Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-09-02
LETTER PROM Mr. CLAY.
The following letter from Mr.. CLAY to
the publishers of the Tennessee State Agri-
culturist, will be read with interest:


the publishers Of the Tennessee State Agri-
culturist, will be read with interest:
ASHLAND, Aug. 1913.
Gentlemen--I duly received your letter, re-
questing my present views as to The station that
the mechanical portion of our population, should
occupy in the United States, and also as to the
subject Of home industry and manufactures AL
though have often had occasion publicly to ex.
press my opinions on these matters, take pleas.
ure in communicating them 10 you.
1t has always appeared to me, gentlemen, that
the task OF administering our common Govern.
ment would not be very difficult, if honesty, lib.
erality, and reasonable information, were carried
into the public councils. 1t was instituted 10 pro-
mote the general prosperity, by faithful exer.
else Of the powers granted by the Constitution
All the country should, therefore, receive the pa.
rental care and attention Of the Government. -
No one section, and no one interest should desire
or expect to engoss its exclusive regard.
Tie main pillars Of society are agriculture,
commerce, including navigation, and manu(ac-
lures, and the mechanic arts. Owing 10 the pc
culiar position Of the United States, agriculture
requires but little protection, and that confined to
few branches Of it. 1t is otherwise with the
other two interests. They require some protec
ton against the selfish legislation and the rivalry
Of foreign powers, which 10 make it beneficial
and effectual, should possess two qualities, mod.
Grafton and stability, intimately connected with
each other. Without moderation, other interests
would feel that they had been unjustly dealt by,
dissatisfaction would ensue, and that stability in
legislation so desirable in all business pursuits,
would not be served.
Protection to manufactures and commerce is in
fact, whatever it may be in form, encouragement
to agriculture. The cultivator OF The soil is con.
scious OF the great advantage OF having along
side of him, the blacksmith, the wheelright the
saddler and harness maker, the tailor the halter,
the shoe maker, the cabinet maker, and mason
and carpenters. His comforts and theirs are in.
creased by such proximity, and they are enabled
to augment their respective productions. But Of
what avail would it be to multiply them without
commerce, foreign and domestic, whose Office is to
distribute the surplus produce Of agriculture and
OF the fabrics Of the mechanic and manufacturer.
| am so far a fend OF free trade as to think
that, within the limits Of the Union, il should be
entirely uniettered, and perfectly equal between
all interests and all parts Of our country. But to
that free trade which would throw right open our
ports TO foreign productions, without duties theirs
| remaining closed 10 US or our admission allowed
only upon the condition Of high duties and Sc.
we're restriction, which would compel resort to
direct taxation instead Of the custom house, TO
supply the waits Of the Federal Treasury; and
which would leave our domestic industry unpro.
tected and exposed in an unequal contest with
the rival productions OF foreign powers, | am ut.
terly and irreconcilably opposed. had hoped,
and supposed, that all would have cheerfully raj
lied round tariff which, seeking to supply the
treasury 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 protec.
ton to such branches Of our domestic indus ry as
needed it, That is all that is now asked or in.
sisted upon. But even that moderate and equi.
table basis, for the fnal settlement OF this great
and vexed question. encounters strong end deci
ded opposition.
The mechanic arts from the commencement Of
the operation Of our present Constitution, have
constantly enjoyed some degree Of protection
from Government in the form Of duties imposed
on fabrics Of foreign mechanics; and | think it
ought TO be continued.
With respect 10 the station which that portion
OF our population engaged in mechanical pur-
suits ought to occupy in the United States,
think that all citizens, native and naturalized
without any regard to their respective vocations
should enjoy such consideration in society, as is
due to their virtue and intelligence, their industry
sobriety and general department.
With cordial acknowledgment, gentlemen, (oI
the sentiments OF esteem and confidence which
you have done me the honor 10 express towards
me, am your friend and obedent servant.
H. CLAY