The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-08-14
PORT, SCOTT CO., IOWA; THURSDAY AUGUST H. 1851.

# Europe in the production Of Metals,
Cottons, Silks and Woolens, but that at first
our manufactures cannot contend against
those long established in the old world,
where the skill of ages is concentrated,
and where the laborer is paid only starva-
tion rates, but that when we have once well
begun, we shall soon by means Of new in
ven,ions and superior ehergy and economy
be able to produce as cheaply as in Europe
and still pay our laborers American wages.
Therefore they would have European work
men come here and settle among our
farmers, consuming their surplus products
on the spot, thereby increasing the
wealth and foriifying the institutions OF the
country.
The Opposition, or Democrats as they
unfairly claim to be, par excellence, pro-
pose exactly the opposite course. They
would have what they call Free Trade;
that is to say, they would not attempt to
build Up manufactures by means Of protec-
ton, but would go on buying hardware, and
cotton, silk and woolen goods of England,
France and Germany forever, until the
wages of labor should be SO reduced in
this country that we could begin manu-
featuring on equal terms. This is the
great point at issue between the two par
/ ties.
Next to this in Importance, and near akin
TO it, is the question of territorial enlarge
ment. The Democratic policy is that Of
indefinite annexation Of neighboring terri
tory, without regard to whether we need il
or whether its people can be added to our
citizens with benefit to the United States.
The spirit which prompts this policy is that
which has done such damage to England,
BY dispensing her people to distant colonies
instead of inducing them to stay at home,
cultiva,ing and improving the land, and in
creasing the strength and wealth Of the
masses Of the population and ofshe country
itself. On our part, while we believe that
in due time all America will be democratic
and united in one confederation Of States,
we would not seek to anticipate that time
by violent means, but hold it wiser and more
polite tol the neighboring States first be-
come mature by the regular course ofthlngs
because that will be BETTER both for them
and us.
The other measure controverted between
the parties is the Improvement OF the great
rivers and harbors Of the west at the ex-
pense of the Federal Government. The
Wings hold that the Mississippi river, tol
instance, connecting as it does many State:
together, ought to be rendered safely navi
gable by the Government, and that har
bor on Lake Erie is as much proper ohjec
Of national expenditure as one on Chesa
peake Bay. The Opposition contend agains
this though with diminished force and posi-
|tiveness. Some Of the leaders OF that part,
like Gen. Cass and MIR. Douglas, admi
The propriety and even the necessity of the
Wing measure, but when their votes art
wanted to carry it, slink away and avoit
speaking out in frank and manly mannc
course which, whatever be its merits
o,herwise, we cannot regard as demo
cratic.
Such is the real difference between tht
parties, and we are confident that when !
is truly and thoroughly apprehended, by tn
Icarians and other democrats from beyont
the Atlantic, they will, when naturalized
give their votes for the measures Of th'
Wings.