The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-12
767

aristocracy. And this very constitution which has
secured order, has, consequently, promoted ciyza'
ton; and the almost unbrokcn ude of progress
siye amclioration has made US the freest, and
may vet make us the wea'thicst and most
refined society OF modern ages. But still the condi-
ton Of the aboring population is yet strongly sus-
ceptible Of improvement. The clamors Of the wings
to favor and foster the factory system among us
have been fraught with drefu mischief With the
high price of labor that exists in the United States,
with our scanty supply OF moneyed capital, with
our unlimited range ofuncutvated or halfimproyed
SOIL II is almost crime against society to divert hu-
man industry from the fields and the forests to iron
FORCES and cotton factories. Nature has pointed out
the course which we ought 10 pursue for perhaps
half century TO come, till the plough and the spade
have followed the axe Of the woodeutler into their
"primeyal wilderness of shade" and ill happy
plantations shall have been formed on the deserted
domains Of the Indian huntsman, from the Atlantic
to the Ohio, and from the Mississippi TO the Pacific.
She has directed us 10 cling TO the bosom of mother
earth, 10 the most fertile Of wealth, and
the most abundant reward OF labor. She has tod
us TO remain planters farmers and wood-cutters; to
extend society and cultivation TO new regions; To
practice and improve the arts of the builder, the
carpenter, and the naval architects facilitate every
means of internal communication; TO promote every
branch OF internal trade; to encourage every variety
of landed produce, but not TO waste the energies of
our labor, or to interrupt the of our prosper-
ty, by forcing at home the manufacture of articles
wnich foreigners could supply al half the price Tor
which they could be made in America.
During visit the writer Of this paper had occa-
sion TO make to the manufacturing districts of New
England about two years ago, he had an opportuni-
y of ascertalnng the true condition of the laboring
classes, both to the severity of their toll and their
frequent liability TO destitution from rregularty of
work. Superficial or interested observers, the adj
vocates of protective tariff, and the favorers Of
commercial restrictions, would fain persuade you
that the indwelers Of these gloomy piles Of brick
and mortar are conented, cheerful, and we'll
provided for; that they have no wishes beyond the
immediate means of qualification; that because
the wall of lameniaton is not heard, there is
quenty cause Of DISTRESS that because thousands
of destitute females passvely submit to all the hor
rors and prvatons of the factory system, under the
present existing restrictions upon trade rather than
encounter the moral degradations Of life of vice
and nfamy, there is necessity for legislative at
tenton, scope for the exercise of philanthropy,
occasion for enlightened reform. Such is the
argument Of certain class of economists, who have
never troubled their heads about scientific inves-
CATION Of the matter, but who, for political objects,
or through interested motives, have preferred to re-
main in the dark rather than be enlightened, for fear
that the truth would initiate against their advance
ment as politicians take money out of their pock-
cts as editors OF newspapers or as parties protected
by the restrictive duties. have no desire, sir to
exaggerate the existence of these evils. / am well
aware that in point of humane treatment, rate of
wages, and moral restrictions, factory system is
far superior to that which is the shame and degra-
daton Of England. l am also willing to acknowl-
edge that there are occasionally startling instances
of prosperity and happiness growing out of early
initiation into these dens of toll and trouble; but 1t
does not require great deal Of penetration to per-
ceiye that, Notwithstanding these negative advan-
tages, the principles of WHITE SLAVERY are gradu-
ally taking root in the very midst Of us. The multi
tude of defective beings, with sallow compilations,
emaciated forms, and STOPPING shoulders; with pre-
mature wrinkles and frantic glares, who are to be
met at all our manufacturing places tell of misery
and degrai ation in language not to be mistaken.
The doctrine that there in the United States vast
number of persons who cannot procure employment,
has long been favorite with the restrictive
party. Ifthere be- however, any truth in the posi-
ton, they may thank their own policy for it. Re-
strictive laws as have already observed, retard
the accumulation of capital and capital is the only
source of affording employment to laborers, it is
manifest that any measure which diminishes the ra
ito Of accumulation must have the effect Of throw
ing people out Of employment. To attempt to cure
such an evil therefore, by further restrictions, would
only be making the matter worse. II would be about
as silly an experiment, as if the quack, who had
brought his patient to deaths door by debility from
bleeding, should insist upon il that the way TO
- ~ RUNYMEDE.