The Arkansas banner., 1847-08-16

---~-~N w ~s.~Ntsy sttNtA4S tu OuA Q0Lb1a Ott wharvee, your streets, in fact in every branch of your industry as welt as commerce; and yet that prosperity is buta consequence of corresponding prosperity itnparted to the country. The commercial health or disease of the system, is at once indicated by the pulse of this city.
 With so many reasons for eongratulating ourselves on the results of very partial re- taxation of the rigor of the restrictive sys- tem, have we not more abundant cause to congratulate our opponents that the pFedic- tions of the consequences have mos, signally failed While our foreign commerce and navigation have been greatly augmented, where are the disasters of that nniavorable state ol foreign and domestic exchanges. which were foretold as the means of driving 1 the precious metals from our shoress In the lace of increased importations of foreign goods, large amounts of specie have been broughtinto the country to balance our heavy exports, and still the rates of foreign ex- change are in oar favor.
 ! With diminished duties we have increased revenue, greatly so, five estimate the amount in bond in the warehouses, aud promising a | stt1Sn ut%ttCt tuCtCoSC tOt utN hCAebtA tlttHbtS Our much denounced system of ad yalorem, is quietly performing all the purposes of a safe collection of the revenue, and in the meantime, our manufactures are still yielding heavy dividends; their number and capital is daily increasing; and with an ability to main- l tain compeiiii, n at home, their power of competing in the markets Of the world has heeu increased to the precise extent that every reduction of duties cheapens the cost of production. With this view, Sir Robert Peel, few years since, Dessened the duties m England, for the avowed purpose of en- abling the heavily taxed manufacturers of that country to produce at cheaper rate those articles which were to meet compei- ton in foreign markets. High taxes, whether of imposts or excises, necessarily increase the cost of producing all articles of domes- tic growth, and are therefore like heavy shoes on the feet, drawback in the race of com- petition abroad.
 But, gentlemen, as friends of free trade, we have abundant cause to rejoice. that even its partial adoption is not confined to this conn- try. England has gone much in advance of ourlprogress towards perfect commercial free uUFH. NttCdtt bCA CAdAtptC oCClAlo to bG Nou~ iagious throughout all Europe. The signs of relaxation apparent in so many quarters, are not 10 be mistaken. The linies are emi- nently propilious. Indian corn, as well as American wheat, promises, like cotton, 10 become staple with which the world can not dispense. Iii is, perhaps. one of the or dinations of Providence, that through the dreadful scourge of famine, nations should be taught their commercial dependence on each other; and that the establishment of free and unrestricted trade throughout the world, should be the adven, of more per feet liberty. higher civilization, and bright CT destiny for mankind Commerce will be, as she has been, the most potent missionary in christianizing the world, and in ushering in that perfect day. {" when there shall be peace on earth and good will among men,"
 Allow me, gentlemen, in conclusion, to say that no compliment could be more accepta- ble to my feelings, than 10 be connected with the progress of free trade doctrines From no quarter could it come with so much ef- feet. as from this magnificent city, breaihed into existence by commerce, and owing it's pre-eminence 10 it's larger share of the foreign trade of tEe country. Nor could the same compliment carry with it more effect than from so large number of the leading, promi- nenl and influential members of the political party 10 which belong lf any thing fur iher could add to the value of the compli- ment, il is furnished in the fact tha, il is in no sort the result of private and individual partiality, as, with very few exceptions, am personally unknown to you all. So much unanimity, therefore, in appreciation of my public course. coming from so numerous a body of almost entire strangers, is as grati- flying as it was unexpected.
 From the flattering manner in which you have spoken of the humble part which my position in the Senate, as we'll as my own feelings and opinions imposed on me at the excited period of the passage of the act of l846, owe you my sincere acknowledg- ments. On that issue, felt Una. the success of free trade principles. for one entire gene ration at least, depended. The result has been most fortunate in determining the wis dom of the measure then involved. Facts have taken place of speculation, and results have superseded predictions. The tariff of lSi6 stands now self-yindicated.
 After saying SO much, l feel il is almost unnecessary for me 10 testify the sincere re- gret, with which the purely business objects of my short visit among you, compels me to decline the honor nf meeting you and other friends of free trade at n public dinner, and yet my necessary return to the south. with but li,ile delay, controls my discretion on that point.
 With my acknowledgements to each of you individuality, for ihe high honor received at your hands,
 am, very truly, gentlemen,
 Your obedient servant.
 DIXON H. LEWIS.
 Achild was murdered recently at Oyster vile. Rarnstahle. Mass. by being thrown of