American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1874-03-28
HANUFAcTUREs.

In our issue of the 18th inst. we
presented some crude thoughts on
the subject Of manufactures, in
which we endeavOred to show their
Importance to our State and people
As sequel to that article We take
np the subject again, with the hope
that some practical good may re-
suit from its discussion.
There is every inducement held
out to capitalists TO embark in such
enterprises. Scarcely day passes
but gives birth to some new inven.
tion, the application of some new
principle to the established laws OF
mechanical philosophy, and the
facility and energy with which it is
carried into successful operation,
are 10 less honorable to the intelli
gence and patriotism of the friends
OF domestic improvements. than
promotive of the best interests of
the government. The encourage
ment of home manufactures is forci-
bly, urged by the first law of ma
tons, and should be a paramount
consideration with all true lovers of
our common country. On this is
suspended, in a great degree, the
prosperity and happiness of the
people, and in the came ratio as
manufactures are fostered and en-
cOuraged, are the interests of the
common wealth vanced. 1t
strengthens the bond of fraternal
union by associating different sec
tiOns of the country through the
intercourse of trade and commerce,
and by that reciprocity of interests
which makes the one subsers lent
to, and dependent on, those of an
other. 1t also augments the nation
al resources. regulates the condi-
rion of society By retaining and
circulating large sums of money
which are annually exported and
expended in the purchase of foreign
fabrics. These yearly drains which
are made upon our country for
European manufactures tend to alb,
sorb our means; money becomes
scarce the market depressed, and
for want of necessary circulating
medium, the poorer classes are
made to suffer. Let manufactures
be built up and sustained, and the
funds which are now sent abroad
will be dispensed through different
channels, equally among all classes
and conditions of society, and the
stringency of the money market
that SO frequently leads to embar-
assment, and clogs the machinery
of enterprise, will be comparatively
unknown.
The world does not contain more
ingenious, Industrious and energetic
mechanics than are to be found in
the Southern States, and which
States are abundantly able to sup
ply all the raw material necessary
for the manufacture of such articles
of merchandise as we require, and
which can be better produced here
than abroad. The great staple of
the South which has built up and
enriched foreign manufactures,
should be retained for home con-
sumption, and thus add to the
wealth of our own country. Now, it
goes to old and New England, is
there manufactured, aud then re.
turned to us.
1t is generally conceded that the
manufactured cOttons of England
are greatly inferior to those of our
own country. If this be true-and
we believe the question has been
definitely eettled-why should we
pay duties, freight and charges on
foreign manufactures, for al article
that we posses of far superior
quality Why should we desire to
purchase the good will of foreign
nation at the expense of our own
interestsf Is there reason, patriot
ISM, Or common sense in such pol.
lcyf There is nothing but the will
anu determination to hinder us from
becoming great manufacturing
people. Nature has amply provi.
ded the means, and a practical
knowledge of the use and appli-
ances OF such means exist in our.
selves. England, by her well reg
ulated system of internal improve
menis, her inventive genius in the
arts, and thorough knowledge of the
mechanical sciences, has risen to a
lofty eminence of fame and power.
She has become the mart of the
civilized world, and commands the
respect and admiration of all ma
tioas. Why may not America, by
an equally wise policy, take her
place beside the proud mistress ot
the Seas?" She has England for
AN exampIe-has seen her errors,