Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-09-06
MR.. CLAY ON AMERICAN INTERESTS.

MR.. CLAY ON AMERICAN INTERESTS. |
The publishers OF the Tennessee State Agricul.
urisi have recently addressed letter TO Mr.. CLAY,
asking his views - 10 our Domestic Industry and
and the relative position which the
mechanical classes should maintain in rur commu-
nifty. To this application, Mr.. Clay has returned
the following reply. The sentiments expressed in
this reply are liberal, enlightened, comprehensive
and patriotic.
ASHLAND, August, IsA3.
To the PuJii,iers Of the Tennessee State Agrleul
fmist:
Gentlemen Il duly received your letter, re-
guessing my present views 10 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 Although have
often had occasion publicly 10 express my opinions
on these ma,teIs, / take pleasure in commune ang
them 10 you.
1t has always appeared 10 me, Gentlemen, that
the task Of administering our common government
would be very difficult. honesty, berality and
reasonable information were carried into the public
councils 1t was instituted TO promote the general
prosperity, by faithful exercise OF the powers
granted by the Constitution. All parts Of the Union,
and all the great interests Of the country, should,
therefore, receive the parental care and att nton OF
the government. No one section, and no one in
teres should desire or expect TO engross its exclu-
sive regard.
The main pillars Of Society are Agriculture, Com
merce, Navigation, and Manufactures, including the
Mechanic Arts. Owing TO the peculiar position OF
the United States, Agriculture requires but little
protection, and that confined to a few branches of
it, 1t is otherwise with the other two interests
They require some protection against the selfish le-
gislaOn and the rivalry of foreign powers. which,
to make it beneficial and efiectual, should possess
two qualities, moderation and stability, intimately
connected with each other Without moderation,
other interests would feel that they had been unjust
ly dealt by, dissatisfaction would ensue, and that
stability in egisraton, desirable in all business
and pursuits, would not be served.
Pro,ec,ion 10 Manufactures and Commerce is in
fact, whatever il may be in form, encouragement to
agriculture. The cutivator Of the soil is conscious
of the great advantage Of having along side of him
the Blacksmith, the Wheelwnght, the Saddle and
Harness maker, the Shoemaker, the Cabinet-maker,
and Masons and Carpenters His comforts and
theirs both increased by such proximity, and
they 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 surplus produce o
/ Agriculture and Of the fabrics Of the mechanic and
manufactured!
| am so far friend to free trade to think that
within the limits Of tho Union, it should be entire
unfet,ered and perfectly equal between all interests
and all parts of our country. But to that free trade
which would throw wide open our ports TO Foreign
productions, without duties, theirs remaining CLOSED
10 US, admission allowed only upon the con
dilion Of high duties and severe restriction which
would compel resort to direct taxation, instead O
the Custom -house TO supply the wants OF the FEEDER
al Treasury and which would leave our domestic
industry unprotected, in unequal contest witt
the rival productions of Foreign powers, am utter
ly and irieconclably opposed l had hoped, ant
supposed, that all would have cheerfully rallie,
around Tariff which, seeking TO supply the Treas
ury with adequate revenue, for an honest ant
economical administration OF the Government
should at The time, incidentally, by proper dis
elimination. extend reasonable protection 10 sue
branches OF our domestic industry as needed it,
That is all which is now asked or insisted upon
But even that moderate and equitable basis, for tn
final settlement, of this great and vexed quest on
encounters strong and decided opposition.
The mechanic arts, from the commencement q
the operation our present Constitution, have con
stan,ly enjoyed some degree OF protection from gov
eminent, in the form OF duties imposed on fabrics 0
foreign mocha and think it ought To be con
tinued
With respect TO the station which that portion o
J our population engaged in mechanical pursuit
ought to occupy in the United States, think tina
all citizens, native and naturalized, without any re
gard to their respective yOcaoLs should enjoy sue
consideration IN society, is due to their vru
and intelligence, their industry, sobriety and gener
al department
) With cordial acknowledgment, Gentlemen, 70
the sentiments Of esteem and confidence. which 20
have done me the honor TO express towards me,
] am your friend,
and obedient servant
IL. CLAY.
Me.srs. Cameron & Fall.