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FK»K!!AL OIOS.
BOMSSnC.
ADDRESS
Of tft? Free Trad* Conscjrfktt-
tau: FEOF^n »p rg 1: u. state??
_ ^ ^ ... 1T „ a . Tlie interference cf government, with the right .snment which is nrged, he a state of universal da-
. . . rntitiyoi tneiaucrv ^ ‘ . to a rn5v Lis labour and capital mpendetice, and precisely the same consequence
Yu^tu** ol his caotfctttmul oUigafron? It «» <ST the ind.wduaJ to app^ins»_ ,#> k~ ! would follow m relation to the commercial inter
course of any given nation with the other nations
of the world, to the extent, of that intercourse,
tend it frrnn the scrutiny of the latter, is It fcss a
" i? If it be vi uk inmvwu- ri V . . -
such a vitiation, can it be constitutionally valid? such mode as he may think
I/instead of ti»c absence of any expressgtant of own interest, thus necesraiily<^at^ to
pn^r to protect manufactures, the constitution had the aggregate amoun P % ^ _ in _
contained an express clause of inhibition, an aci of words, amount of
* ■ '‘ 4 -’eniraces ol 1 Ifi tvincli are enjoyed by inc comnwi
If all nations then
=, . , f nance would not be manifest upon-its face*
which c<msecraies and upholds tnem—who «n-1 U0( ^j tj^eiore elude the judicial power. . Iwrmony and {*?»cc,
* , are J A nuioerou8 aat j intelligent portion of the Amer- interest of each wouki lx
Mil jisirtr. ini' UMm^OSXn tlie ■ • . , .• i . .i ? 1^.
government
9 ijuwtl n 1 n turvo i m —
5y ap equal jwticipatitfU ra the benefits, and art
neadv to bear an equal share ui the bimheos of tin
promoted. The only
1J:e iican people believe that this view is applicableto question which can he ra>sea <m inis part ot *ite
who are willing, rarrrt over, to con- j tJl „ 1a ‘ rii q 0 f jses. They admit the power off Jon- subject is, whether tlxr adoption of a restrictive po-
to lav and colled such duties as they may licy by one or more nations, makes it the interest ol
~ tlie purpose s of revenue, and ofiiers to reciprocate tfiose restrictions. The an-
, W1 m,„ so to arrange those duties as swer seems to be sufficiently obvious and satisfaclo-
•acter, motives and views, are thus taithiuny ileun- i incidentally, an( i i 0 tijot extent, to give protection ry. The proposition which asserts the superior
cated. have deputed us represent tnera on an | Jo t j ie manufacturer. They deny the right to con- advantages ol a free trade among all nations, rests
occasion deeply interesting to tl»ir feelings as men,} veJ ^ w j l3t jj ie y denominate the incidental into the upon the following principle. The universal free-
and Vitally important to their mti r ' ,jt 3s citizens I p r j llc ;p a j power, and transcendi
of this great confederated republic. Tory have ;^ nue ‘ to im ,
failed upon us to unite our counsels for the redress j ant j c xclusiv
■Of the
have enjoined it upon us*as a'duty to omit no j j Rrva -j t j ie regulations of a foreign power which must be equally true in' relation to each nation,
means for the accomplishment oi tms object, w.uch . ma ^. ^ olir commerces hut tliev deny whatever may" be the policy adopted by others,
may consist with onr obligations as citizens, and J q je b. amhority permanently to prel.-ibit all impor- : Tho nation which resorts to a restrictive policy,
idingthe limits of re- domof action which il allows, tends most thorough-
ivith their own faiiliful and ardent devotion to the
boud ot' our eonnnon union. In tlie performance
or a duty like this, we caunol be insensible ro the
prm>«ety of a frank and respectful coirmomcatiou
With our JeHourcitizens at large.—We are mem
bers of the same great political lamily. Our inter
ests are common, and so also are our duties; and it
cannot be, that any portion of our brethren can de
sire to withhold from us our just share ot tlie bene
fits. or to subject us to nn undue proportion of the
h Athens,
rl.UK
which
flow from the govemment under j fc JTC j f or the purpose o
