The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-09-30
TEE oARDINAL PRINCIPLE.

One of the first principles that occurred to
the struggling colonial patriots, both before
and after the revolution opened, was that OF
protecting and fostering American industries.
The keen eyes and wide-awake minds that
conceived and founded the American Republic
were not slow to perceive that the prosperity
and independence Of the people of this conti-
nent lay in the employment Of American
artisans to do the manufacturing for this
country At that time, with but few mill
ion population, and a practically illimitable
expanse Of unexplored territory, which grew
richer and more susceptible of cultivation the
further it was explored, the people rightly felt
that their commercial independence must be
found in the establishment Of every possible
branch of industry here in America, to the
end that American farmers might find home
market for the products Of the field, and the
entire people might be relieved from the dan
ger of tyrannical impositions by British man
ufacturers and traders To this end, in com
mon with meetings at other places, one was
heldat the town of Falmouth, on June 6. 1769,
participated in by the merchants, traders and
inhabitants" The following agreement was
drawn up and duly attested with the sigma
lures of the men participating in the meeting:
as many other towns in the several colonies, being
convinced that discouragng the Importation OF British
goods and encouraging manufactures nthls country,
would have good effect in ayertlng the ruin winch
the colonies SEEM at this day. to be threatened WITH
and having for that laudable purpose entered into
agreements not to import, or buy of any persons
that do import any goods from Great Britain other
than what is necessary for carrying the fishery or
manufactures in this country which noble design is
worthy of imitation by every person IN America,
"We therefore ready to do all in power heartily
come into the same laudable measures to lend our
helping hand to an oppressed and injured coun-
iWhereas There are several ships lately arrived in
this harbor from Great Britain with large quantities
of British manufactures on board designed for sale
In this place and expected in order to discour
age the sale whereof agree not to purchase any OF
said manufactures of any person whatever until Janu
airy next, except as above excepted. Witness our
hands, JOSEPH EMERY, and Fortytwo Others
It was this same spirit and determination
which, growing precipitated the revolution
and resulted in the Independence Of the Amer
lean colonies. Relieved from the burden Of
free-trade, so long and SO disastrously forced
upon the colonies, they at once began to grow
in industrial development and, to make as
surance doubly sure, the very first act Of the
first session Of the First Congress was onelevy-
ing duties on imports, for the dual purpose Of
raising revenue and affording protection to
American industries. The idea Of protection,
therefore, is one Of the cardinal principles Of
our government, handed down to us from the
beginning, and never more imperative in its
demands than now, when 100000 farmers
must look to American artisans to find sale for
their crops. Every mill that is built under
protection, every man set to work at forge or
in factory, by that much strengthens the
home market and enhances the price of farm
products.