Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-05-31
PROTECTION IN o. STATES AND ENGLAND

We ask the attention of the Public to the follow.
ing letter from HENRY Clay In il fsavs the
Baltimore Amercan) the venerable statesman dis
cusses the difference between the United States
and England with reference to the oue.t;on q
Protection to Home Industry, and, as usual. does
not discuss it in vain. The letter was addressed
to Messrs. d. SIMMONS Il Co., of New York.
who had sent Mr.. CLAY a present Of some Of their
manufactures
ASHLAND, MosD1r, ArRII %, 1851
GEsTLEMrS Prior to my reaching home your favor Of
the 18th instant arrived here and have since safely
the contanng two and the haches which you
have done the favor present me- beg your accept
ance of my cordial thanks and acknowledgements
them. Nothing could exceed the beauty and excellence Of
their fnish and this praise due both the handles and
the and hachets Such is their neatness that while
they admirably adapted the practical purposes for which
they intended they will form unsuitable ornaments for
the table Of parlor very glad hear that you have
sent specimens Of your manufacture the great exhibition
which is to take place in London month. They will
have doubt defy all competition abroad as the American
has defed all foreign competition in our own country
am much graed to learn from you that this branch Of
American manufacture carried with such success as to
need protection. Such fortunstey the case with many
other branches and if the tariff should be taken up calm
moderate, national spirit have doubt that Just measure
protection might be accorded the few objects Of native
industry requiring it, without prejudice to any interest.
England, by her great Advancement in the
ration and from the fact Of having originated from her,
and from the very great extent of commercial intercourse
with her, exercises large, perhaps large an influence
upon councils by her example, Hence her doctrines Of
free trade have boen imported asexensvey her merchan
disc, and prevailing to degree which those who have
adopted them will, think find necessary to limit or mo-
y The condition Of England widely different from that
Of the United Statesn respect industrial pursuits There
the perfection to which manufactures have been carried by
great skill, abundant capital cheap labor, and long expert
ence, renders protection unnecessary They safely
counter any compositions at homeor abroad is different
with the English agriculture that ssupposed to need potec
icn against foreign competition by eminent English
men, and struggle is in progress in England upon that
question between the population Of the cities and that Of the
country The is condition 10 the United States
Here agriculture needs protection bot few branches
OF our manufactures require, for limited PERIOD
able and moderate degree of it. With such
they will at distant day, attain maturity and perfection
which would enable them vie with those Of any ohe
country and in the time, shoud avoid those revu
sons in commerce and monetary affairs which there too
much reason to appehend may result from free and
stricted an importation Of foreign merchandise.
am greatly obliged by your kind and friendly offer fill
the case which have sent with tools when those
which have received have out. believe that shall
hardly have occasion to avail myself of your goodness
these will last me long as shall live.
pray you, gentlemen, also accept my grateful ackno-
Judgments for the sentiments of personal regard attachment
and confidence which you do the honor to entertain
wards me.
am, with great respect your friend and obedient
H. CLAY.
Messrs. D. SIMMONS & Co., New York.