Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1883-10-06

slVo inedsureS III regdru W AlneIlO"h
manufactures was clearly recognized by
the colonial governors. About the
year 1715, Lord Cornbury, Governor
of the Colony of New York, said, in an
official report: 81 myself have seen
serge made upon Long Island that any
man may wear. Now, if they begin
to make serge, they will, in time,
make coarse CLOTH" He adds some
dolorous remarks in regard to the in
subordinate attitude assumed by the
colonists even at that early date. In
1854, the British Board of Trade re-
buked the amiable Governor Shirley,
of Massachusetts,, for having incorpo-
rated GA society for setting up rival
manufactures, as the passing of such
laws in the colonies had been restrain
ed.
The persistent and open violation of
the edicts of the British Board of
Trade, regarding manufacturing enter~
prises, begat feeling Of confidence on
the part of the colonists in their ability
to resist British oppression. The vig'
orous growth attained by American
manufactures during the colonial pc.
Rod is evinced by the fact that the col.
onists were able to meet all their home
needs, and besides to clothe their army
and supply its cOmmissariat during the
terrible struggle Of the seven years
war. Not the remotest allusion is
made in the Declaration of Indepen.
dence to the repressive measures OF
Great Britain in regard to colonial
manufactures, and it is believed that
such mention would have been more
likely to provoke a smile than to ex'
cite indignation. Besides, a charge
OF this nature, even if sustained, wa'
not one upon which the cOlonists them
selves could have united.
The predominant public sentiment
in the United States regarding Ameri'
can manufactures, at the time of the
organization of Federal Government
is clearly formulated in the following
preamble to the Act of August 10
1870, the second Act of the first Con
gress:
Whereas, it is necessary for the
support Of the Government, for the dis
charge Of the debts of the United States
and the encouragement and protection
of manufactures, that duties be laid OF
goods, wares, and merchandise i'm
ported" etc.
In his message to Congress, dateC
January s, 1870, President Washing
ton invited the attention of that BODY
to the Importance of promoting manu-
features. On the 10Th of January
the House of Representatives, by reso
luton, referred this portion of tn
Presidents message to Alexander Ham
ilton, Secretary of the Treasury, st
prepare and report proper plan, o
plans, contormably to the recommends
ton Of the President"
Hamilton's memorable report in re
ply to this resolution was submitted t
the next Congress. 1t has perhap
justly been regarded as the ablest of a
his State papers He devoted to il
nearly two years. 1t was the result c
extensive inquiries and investigation
in the United States and in the foreig
countries, and of patient study and +,
Election. If it had been the only pull
lie act of his life, it would have stamT
ed him as a statesman of transcender
ability. He recommended vigoror
system of protection and encourag,
ment of American industries by NEAR
of duties on imports, bounties, and prC
NUNS. 1t must be remembered thu
these measures were, in a high d
gree, retaliatory, similar measures b
ing at the time enforced by other con
mercial nations. 1t should also be o.
served that he did not announce tn
: measures which he advanced as bein
applicable to all countries and at a
times.
Even in Hamilton's day objection
were streniously made to any form
Legislation having in view the dire
object of protecting American manufa
tures as AGAINST the cOmnntition of fo