W e have equal confidence in their j tliovitv to regulate comu>
of revenue;—if to the au-
wtii&ti we live. W e have equal confidence in uieir j jj j0r j t y to regulate commerce, it is as obvious a per-
justicc and intelligence: aud assure oursch es that j verg j on n f that power, since it may be extended to
ft is only necessary to brin^ home to tueir unuer- i aa ^tter amiihilation of the objects which it was
standings the conviction ol the eves under yrmch jjjmndcd to protect. W aving however this dis
tation for the mnpow of securing the home market legislates to lier own disadvantage by interfering
exclusively to thedomestic manufacturer,—rthcreby ; with the natural and most profitable employment
destroying thd commerce tiiey were, entrusted to of capital: To the extent to which she thus ex-
rrgulate, and fostering an interest with which they 1 eludes another nation from an accustomed or from
have no constitutional jxiwer tointeiferc. Thai j a desirable market, she occasions, it is true, in that
portion of our fellow citizens of whom wc speak,: nation also a displacement of capital from itsnatu-
do not therefore hesitate toraffirm, that if the right ; ral cliannels. 13uf can the remedy consist in a re-
to enact the tariff Jaw of 1823 he referred to line ; talmtorv system of legislation? in a system of fur-
authority to lay and collect duties, Sic. it is a pal-liber restrictions imposed by the latter nation? If it
pable abuse of tlie-taxing power, which was con*-
thiise tee lings. We must sjx*ak tvtth I rankness.- j vvoiild strengthen Jus appeal to the American pec
it may he tliat our language will borrow strengtn | pj f , un p e with Jiim in correcting tlie evil by pec
To.n the conviction of our wrongs ,nst we »• ■>! not.; j,]., 3nf j constitutional means.
^>rget the just respect, which is due to those who
differ from us in opinion, and cannot be unmindful
of ilie alf efion which we bear, arid which we ear
nestly ilesire to cherish, towards our brethren
throughout the union.
T
Put there is a view of this subject which may
clf-im the concurrence of all those who are prepar
ed- to admit, that tlie tariff is unequal in its opera
tion, oppressive and unjust. The constitution of
the United States had its origin in a spirit of cozn-
1 he representati /es of portions of our fdow citi-1 promise. Its object is tlsi security of tliose rights
s, belonging to titteen different states cd tn^ ] YvViic-h are cornniiticd to its protection—its nrntci-
bcen to cflect a reduction of price
in fact fallen since 1 SI 6, and our opponents contend
that this has been ihe result of domestic competi
tion. A moment’s refiectidn will demonstrate the
fallacy of I Jus assertion. We present a single foot
in the outset. The diminution' of price lias been
general—as well in relation to articles which are
iwt-protected hy tlie existing tariff of duties, as to
tjlose which are. It cannot therefore have arisen
fmm 1ti& cause. Let us remember now, that this
diminution of price has occurred every where—
^ - — ... abroad as well as at home—and not only in an
wucu springs from ridtorrnt hamts-iuio jiumints, ( ,|, 1T -ci collision with that constitutional equality oi i equal, hut as a necessary consequence of the tariff,
protection—its prm
J} dc. that of an equal participation in the benefits and
| in the buithens of the governmciit. A system ol
. . ; {taxation which is unequal in its operation, which
they mav (5 ° constitutional and j oppresses the many for tlie benefit of the few, h-
xens.
confederacy, liuve assembled in the city of Pliifn
•Jelphi", to c-'iisidcr the r re varices wldcb they s:,f-
fi*r under the existing tarifi’ordufies, and to device
»f happily
]feaaof‘ul mode of redress. Speaking generally, i jj iere g jre uniust, not mcraly with rclerenec tii'ihir
inoy have coins together as at rangers to each oth- j great and hn’nm table raincipies of right whfoh art
w. witii all the variet '. of oilmans on nuet suh-i cfs.
