Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-05-19

Projection To AMERICAN INDUsTRY.-The
article, which We clip from a late
number of the Delaware Journal. expresses ex-
actly the sentiments we entertain on the sub
ject to which it relates =
sProtection to American industry should
be the watchwOrd of every mechanic in the
United States. In adjusting a tariff for rev.
enuc Just and proper discrimination should
be made in favor of the Industrial classes of
our country. Why should not we take care
of our own manufacturing interests to the
same extent as England! Why should Con-
gresS in its legislation give to the manufac-
tories and work kshops of Europe preference
over those at home This question of protec-
tion, like that of slavery has too long been
moulded into shape and power BY southern
interests, to the great injury of northern me-
chanics and laborers; and the time We think
has now come when the working men OF the
country have a right to demand of Congress
more decidedly American policy in reference
to the tariff question.
The toiling millions of our people have
felt keenly and bitterly the effects of an indis-
crimnate competition with England in the
departments of trade and industry; and pro-
fitting by that experience, should set up their
claim to more substantial protection from 4
government so abunGantly blessed with all the
energies of industrial vitality is ours at
most decided hostility to domestic industry
could prompt an American citizen to oppose
proper degree of protection to our manufac-
tures when he must know-frOm the expert
ence of the past, as well as by the natural laws
of trade, that such protection-Such fostering
Of home industry-is essential to the perma-
nent establishment of fair system of COM
petition between this country and Europe.
If Incidental protection Lad been afforded
our manufactures long ago, hundreds and
thousands of men and women might now be
employed, who to-day are wandering about
the country in Il half-famished, impoverished
condition, seeking cmployment-but seeking
itin vain. And while all this misery, all this
stagnation of business is going on, England is
pouring in upon us all the productions Of her
shops and manufactures in such vast abun-
dance as to completely overstock the market,
undersell the American producer, and thereby
PROSTATE the industrial interests of the coun-
! try; thus locking up workshops, silcncing the
| loom, the anvil, the saw and the various i'm
| plements of busy trade, which might other
wise send up their united hum of activity from
the plying arms and hands OF thousands OF
| happy and sliIful mechanics.
Why not then give us protection why do
not the people-the interested people, those
whose shops are idle, whose implements OF in
| dustry are silently ruSting for want of use.
whose homes are deSolated by poverty, and
| whose sinews are becoming rigid and stiff
from very want of exercise, why do they not
insist upon their rights and speak ont to Leg
| islatOrS and Presidents voice that will be
| heard and must be respected?
| Let the key note Of the American mechanic
| then, be PROTECTIoN-that protection which
will secure national prosperity, and insure
| domestic happiness and comfort by fair and
sure reward for honest industry and toll"