Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-10-15
HENRY CLAY on PROTECTION TO
AMERICAN LABOR.

1 Messrs. ALBao, HoYT s. Co., Of Elizabeth
town, New Jersey manufacturers Of oil cloth,
took measures = and obtained without the
knowledge Of Mr.. CLAY, the precise dimen-
sions Of the Hall of the Ashland house, selected
one of the floor cloths, finished and fashioned
II exactly TO fit, and then despatched it TO its
destination, accompanied by brief letter in
which they ask Mr.. CLAY's acceptance of that
specimen Of American manufactures, in token
of their sense of his "many and great public
services" and of gratitude for his powerful
advocacy Of the interests of American labor"
Bali. Pat, ISIS aa
| The oil cloth reached its destination safely,
and its reception is thus acknowledged by MIR.
CLAY:
ASHLAND, 10th Sept 1876
Gentlemen-I received your favor ofthe 10Th
ulto. several weeks ago, and have within a
few days past, safely received the piece of
| Floor Oil Cloth, 10 which it refers, which you
have kindly presented TO me, TO cover the floor
of my hail. 1t came in perfect good order,
having been put up with remarkable care. 1t
now occupies the place for which j, was de-
signed, and is greatly admired for the solidity
of the fabric, and the taste and beauty Of the
brilliant colors which adorn it. II would sue
cessfully compare with any piece of floor oil
| cloth, manufactured in foreign countries or at
home, that have ever seen. beg your accep-
| lance of my cordial thanks and grateful ac-
acknowledgements for il.
| You have done me the favor to present me
this valuable article, as you are pleased TO state,
| for my "many valuable aid great services, and
as a token OF your gratitude for my powerful
advocacy Of the interests of American indus
try"
am happy, gentlemen, thus to have Sc
cured your appreciation In looking back, from
my retirement, upon my public career, there
is no part Of my public exertions which | con-
template with more satisfaction than the sup
port which, throughout the whole OF il | con-
stantly, zealously and faithfully gave to the
industry Of my own country. Its prosperity
or adversely has been as infalliby marked, by
the adequacy or inadequacy Of protection as
the thermometer indicates heat or cold.--I be-
ieve that the system Of protection, no,with-
standing the opposition which it has often en-
countered, has pushed the nation forward half
century in advance Of where it would have
been, il the doctrine of free trade had always
prevailed in our public councils. Whether ii
will be pushed back again, to the same, or any
other extent, by the tariff recently established,
which has sought to subvert the previous sys-
tenn, and TO embody those doctrines, remains TO
be seen, | confess that | seriously apprehend
great injury 10 the general business Of the
country, and ultimately to the revenue OF the
Government If there shall not be large ad
dition to the amount of our foreign importa-
tons, the Treasury must experience large
deficit If there should be an addition suffi-
Gent to compensate the reduction OF duties,
the increase must be paid for by an equivalent
increase in the value OF our exports, or the
balance in specie-l have not the remotest ex-
pectaton that we shall be able 10 effect pay
ment by additional expectation of the products
of the country. We in the West, do no, be-
lieve that the relaxation in the British system
of restriction, is going to create any consdera-
Die demand for the surplus of our agricultural
produce. We shall, fear. be constrained to
resort to the other alternative, in the event Of
an excess Of importations, and pay for them in
the precious metals. need not dwell on the
commercial disorder, the embarassmentin eve
nv department of business, and the wide spread
ruin which would be occasioned by constant
expectation Of specie in large amounts We
have had experience enough orthese fatal con-
sequences, whenever Protection Of our own
industry has been inadequate.
In these views, may not be entirely mlsta-
ken. 1t may turn out that our importations
will continue to flourish and increase that the
revenue of the country will be ample. Anx-
ious for the welfare and prosperity of the ma
ton, whatever councils or systems of policy
may prevail, shall be most happy TO find
these results realized and that have errone-
ously entertained the opinions to which have
so long sincerely adhered.
! In every contingency, gentlemen, pray
your acceptance of my best wishes for the sue
cess of your beautiful manufacture, and for
| your health happiness and prosperity.
! am with great respect,
! Your friend and OBJ serv't.
ii. CLAY.