The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-26
Protection I'm tho Unites States and In Eng
land.

Protection fin tho Unites States and in Eng.
land.
The following letter, which appears in the
Tribune, of New York, was addressed to
Messrs. ID. SIMMONS s. Co., of that city, who
had presented to Mr.. CLAY some axes and
hatchets oEtheir own manufacture
ASHLAND, Monday, April %, 1851.
"GEsrLEMlN: Prior to my reaching home yeur
favor of the 18th instant arrived here, and have
since safely received the case, containing two
and the hatches. which you have done me the favor
to present to me; beg your acceptance of my cor
dial thanks and warm Acknowledgements for them.
Nothing could exceed the beauty and excellence of
their finish. and this praise is due both to the'han
dies and to the axes and hatchets Such is their
nca.ness, that while they admirably adapted to
the practical purposes for which they intended,
they will form not unsuitable ornaments for the
table Of parlor. am very glad to hear that you
have sent specimens Of your manufacture to the
great exhibition which is to take place in London
next month
"Thcy will, have no doubt, defy all competition
abroad, as the American AZ has defied all foreign
competition in our own country.
81 am much gratfcd to learn from you that this
branch of American manufacture is carried on with
such success as to need no protection.
''Such fortunately il the case with many other
branches; and If the tariff could be taken up in \
calm, moderate national spirit, have no doubt
that just measure of protection might be accord
ed to the few objects Of native industry requiring
it, without prejudice to any interest.
England, by her great advancement in the arts
and civilization, and from the fact of our having
originated from her, and from the very great cx-
tent of our commercial ntsrcou with her, excr-
cises large, perhaps too large an influence upon
our councils by her example. Hence her doctrines
of free trade have boon imported extensively as
her merchandise, and are prevailing to a degree
which those who have adopted them will, think,
find it necessary to limit modify. The condition
of England is widely different from that of the
United States in respect to industrial pursuits.
There the perfection to which manufactures have
been carried by great skill, abundant capital cheap
labor. and long experience, renders protection
unnecessary. They can safely encounter any
competition, at home or abroad. It is differ
ent with the English agriculture; that is suppos
ed to need protection against foreign competi-
ton, by eminent English statesmen, and a strug
gle ia now in progress in England, upon that ques
ton, between the population of the cities and that
of the country The reverse is condition in the
United States. Here our agriculture needs no pro-
lection; but a few branches of manufactures
deratc degree it; with such encouragement they
will, at no distant day. attain maturity and per-
fiction which would enable them to vie with those
Of any other country; and, in the mean time, we
should avoid those revulsions in commerce and
monetary affairs which there 10 too much reason to
apprehend may result from too free and unrc-
stricted an importation of foreign merchandise.
81 am greatly obliged by your kind and friendly
offer to fill the which you have sent me with
new tools when these which have received have
worn out. believe that shall hardly have occa-
sion to avail myself of your goodness these will
last me az long as shall live.
ri pray you. gentlemen, also TO accept my
grateful Acknowledgements for the sentiments of
personal regard, attachment, and confidence
which you do me the honor to entertain toward me.
81 am, with great respect, your friend and obc-
dient servant, II. CLAY.
"Messrs. ID. SIMMONS K Co., New York"