Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-01-30
THE PROTECTIVE PRINCIPLE.

THE PROTECTIVE PRINCIPLE.
The protection of our mechanical and man
ufacturing interests, is subject that has at
tracted much attention at different periods IN
our Republican existence. Practical expert
ence has taught us to demonstr alton, that at
no time has our country been in a more pros
porous and fourishing condition than when
our artisans were enabled, by means OF ade-
quate duties, to compete with those OF foreign
countries; and, on the other hand, Ii has been
alike apparent, that when duties were low,
monetary pressures ensued, business stagna-
ted, and ruin stared the ssbone and sinew' Of
the nation in the face-though true it may
have been that the National Treasury was well
repIenished, which, seemingly, is the only
thing, in the opinion of those who batten at
the public crib, that requires special attention.
1t is a fact that cannot be successfully refuted,
that the Tariff Of 1912 was the means, at that
time, of placing the business interests Of the
country upon a stable and reliable footing, and
during its continuance every branch of indus
try fourished, manufactures sprang up by
scores, the coal and iron business prospered,
labor commanded rcmunerating prices, the
products of the farm found ready sale, and
general prosperity prevailed. After its repeal
these interests lanqUished, though, since then,
an almost unbroken confederation of fortui-
tous circumstances have enabled them to exc
out their existence to the present time-such,
for example, as famine abroad, the discovery
of gold in California, (Which has supplied US
with the means of liquidating foreign indeb-
IL A.
surplus of trade against us has created;) and
more recently, the failure OF our own crops
and heavy demand from Europe in conSe-
quence of the prevalence of the Eastern war,
which has given unusual activity to the pro-
duce market and increased exports of all kinds.
Our importers and dealers being thus enabled
to meet their engagements, for several years
past attention was somewhat withdrawn from
the subject; lately, however, it has been again
attracting considerable notice, not alone on
account of the singular turn that politics have
taken, but from the fact which has forced it
self upon the public mind, that enterprise on
ly meets its full and just reward where the
manufacturing and mechanical interests are
fostered and sustained in connection with the
tisfactoriiy illustrate the latter fact, we need
but refer TO the condition of the Southern
States, which, possessing equally as good IA
cilities for manufacturing rs their Northern sis.
ters, have made but little progress in this way,
and are therefore regarded as unsafe localities
in which to invest capital, which is there COM
paratiyely worthless, and renders but small
returns. If a proper feeling would manifest
itself in our Southern States, and they could
be induced TO lay aside their free trade views,
and instead of depending wholly upon their
Slave labor, engage in manufacturing, feel
ing Of amity would soon grow up between them
and the North, which would result in much
good to the country al large, and go far to
strengthen the bonds of the Unen-besides
which their cotton would find ready market
at home, their capital would be at work in
their midst, employment would be given to
hundreds of laborers, American Industry would
be encouraged, and instead of first exporting
the raw material and then importing the man.
ufactured article from England, it would be
into goods and cloths, at a reduced
cost, in our own country. Thus would le-
gitimate taste be engendered, which would
''give to American labor the privilege of doing
American work. and the benefits which are
to be derived from manufacturing, instead Of
finding their way into the pockets of English
capitalists, would be reapcd by our own coun-
trymen.