The Democratic Whig. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1842-1843, 1843-09-01

that confined to few branches Off, It igUth
erwise with the other two interests The,
require some projection against the sel6sl
legislation and the rivalry &C foreign powers
which to make Il beneficial and effsctual should
possess two qualities, moderation and stability
intimately connected with each other. With.
out moderation, other interests would feel thai
they had been unjustly dealt by, dissatisfaction
would eDsue, and that stability in legislation.
Sd desirable IN all business and pursuits, would
not be served,
Protection of Manufactures and Commerce
is in fact whatever it may be in form, encour.
agement to agriculture. The cuItivator of the
soil is conscious Of the great advantage OF
having alongside of him the Blacksmith. the
Weelwright, the Saddler and harness maker.
the Shoemaker the Cabinetmaker, and Ma.
sons and Carpenters. His comforts and theirs
are both increased by such proximity and thew
are enabled to augment their respective pro-
auctions. But of what avail would il be TO
multiply them. without Commerce, foreign and
domestic, whose Office Is to distribute the sur.
plus produce Of agriculture and of the fabrics of
the Mechanic and Manufacturer?
am 30 far friend to free trade as 10 think
that, within the limits of the Union. It should
be entirely unfettered, and perfectly equal be-
tween allinterests and all parts of our country.
But to that free trade, which would wide open
our ports to Foreign productions, without du-
ties, theirs remaining closed to Us or our admis-
sion allowed only upon the condition of high du.
ties and severe restriction; which would COM
pei resort to direct taxation, instead of the
Custom house to supply the wants of the Fed
eral Treasury; and which would leave our do.
mestlc industry unprotected, and exposed in an
unequal contest with the rival productions Of
Foreign powers, am utterly and irrecon-
ciably opposed. had hoped, and supposed,
that all would have cheerfuIly rallied around
the Tariff which seeking to supply the Treas
ury with an adequate revenue for an honest
and economical administration of the Govern
ment, should at the same time, incidentally, by
proper discrimination, extend reasonable pro-
lection to such branches of our domestic indus |
try as needed It. That is all which is row
insisted upon But even that moderate and
equitable basis, for the final settlement of this |
great and vexed question, encounters strong
and decided opposition.
The Mechanic Arts, from the commence. |
ment of the operation of our present Constitu |
ton, have constantly enjoyed some degree of
protection from Government, in the form of du. |
ties imposed on fabrics of foreignlM echanics; |
and think it ought to be continued.
With respect to the station which that por- |
ton of our population engaged in mechan cal |
pursuits ought 10 occupy,fn the United States, |
think that all citizens, native and naturalised
without any regard to Retrospective vacations |
should enjoy such consideration in Society, as |
10 due to their virtue and intelligence, their |
industry, sobre ETY. and general department.
With cordial acknowledgement, Gentlemen, |
for the sentiments of esteem and confidence.
which you have done me the honor to express
towards me,
i am your friend aud obedient servant,
-. Il. CLAY.