Hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1843-1845, 1844-09-19

n allusion TO the strike of the Patterson !
Weavcrs, is made the text of a more than
usually elaborated leader on the subject Of
the Tariff in the last Gazette. Making all
due allowances for the Editors fertility Of
fancy and moreover, bearing constantly in
mind that large drafts must be made upon
the imagination in making UP case against
the principle of Protection, VIC cannot per-
nit the article to pass with out structure. 1t
docs seem as il this was made privileged
question, in discussing which the claims OF
common honesty and veracty should be of
non effect and Misrepresentation and men,
dacity give themselves the largest liberty
without scruple and without remorse. We
do not accuse the editor Of having inten
tionally falsfied in his statements but we
do say, that ii made in good faith, they be-
tray an ignorance OF the plainest facts and
some OF the simplest truths Of political econ
omy which would be hardly credible i'll
plead in extcnuation by his youngest type
stickcr With amost comprehensive charity
for the intention we cannot avoid the con-
clusion that some portions at least were
written with purpose of abusing the pub
Tic mind, and viewed in that aspect it is the
coolest specimen Of impudonce which has
fallen under our observation. Let US refer
to the article and see how far we are justi-
fed in the use Of this language When he
uhas endcavorcd to show" and "did show"
that the manufacturers had refused to in
crease the wages Of the operativ but in
stead had cut down the previous rates we
do not know unless random assert ion is
made to pass for argument-the contrary
is the fact, the compensation PAID to the
employees in the cotton and wooden mills
touched its lowest point Of depression in
40, previous to the passage Of the Tariff
act, and since that period there has been in
almost il not in every instance an added
rate ofpay. 1t is very true that wages are
now lower than under the compromise act,
and what article that has the stamp OF
value in traffic is not. A reduction of IS
per cent upon the wages Of labor would
still leave larger nett annual income than
would accrue under the former grade Of
prices with tho proportionably heavy outlay
for the ordinary yearly changes. Compare
the figures in the quotations Of the prices
current and the weekly reports Of the mar
le!s noaO with what they were in 40 and
you will see that the depreciation which
has fallen upon labor has touched with the
same etrcke almost every thing that has
exchangable value. A ;'high Tariff has
benefited them in this---I: has given them
constant employment at prices which furn-
ish better equivalent all things taken into
account than at any previous period-It
has created a demand for service which
places them on an equal footing with their
employers in making the terms of agree
ment, protecting them from any onorous or
oppressive conditions, placed within the
command Of the temperate and frugal all
Of the comforts and some o! the elegancics
Of life. There is not in the length and
breadth OF the country more independent
or a moro worthy class Of citizens than the
operatives of the eastern manufactures;
Neither is it true that upon the coarse cot.
tons and woolens for their own consumption
they are more heavily taxed than formerly.
A comparison Of the prices of, trading
articles Of cottons and woolcns in Al and
IA shows in most every instance lower
value 7now than then; if statistics are
wished they can be furnished. Does the
editor mean sincerely to assert and that too
with the expectation of being believed that
capital invested in any of the usual indus.
trial enterprises can have any extensive
benefits bestowed upon it by legislation,
which shall not colaterally have favora-
bic influence upon the persons which that
capital employsl Powerful as it may be, it,
works by means, means too, over which it
cannot exercise an undue control A quick
er beat Of the pulse of trade gives an ac-
CELEBRATED activity to the whole-sensoriurI
and in the result which follows the profits
to the sturdy arm Of labor are even greater
in proportion than TO the inactive lever
Of capital
Even under the operations OF this system
OF imposts which shuts out foreign fabrics
oy It's prohibitOrs features, the importations
OF the last half year have been far greater
than in any equal time during that blessed
jubilee o! Free Trade from the limitations
of the Compromise act to the enactment Of,
the present law. We have now zone be.
You'd the proceeds Of our great staples. The
packet ofSept. 5, unquestionablytookn ear,,
half million in specie and still heavier
sums must 60 forward to cancel our indeb,.
edness We have to be sure a surplus Of
the precious metals and can spare some
millions without Inconvenience and ma
from this popularity Of our position avoid
that contraction Of the currency with its
attendant virtigoes and panies, calling in Of