e J "
ana is perhaps mevnaDiy incident to
tjmi of our common nature. On
he true that a restrictive system is injurious to the
nation- Imposing it, does it cease to lie so in regard
to tlie latter nation, because of the wrong done by
tlie former, and because it is also injurious to such
nation? When we apply these views to the Corn
Laws of Creat Britain, considered with reference
to their effect upon us, is it not then obvious that a
system of pretended retaliation, which enfetters
the productive energies of our own people, what
ever may be its effect upon that nation, must ne-
cessarilv increase the evils we ourselves arc destin-
charde art? generally, are injuriously effected by its-
operation—Nay, even those manufacturers who ex
perience this protection are themselves interested ir*
the removal of these nitricifone—Tlie enoimify of
tlie profits, in many instances, .combined with' the
uncertainty of the continuance of the system, give to
this employment tlie eharacterofa gambling nppo>-
lation, rather than that of a regular pursuit * fin-
dustiy. Tlie l.igh rate of profits nvouid occasion it
rush of capital from other pursuits, and ermpetitk n
would speedily retlnce them to tlie general level, if
the precarious tenure by which they sue held did
not restrain the movement—Such of them a# aro
adappid to the circumstances of tlie country, and
conducted with the requisite skill and. indnatiyq.
would continue to. flourish, although legislative pro
tection were withdrawn. They would still g,ve n»
fair return for tlie capital &nd labour which they
employ. The rate of profits would indeed be losy
but they would be certain; or liable only to those
changes which are common to tlie whole produc
tive industry of the country 7 . It is with this view-
possible to avoid; but this J of the subject, that the liest informed and most ii»*
is most effectually done by the unrestricted excr- Iclligent among .the manufacturers themseive.%
tion of its peaceful energies. In a government j cannot resist tlie conviction that the abandonment-
constituted as ours is, and separated as it is by j of the protecting system, and a return to moderate
the Atlantic fiom the nations of the old world, it is j duties, would be best calculated to promote the slea-
reasonoble to presume tliat such conflicts will be !dv growth, snd the safe and permanent -establish*
tv he* her a system cf free trade or ol' partial restric
tions should prevail. That intercourse consists in
iTneoessariJy diminished* If all nations then; tlie muiual interchange of commodities, and it is
wiliin<r to adopt the system of free trade for! impossible to conceive the idea of a dependence on
i we contend, which is'aceordant to tlie spirit | the one side, without recognizirg thel'act of a cor-
ClirishanitA-* anTcalculaletl to unite nations in } responding dependence on the oilier. But suc.i a
rmony and peace, it cannot be doubted that the state of mrtuaJ dependence is a source of gratula-
tion ratlier tlian of regret, since it gives to each na
tion an increased facility for the development of
its highest energies, enlarges the sum of its enjoy
ments, ami affords the surest guarantee for the
peace and harmony of the world.
If the suggestion be urged in its application to
the necessities of the country during a state of war,
an equally 7 satisfactory answer may be given. It
is unquestionably the duty of every government to
be prepared lor those conflicts with other nations,
which it is not always possible to avoid; but this j
view to this state of our national existence. But debt, which has annually absorbed from ten tai
the deceive answer to this suggestion is, that mo
ney constitutes the sinews of war, and that its exi
gencies are best provided for by enriching the na
tion in time of peace. A system of free trade will
mainly 7 conduce to this object. The resources
which it will furnish will second the services ol the
neutral trader, and these with our own internal
manufactures which are already „ independent of
Legislative protection, will amply supply our wants to this hew and interesting condition of the fiscal
in such an emergency. concerns of the nation, will then if* voivc upon t-h?
twelve millions of revenue, is rapidly dimjnishirg,,
and will speedily be extinguished. On the first day
of January, 1833, the available funds of ihe gov
ernment will be adequate to its discharge. The '
existing tariff of duties will produce ff-yiuaficr cjf
immense annual revenue, -beyond the ordlm n*
wants of the government, and the task of provid
ing a system of measures w hich shall tie adapted
emergency.
It is one, and not the least of tlie evils of the system
which we deprecate, that it has a tendency to demo
ralize our citizens, to habituate them to evasions of
the laws, and to encourage the odious and detesta
ble practice of smuggling. It is the effect of the
protecting duty to raise the price of commodities !
vd to sustain? j considerably above tliat, at which they could he
It is strongly urged as a motive to the eontinu- j imported at a moderate revenue duty. Unless this
ance of tlie existing tariff, that its operation has j is so, -it tails to accomplish its destined object, and
prices. These have ’ s entirely useless. The inevitable consequence is,
oi inmerJ.
