Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-08-28
MANUFACTURERS AT THE SOUTH.

Az oAk6S 50 - - 1890 49, - . 50
We direct the attention of the reader TO the IN
teresting article on FIRST page, under the head
of "SouTR CARoLIsA AND MANUFACTURES -
What is there said Of South Carolina, may, with
Justice, be applied to the whole South The pub
lie mind OF the South has unfortunately been bound
down by tho theories and clsmors fthe Free Trade
politicians, who have waged the most savage war
fare against a Projectors Tariff full of oppres-
sion and destruction to the whole South. The
Southern people, however, are beginning now to
see the mistake under which they have labored,
and we do not doubt that in few years we shall
find the Southern States the firm and unwavering
friends OF Protection. But it is perfectly manifest
that the war is not yet ended-the friends Of Pro
lection 10 american Industry must prepare them
selves for desperate struggle with the free
Tyadersp The fat has gone forth, and the Tar
in must be reduced to the Reveaue Standard
which is only another name for "Frse Trade. "
But we have the most abiding confidence in the
good sense and patriotism of the people, and viii
never believe that they will suffer the politicians
now in power to strike Down and destroy the tried
snstrument of their Country's renewed prosperity.
We cannot hope much for the prosperity of Vir-
einia, from her present National and State Repre-
sentatves, but il 10 to be hoped the PeoPle will oc-
cupy the calm now prevailing in the political ele-
menls to look about them, and see what it is that
really constitutes the prosperity and glory OF a
State. Tho sooner our people enquire into the
fact of oppression to tie South by Prottction the
better--mere assertion is not sufficient guide for
intelligent minds. Let us ask ourselves, why Is IL
that Virginia has been bound dozen 20 an unprof-
table Agrieulture7 That is question which will
open up the whole erquiry--e, the People ponder
il WE'LL Let them ask themselves if Agriculture
and Manufactures do not always flourish when join
ed together-and scken and Iie when the interests
of the one are made to oppose the other. Look %
the Northern States, where they are made mutual
benefits, and see the results. Look to our own
Section of the Union, where thoy are rrayed
against each other, and see the consequences. 1t
is in this way that we are enabled TO judge the
practical workings of the system. The Free Ira
ders have for years abused the public mind, by
preaching to them the impossibility of manufac-
lures thriving at the South. Under the influence
of their leading politicians, the Southerners have
acted on this unsound and chimerical doctrine,
ill their fertile soils have become almost exhausted
and afford the most scanty return to the tolls OF
cultivation. Their towns and cities, instead of
rivalling the North, are annually going backwards
Do we not all know this to be true l-Certainly
we do. Then why not fly as soon as possible from
our follies, and dscardng our theories, seek for
iii in he nuthx ubsra thnaa who haye
sooner followed in the ways of wisdom and practi-
cal sense have found il.
II is no fault of the climate and the geogtaphi-
cal position of the Southern States, that manufac-
lures have not grown and Aourished amongst US
No. no-every thing is in favor fat nature
could interpose in our behalf Instead of being
behind in the march of improvement, we should be
in the front ranks Take our own State for in
stance-run your eyes over her length and breadth
view her immense water power-look at the
immense and exhauslless beds of iron, coal, lime,
salt, &c, lying imbedded in her soil and inviting
the hand OF industry to their development and
With all those treasures lying at feet, can ii
be possible that virginians will dream away THEN
existence in absurd theories, and suffer her people
to emigrate and the State to become depopulated
and enfeebled No, no-let the public press
tinue its earnest appeals to the people 10 up
from their lethargy, and grasp the rich mines of
wealth and greatness every where lying around
and about them. Let them catch the spirit, in
dustry and enterprise of the Lowells, the apple
tons and the Lawrences of Massachusetts, and
then Virginia will become rich, great, and power
full. In the language of our friends Of the erich
mond Times" say nothing is wanting in Vir-
ginia but the riH, to make il largely manufac-
turing, and therefore a prosperous, and, again,
powerful State"