Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-12-29
FOREIGN VIEWS OF AMERICAN
INDUSTRY.

The Paris Journal des Debats contains
an able article on the subject of American
Manufactures, which is deserving Of attcn-
ton. We have translated and present be-
low the material parts Of it. 1t begins with
some statements Of the commerce of the
United States, founded on the late official
publication of the Commerce and Naviga-
ton Of the country, from the Treasury de-
partment. After those statements, the ar,i-
Gle proceeds as folio VS.:
This modification results in n good measure, from
the Tariff OF duties which the Americans have adopt
ed. They have placed themselves under the banner
OF protection. They have laid duties equivalent 10 a
prohibition on some articles. Foreign commerce has
ca to the value of 42l millions in 1896 and 295 in 1881,
in 1912 did not furnish more than lS2 millions
France, which holds the second rank in the com
merce Of the United States, delivered them goods to
the amount of 1876 millions in 1886 and III in 1887,
the figures in the table for 1912 only for los. It's
perceived that the loss to France is considerably less
than that 10 England, as regards the year 1886, 1t Is
however d5 for a hundred.
This dimnulion of the consumption of foreign pro-
duets must not be attributed to the tariff of duties
alone. 1t proceeds also, at least with regard TO
France, which exports more particularly articles OF
luxury, from a fortunate modification winch has been
introduced into the habits Of the people. Adversely
ha, made the Americans more economical. French
silks and articles of Paris fashions have been less
sought for. Meantime The fact which goes before all
others, and which modlfes most profoundly the com
mercial relations of the United States with Europe, is
The entrance with full sails of North America INTO the
manufacturing system. She did not perhaps desire
il, it may be considered a surprlse upon n good number
5 of her LEGISLATORS. The want of the duties has been
alleged as a reason, for the Treasury was empty
! The intrigucs of Parties were mingled with the ques'
/. ton. Meantime. America is now submitted TO the
Il , tnripU rpoiupp -ehp nppnnfg IN bp definitely
r subjected to it. This order of things will manifest IT.
self by effects very little loreseen; and ltIs probable
5 for example, that il will have an influence on the 50
5 cal constitution by ilvoring an inequality of condition
u in a country winch had become the CLASSIC land o
absolute equality.
Without speaking Of the political consequences tina
h the establishment OF a protective tarill would have OF
the Jl1iied States, II may be believed that this sam
l. couse VIII produce great changes IN the general com
mcrce of The globe. The American is an exccllen
lie nechoric-he has the spirit of bringing manufacture
Y 10 persc,ion, in tho hlghes, degree. No eNircnllt
~ ;n,ped,s him in the Improvement Of his operarous.-
Sc ~ koep M an antiquatCd method OF labor seems I
Ii hint greater evil than to rum himself, a greater di'
ne honor than becoming a l%ankiiIpf. lie possesses IN
mechanical genius III a superior degree TO tie Engl!sl
a. man himself. As an operative he is very sklliul, yer
N nteligent, very alert. The American workman
IN mote cultivated than he European workman he
he moe active with his understanding, and his wor
TO eboysit il. There IS therefore room for the belief tn
to under the spur alone of national rlvalship the Amel
can fabrics will make rapid advances that IN n sho
he time they will produce largely, ana at good pa
nd gains.
n Eumnp. but this increase Of expense for the man
he nctlrer is compensated by various advantages; Il
IN low price of certain primary materials, cotton, fer e
10 annie, and it may be believed tina, the price OF m
rst chauicnl labor will be lowered in the United State
OF il has perceptilly diminished for some years past, NJ
with an equal relribution the American operative W
by EMO, more comfort Than the European workman,
the Far commodities of The first necessity are at We
ion. low prices in America, except IN two or three of I
large cities on the sea coast. In the city of Cincinn
I of ii. fo' example, which manufactures a great deal, n
Wild, is one of the most populous cities of the [
me ion, & k,logrnm of beef may he had for 20 or IS Ct
ave times, and other thing in proportion.
;" The conclusion TO which this leads is, that the L
/ on ted Safes are tending speedily TO becoming a mar
not faclrng people, who will pour into the general co
him mertt manufactured goods, of every kind, hardwa
\. 10 clockNoTk, wrought metals, in great quantities and
low prices, and that they will prove every VIII
powlrlul rivals to the great manufacturing nato
ave- parttularly To England, to whose productions tt
own genius attracts them. In n word, ENGLAND
thretened with having IN the American Union
CON nercial rival which will make terrible wal NJ
Mr. her because she will oppose to her merchandise, p
the due, exactly similar. When we consider the r
thni,omnercc and manufactures have had in the
eas 'ablhment Of the English power, it is easy 10 c
ltlon c~eivdthat this wonld be m event ola nature TO in
new ~enceyen the political balance of the world.
ailr- W,may say that England is meraced. This is
enoth. The rivalship Of the manufactured good
rsolI No,t America is an actual fact, The Amertc
IN 10 hav made prodleious improvements in Their cot
mqrtac'uree, and even their woollens more recen
: re 4 ~ Of nlaru has issn sounded In Great Brit