plica tile to huiiian conduct, but is u ortover in
■eel colli
rigid, which this instrument was thus confesseiliv
a ter degree there than here. Among the
next Congress. How propitious tte Kiomtnt f, r
the estahJishment of the principles of lice trade 1
An enterprising and intelligent people, posyectarg
in abundance the sources of natic.nstl v.ealth, and
perfectly unene.umhi P il by dt ht, may add to ti e
claims upon the gi atitude of the w orld, for having
successfully osseiud tlie princijiles of free gov-erj;-
nent, by being the first also to pioe'aiin the prin
ciples of a lice and vnrestricted ccmraerct—that
genuine “ Jlmerican System," which will remove
from cur holders every vestige t-iMi? content, wit
give more value to the freedom, v. hic ii was wrest
ed fiom the grasp of oppression 1 y the valour of
our ancestors, and perpetuate those institution*
which are destined, by the blessing of God, to se
cure the happiness of unborn millions.
On motion of Mr. Jons, of Gce.rgia, the report
was ordered to lie on the table, and 800 copies ot it
to be ]>ri«ted for the use of the men J;ers.
American people.
Among the evi\> which flow from the tariff sys-
as at present established by law, the ardent
swii determined, opposition t<> tliat system, which
exists in various pa: ts of the Union,—the da 7, p and
diqite
si:c!i a system can consist with the spirit of The j we wonder at tlie result? Take the case of cotton
constitution? Its enactmenis may be so veiled as to! goods—these have fallen in price here since iheen-
tlierricre i>c oh-1 actmcnt of the tariff. But the same lliinj
the judicial power, and may therefore ixq
•igatory upon the other departmenrs of t.he
ling is true
not only in an equal, but in a greater degree abroad
ernmenf—but as between constituent and aguit,!—-and ti e reason is obvious. Tlie causes which
V .» T . 1 * 1 .1 I . I 1 1 i i • l . 1 l*i i t
.settled discontent wh:e!i is fit, and has been mam- i between tlie wo pie and their rulers, thee ,
J isted by a mirueroas, patviooc, aiivl inte.ag. nt^xir- • W1 jj j u rase have been violated, and it will fe- J !.
ol our feliotv citizen?, e.mnot fiul to aw a ken j { oll 2 to them to correct the evil. Wla should wi
ihe liveliest.solicitudeof every lover ot ms country.
-Let it be remembered that this is no transient fecl-
ipig—the offspring of momentary excitement,—one
Which may lx* expected to pass away under the in
fluence of a more calm and dispassionate reflection.
No—thf* system of which we complain is not of re-
.origin, and the feeling of discontent, which
tyas coeval with its institution, time and experience
have only served to strengthen and increase. Let
those who sincerely desire to perpetuate the political
nlessiogs which we enjoy, look to tliis consulera-
This is
•^ion with the attention which it demands,
emphatically a government of opinion. The vig
our of the laws is a moral force. The bond which
unites us, is the sense of onr common interest—the
vonvictioH of our equal rights—the assiirane-c of our
tenacity to assert, and lire feeling that we actually
eojov tiieai. Take from any considerable portion
oftho Americon people the consciousness that they
are in the full possession of their rights as freemen;
substitute lor it the spirit-of discontent which
springs from the conviction of wrongs inflicted not
inadvertently, but w ith deliberation, which arc not
temporary, but enduring; and you array against
the government, a force which is of like character
with'that which sustains it—you awaken a feeling
cf resentment which is goaded into activity by a
seme of oppression, and embittered by the recol-
i. ction that it is the hand of a brother Which inflicts
it. Such is ihe feeling which pervades a numer-
rus and respectable jxirtion of the American peo
ple. It cannot be defied, and may not lie disre-
g irded, without putting to hazard the safety of the
confederacy. •
Do you doubt its existence, its nature or degree?
Look to ihe character of this assembly—to the eir-
cumsUnices under which-it is convened. Give your
attention to the history of the past, and he admoa-
jrahe 1 of the novel and extraordinary spectacle which
is presented to your view. . Do no* close your eyes
to the fact, that this assembly is altogether without
parallel sinfie the foundation of the government;
tint we are freemen and the representatives of
freemen, who speak to you of our violated rights:
that we ha ve come from different and distant parts
Of the union to join in demanding their restoration;
that a consciousness of strength is the offspring of
runted counsels; and that our purpose is not the less
firm, because it is announced to you peacefully and
hi the spirit of conciliation.
