suraAy .nd set
lied policy and conviction of this truth appears to
be becoming general and strong. Those, who possess
the means Of living, desire to feel in their
joyment; and those, who have such means to earn
must wish, above all things to know what they may
depend upon, when they devote their capital and
their labor to particular pursuits or modes of occcu
patton.
II was thought that something was accomplished
and certainly something was accomplished, by the
Tariff act Of last year. Yet, it had hardly passed
before events occurred, creating the highest proba
biity that the whole subject would be agitated, anew
in the next Congress. Are we always 70 be in Thu
Ructuating statei Are never to be able 10 looL
for any thing, but succession of ehanges' Is there
no way of bringing the whole country, and all inter.
ests to adjustment that may promise some degree
of quiet, and of general satisfaction No doubt the
various pursuits Of the people Of this country have
really and truly in themselves strong mutually OF
interest. The grain and corn producing States must
always find the best market for the surplus Of heir
products in the manufacturing and commercial pOpu-
latiOn of the east they will always find the price
manufactured articles such they need kept low
and the quality good ny the productions of eastern
labor But rich and abundant is the grain crop OF
the country, that beyond what may be demanded for
| the consumption Of manufacturing and commercial
districts there is still surplus, for which, part
| of which, foreign market is desirable. The cotton
CROP too though it finds market at home, the value
Of which, think, has been sufficiently appre-
ciated, requires nevertheless free exportation and
large consumption abroad. Cannot those who are
concerned in these interests be brought into harmO-
ny and concert OF action, proPortioned to the real
| harmony, aud mutually which subsist between the
| interests themselves For my part think the ex-
pertinent worth trying, and should have great hopes
of its success if there were fear of opposition,
from collateral or extrnsic cause. My inquiries al
the North and through the centre and at the South and
West have been extensive and the result has led TO
| the conclusion which have expressed would not
| speak with confidence, upon matter yet untried,
and which, know, may encounter variety Of OBJ
jecons; but repeat that, in my opinion, the xpe-
| rment IS worth fair trial. We may we'll make one
earnest eDdeavor, even upon slight encouragement,
to give permanent support TO the industry Of the
country, and stability to the business and pursuits Of
| life.
As to myself gentlemen, have no expectation Of
being concerned in any manner, in negotiations
nectcd with this subject aud happy TO know that
the untry has many hands ADLER than mine, to
WELD such concerns. he Government has eminent
| ability at its command, both at home and abroad. !
have no wish TO go abroad, public service II ne
gotations should be entered into, there reasons
for desiring that they should be undertaken at Wash
ingon in which case, according TO the usual course,
they would be conducted by the Head of the Depart
ment of State, under the direction of the President
With unfeigned thanks for your manifestation Of
friendly sentiments, respect and confidence,
! remain, gentlemen, your
Obliged friend, and obt scrvt
DANIEL WEBSTER.
To the Honorable David Sears, II. G.. Otis, VIM.
Prescott, and The other gentlemen.