New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-07-24
RrIfi.h Free Trnde.

British Free Trade.
We sre not of those " no discover or suspect q
mercenary or sinister motive in every act that does
not accord with our own notions. We do not be-
lieve that West India Emancipation was the result
Of some deep.lsid plot TO undermine the prosperity
Of countries which might continue TO hold slaves
We do not think that the British have altered their
Tariff merely 10 allure other nations into similar
and to them Injurious line of conduct. We doubt
not that the mass Of those by whose efforts the re
cent change has boen brought about truly believe
that the whole world is to be benefited by their
new policy and enlightened by their example
Men generally believe the conduct dictated by their
interests or their wishes consistent with If not abso
lutely demanded by the highest good. Conceding
them all that generous opponent would exact VIC
ask attention to brief summary of the facts In the
case.
Great Britain has through generations protected
and fostered her own Manufacturing Industry Her
laws have given IL great advantages not only In her
home market but in those of her vast and populous
dependencies, which overspread the globe Her
overwhelming Navy swept the ocean OF all rivals
through the long prevalence of the great wars which
desolated the Continent dcranged its Industry and
paralyzed its progress in the Useful Arts Her well
defended anu glers penetrated every port which
her cannon could not open, bidding defiance TO the
legions and the Continental System of Napoleon
Ata time when British Manufactures had no real
rival, and any presuming rival no chance, her
ascendancy In this branch of Industry was establish
ed. Thenceforward il has been decided and no
torious This or that nation may fsbricate some
few articles as cheap cheaper, but generally
In the products Of the LOOM the forge the workshop
Great Britain surpasses any other nation on the face
of the earth either In cheapness 10 excellence or IL
both.
Why 10 this so Partly because OF the natura
advantages which her insular position, SO con"o
nient for extensive and advantageous traffic. have
secured her; partly because of the richness snC
proximity of her exhaustless supplies OF coal iron
"copper" tin, &c, partly because of her overw helmn
Naval ascendency something on account OF he
euttro exemption for tho last century from invasion
or civil war more perhaps is due TO the energetic
inventive, industrious character of her people, Ma
ny another nation may rival or even surpass her ii
one Of these points; no one has equaled her in al
or the most Of them. The result we all see and re
aliae.
Up to this time. Great Britain has rigidy guarded
her own markets from Foreign rivalry in whateve
her people could with tolerable facility produce
While che crowded her fabrics into every port tina
did NO, absolutely rejec, cude them, she bough
Of other nations whatever che could herself produc
As sparingly as possible This policy has had i,
day. Ii cannot be continued Other nations, taugt
by her, have protected and fostered those arts /
which their people were least expert; they hav
learned by sad OK perience that no article is ev'
Dough, cheap when The buyer stands idle during Il
tiue IL would have taken him produce it, and tn
very possible 10 buy when you have no mes'
Of paying. but very certain also tina, the buyer W
rue II. Ii has come TO this that England must bu
more freely of other nations or they will buy muc
less freely of her.
wise and able Statesman wrests The helm
State from tho hands which had just given 1t a Ere
Trade direction, and seems sbou, 10 put the ship o
her old track, but in due time he dissppoin,s DO,
friends and adversares by thoroughly accompishin
what his predecessors had but medisted His wor
done. he abandons the helm TO his old adversarie
the vessel bearing her ensign Free Trade viii
all the world" We concede that this tender
sincere and. for the arguments sake thai 1t will
persisted In. How should the world receive tn
prefer
The true answer to this question s best evolve
by asking another 10 1t consistent with the high
est and broadcast good Of mankind that Great Britsi
should be the workshop and her people the artisan
Of the whole world lsit expedient for US and tc
all men that we send thilher Two Millions {
bales Of Cotton per annum to be transformed in,
fabrics In good part for our own wear and Half
Million barrels OF Flour. with Beef and Bacon
match to feed those who there spin 70, US Is hi
wise benescent policy
To our mind it clearly is no., Il Crest B,ai
weuld do our spinning and weaving for nothing W
believe i, would be mos, unwise to allow Ter TO d
IL, and sure TO prove unfortunate. Thi. thing Lxbs
deserves to be better appreciated thsn 1t has hhe
10 been Ii was pivinely appointed not merely hi
tho back should be suitably clothed sad the siousc
duly filed bu, that the man, alike in bis physics
and intellectual nature should be developed II "
could secare as much animal comfort ~ now by d
Ing half the work we row do 8, some one Vecsii>
exolaaively-say, gold. mining, or iimees'cns;ins'
wheat growins-we should be unspeahaoiy lose
by changing oar present various svocations Tor IN
one. Labor Ia the education, the university OF L
ruan OF mankind. The introduction and es.aolis
ment of a new art. 4 new branch Of industry in
State or community, is not merely positive add
ton to the true wealth OF TIA, community 10 furnis
Ing labor for many who would else have rename
idle, no, finding any employment suited to the
strength or their faculties. but I, tends strongly
develop intellectual Is well as industrial resources
which slse had lain dormant. Tho nasuraiizs,io