A numerous and res portable portion of the A mer-
ie*in people do not merely complain that tliis sys
tem is unjust, but they question the right to es
t a Wish it. They do not doubt—they utterly deny
-•-tiie constitutional power of Congress to enact it.
In justice to tliat body, we invite your candid at
tention to a brief consideration of their views on
this subject. The constitutional validity or inva
lidity otanact of Congress, does not necessarily
depend upon the question, whcilier the judicial de-
pa rtment of the government, ivould affirm the one
nr the other of these propos tions. It may be, that
an act will in its operation and effect lie subversive
off the principles of the constitution, and yet on its
f ice bo superior to all just exception on tliat ground.
Literally, aud iu terms, it may be in execution of
an expressly granted power—in its operation and
effect it may not only transcend that pmv.er, but
may directly •ontraveoc it. Under the pren ace
ot supplying a revenue, Congress may rao>e num-
ey.lieyond the purposes to which ii can be legiti
mately Applied, or may increase the duties to an
amount wliich will b& prohibitory of importation,
and consequently destructive of* nil revenue to he
derived from thnt source. Still suck an act would
purport to be in the execution off the power to lay
.and collect taxes; and courts of justice, judging of
k bv its terms, and by whftt ia apparent on its tuee.
would not affirm its invalidity. But tli« constitu
tion is equally obligatory- <mi every department of
fhe government—on the* legislator who enaeix, afe
welkason the judge who ir^erprets a law. Iff the
jskjats <. l iall jso Hnlavvffufljjmrpqeof to <fe-
iai»r j have produced this result, those which have been
elbre ptatci!—have elsewhere been left to exert
. t tlioir full influence in effecting a reduction of price.
Tear to enunciate this principle? Is it because offthe j Here their operation has been restrained 1^-tl.e
danger of those interests which have grown up ci-nflicviiig h flueuce of the tariff. The reduction
under tlie system? A just consideration of the s. b- j therefore u irii t:r jjas necessarily «iop|H*d at a jKiint, j
ject will lead to a directly opposite result. If it lie j which is arr ertnined by adding the amount of du
|conceded thnt tlie system is oppressive, unequal
and unjust,can those who profit by it, deceive them
selves with the expectation of its permanency? I
il prudent, to close their eyes to the consequences,
to which sooner or later this conviction must inevi
tably lend? Distinguished as thissysu m is by every
clmracteristic which may define a tyranny the most
odious, why should we, who are its victims, not
stand upon our chartered vighls?
As men nnd brethren, we appeal to you, then, to
unite your efforts with ours in tlie correction of this
abuse. A system which is unequal in itsoperation,
and therefore unjust—which i* oppressive, because
it burthens the many for the benefit of the few—
grossly, flit ally unwise and impolitic, since it is sub
versive of the laws and harmony of the union—
which is in violation of the principles of free rav-
emim nt, and utterly at variance wiih the spirit of
justice and mutual concession in which the consti
tution was conceived and adopted; such a system,
if persevered in, must alienate our affections from
each other, engender discontents and animosities,
the temptation to clandestine importation, and the
facilities which are afforded by our widely extended
inland and ocean frontier, give impunity to the
smuggler.
On the several interests of agriculture, naviga
tion, commerce, the mechanic arts, and even ff.n
manufactures themselves, this system operates with
an injurious influence. Speaking with reference
to that portion of agriculture, which is employed
in the production of articles which must he export
ed to a foreign market, it is obvious tliat any Con
siderable diminution of commercial capital, by 7 its Internal Improvement.—Ti is gratifying to.pr:'-
tiansfor to other employments, must have a ten- coive that, public attention is at length turned-to'
the subject of a Rail Hoad from Ghuriestun to trie
navigable watera cfthe'l'ennt ssee Hiver. Charles
ton, with a line harbour, in a ckn-ate so mild r.s
never to be obstructed with ice, is well c:i’cu(ate«i
for an extensive Foreign Cormreree; but iffev r
.she bedbmes the emporium oi'the Southern Stales.-
t it must be by 7 improving the faculties of intern?. 1 in
jur ports. This state of things may not at i tercourse, by winch the products oi t he district'. »
ccur. The necessity of having a supply of cessiMe to her maiket, may lie increased, ard in
oonsequet-er, tlscir ability to consv:me projwj lifu.a.c*
ly 7 increased#.
