New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-05-23
Protection in the United States and England.

We ask the attention of the public to the
following letter from HENRY CLAY. In It the
venerable Statesman discusses the difference be-
tween the United States and England with refer
ence to the question of Protection to Home In
dustrv. and as usual does not discuss II IN vain.
The letter was addressed to MesSrS. ID. Sim
mons a. Co. of this City who had sent Mr.. Clay
present of some of their manufactures;
ASHLAND. Monday, April %, 1881
GENTLEMEN: Pnor To my reaching nome your
favor of the 18th inst arrived here and have since
safely received the Case containing TWO Axes ad the
HatchotS which YOU have done me the favor to pre-
sent To me, | beg your acceptance OF my coIdal
thanks and warm acknowledgements Tor them Nom
ing could exceed the beauty and excellence OF thelr
finish and this praise Is due both to the AldeS ana
to the Axes and HatcheS. such IS their neatnesS
that while they are admirably adapted TO the practl,
cal purposes for which they are Intended they VIII
forln not unsuitable ornaments for the table OF par
lor. lam very glad to hear that You have sent spe-
cimenS of your manufacture 10 the great eXmoluoh
which Is to take place III London next month
They viii | have no doubt defy all competition
abroad as the American Ak has dched all foreign
competition IN our own country.
/ am much gratlhCd to learn from YOU mat inns
branch. Of American manufacture IS carried on win
such success as 10 need no protection.
such fortunately Is the case with many other BRAN
chcS and If the Tariff could be taken up IN a calm
moderate national spirit, have no doubt that lust
measure of protection might be accorded TO the lew
objects of native industry requiring IL, without pItJu
dice to any interest.
England bv her great advancement IN the arts and
civilization and from the fact of having original
Cd from her and from the very great extent OF our
Commercial intercourse with her. exercises large,
perhaps too large an influence upon our councilS by
her example Hence her doctrines OF tree trade nave
been imported. as extensively as her merchandise,
and are prevailing To a degree which those VINO nave
adopted Them WI think ind II necessary 10 limit
OF modify The condition OF England Is widely an
fcrfnt from that Of the United States, IN respect 10
industrial pursuits There the perfection 10 winch
manufactures have been carried by great skill aoun-
dant Capital, cheap labor and long experience rem
dcrS protection unnecessary. They can sdlelN en-
counter any competition at home or abroad II Is
different with the English agriculture, that IS suppoS-
ed 10 need protection against foreign competition Dy
eminent English statesmen, and struggle j. no" IN
progresS IN England upon that question, between the
population OF the Cities and that OF the Country
The reverse Is our condition IN the United States.
Here our agriculture needs no protection but lew
branches Of our manufactures require, Tor limited
period, reasonable ana moderate degree OF II l"lth
such encouragement they vii AT no distant DAY al
tain q maturity and perfection which would enable
them 10 VIE with those OF any other country and,
In the meantime. We should avoid those revulSiOnS
IN Commerce and monetary affairs. which there IS
too much reason 10 apprehend may result from 100
free and unrestricted an importation OF OTclgh Htl-
/ am greatly obliged by your kind and friendly offer
10 nh the case which YOU have sent me with new
tools when these which have received have worn
out l believe that shall hardly have occasion to
avail myself OF your goodness these VIII last me
IS long as / shall live.
Ipray vOu. Gentlemen also 20 accept my grateful
acknoW edgemonS for the sentiments of personal re-
card attachment and confidence which you do me
the honor 10 entertain toward me.
am with great respect. your friend and 9heden; 81
NesSrs d SIMMONS 4 Co. New-York