Av'liile such gigantic efforts are n-rj inr- - hy ot’ -
er States and Cities on the Atlantic, 10 draw rrade--
to their ports from the valley of ihe Mbriraippi, by
CanaLs and Rail Roads, Soutli Careiina iiiuifui-
principal 'Seajwrt have set, supinely looking mi.
alter having made a passable ic.;.d r.cix -s the Blue
Ridge at the Saluda Gap; and while there was uo-
otb; r nwxie of internal rnteicouiso kuwvu flam inv-
irom o
once occur. Tlie necessity of having a suppit
llfo raw material for lire employment of her manu
factories, may induce our great customer to submit,
tor a time, to a system of purchase instead of ex
change; but she will lie urged by the strongest con
siderations tei seek thnt supply from those who will
receive her inanulacturcs in return. Iff this .system
be rendered permanent, and pushed to tlie prohibi
tory extent, 1o which it seems inevitably 7 to tend,
j the fide of the cotton planter is therefore irrevoca-
sealed. Nor is he alone affected hy this system
tv to the price off the nnpoi ted article. Thus the i of protection. The farmer oftho middle states will j proved Rivers aud Canals, tht
a price gready below that which we actually pav.
andthe difference, amounting yearly to many uiil-
lioV'S of dollars, would be saved to the community,
b cannot be doubled that ttie prices of all commo
dity •?, the domestic production of which is forced
by the imposition of a duty on a foreign article o'
similar de cripiion, are raised by tlie amount eff du
ty necessary to eflict-the exclusion off the foreign
article, or tliat this increase of price is paid by the
consumer, aud tliat tlie le-s to the nation which is
occasioned by 11ris* system off protection is nearly 7
equal to such difference off price.
Tlie.success whicti has attended the manufiseture
of eottoiiK is u«ed to illustrate oiid enforce another
snggokiien in favor off (he tariff. • It is said that l v
ntinisli their profits—and the benefits which they
enjoy from the increased iuveslcu lit of capital in
ti eir vicinity, will be purchased at the expense off
d ose interests from which that capital has been
n ar.sti rred.
'd hen we direct our attention to the influence of
'iiu protecting system on the navigation of the coun-
tiy, we v iglit give to tlie subject a peculiar inter
est, hy dwelling on tlie fact, tliat a ship is the. proud
est and most successful off our manufactures. From
an enr.y period ol 'our history down to tire present
hour, we have hern conspicuous for our skill in ship
building. Adverting to it, as an art, we have bv
the eletraiicv of our models, and the minuteness off
means ot
_ tee protection a horded by government,
and lead inevitably, and with a force which no hu- j ngm u t act i.rers a re enabled to overcome tlie difiicul-
man power can resist, to the most awful of all ca- j ties, incident to new enlet priues. and tl.ai this pro-
lamities. We entreat those who differ from us, so- j teefion is ultimately repaid to the communis v in the
riously to ponder Ibis view of the subject. We j reduced price at which the article is furnished,
entreat them not to misunderstand us. We can- We l ave already shown that this reduction in
not be deterred from the discharge of our duties to } price in ti e case referred to, has not resulted from
ourselves and our common country 7 , by tlie menace the protective system. Let us look, however, at
of consequences, and we are equally incapable of i this suggestion apart from that consideration. Ii
using its language 1o others. It is as mew and 1 it lie -conceded for the purpose of the argumenij
brothers—in the spirit of an affection which is stil ‘ and only for that purpose, that a manufacture might
warm and undiminished, that we would call their j he established by a temporary encouragement from
attention to those inevitable results, which neither, government which would not otherwise, at least at
ti.-.t time, come into successful operation, and that
•c ur finish, re
the fine arts.
is“d it fiem
echamcat, to on?
Vi e have applied the principles cf a
thevnor we will liave the power to avert.
Examine the subject for a moment in its conne x
ion with tlie principle's of an enlightened politics 1
economy, and sec if the considerations winch are
urged to sustain this system, are not fallacious and
dehisire. The view, must he necessarily brief—-
consisting of hints and suggestions rather tfr.ra iff
an extended argument, or of l rinutc detail-,: bu T
our object will r»e attained, if t-liuse may serve to
awaken a Spirit of dispassionate incniirw
We arc t!;e advocates of free trade. ' Th« argu
ment which sustains it rests upon a -pKq c -u e;
which may not be denied. Jt is tlie tihqitrsunrfo-
ble right of every individual, to apply his labo - on 1
capital in the mode Which he may conceive be i
calculated to jiromote liis own interest. I; i? ik-
interest of the public that he should so apply it. H t -
understands better tlian it can lie .rndcistm d
the government, what will conduce to his own h. jr-
efit;—and since the majority, of individuals-wxil, it'
properly protected, he dispesr-J to follow 7 their in
terests, such an application of their industry and
capital, must produce in tlie result the greatest a-
mount of public good. Let it he rctm rribeifd, that
the question relates exclusively to the application
of capital Jt cannot be generated by an act of'le-
gislation. The jxivver oi the, government is limit
ed to its Uo'sf r from one employment to another.
ir-- community might, ultimat^iv be repaid in the
r/.i-nner which is supposed, the following consider-
a ■ ru seen-declrivf !v to repel.the force off dial seg-
_ Tli«-idee off jx rmanclit protection is cx-
i-d by the nature of tl.e piopesiiion. That
v 1 : is proposed is temporary merely, and the
A 1 - '• non whether it is to he ultimately r( ] »id to the
comriuniiy, is of course made to depend on the
^offyessiid operation cl'the protected establishment.
L ff cc rgm>s who are to dt tcrjuire in advance up
on tfe* propriny- riff putting at hr-znrd the interests
pf: 1’
fl.r
. era: m tin tty, by the i<
.j.iqposc d iranefactare.
11:
>iced establishment of
The question to be
•mod uc pends uj.cn the calculation of proha-
(
rri t'-s, to iu- cciiect estimate estimate of which
o' c ■ practical inferinaffon is obvious.iyindispensa-
f airness and propriety, press the consistency of that
policy, which seeks the prosperity of manufactures,
by loading with burthens that* branch of them
which fias flourished with but little aid, and is ne
cessarily subject to exclusion from tlie jealousy 7 of
of foreign nations. We might, connect this topic
with our navy, and our naval glorv, and thus enlist
in our behall the sensibilities of patriotism. But
we waive these advantages, and without entering
into details, content ourselves with adverting to the
positive discourageme nts to ship building occasion
ed by 7 the tariff of 1S28. By that tariff, iron, hemp,
duck and cordage, are subjected to duties which
would be in effect prohibitoiy, if these articles were
not of the first necessity 7 , and their importation in-
disjiensable. The quantity of these articles which
enter into the construction off a ship, with the la-
l>our bestowed on them, constitute one half of its
value, and the duties upon them impose upon n
new shin of five hundred tons, a dry direct tax little
short oi two thousand dollorsj which is paid in ad
vance. We say a dry, direct tax, for it is not, as
in cases oficpnsuinable 'articles, repaid hv the ron-
Neither is it repaid l.y the freighter tor
to temporary kiss. I.efr to n.divjdual enterjiiise,
-Jr curst on would t.e decided by those who have
evorv'motive and every n.unns to come to a just
conclusion—while ihe proposed si ggest on would
thtow >-] on uougrcfes tl:ose visionaly projectors
ft takes Imai sonic less ta voted interest, vriiat it bo- who, having faded tv obtain the support of discreet
simv.s on the one which it professes to protect. It and inlclligr m c;:]);ia’iist:;,w 7 oukl piny the sure game
is fcvjnaliy nutine, that such a syrstem gives greater of securing profit, iff, by the ruivst accident^pi o-
emplovnient to labor T "* " - ... - - - - - -
the simple changr
protect fry bounty any peculiar species off labour, j It is fair! that, a dependence upon- other nations,
cannot ho said to encourage .American industry— : lor thor* tjtamiJac1mf« which aio eswcntial to our
that is din tried to vtirkni
ifior. Itsoperation is cord mod to i fit slfou Id arise, and off throwing the loss upon the
e off its application. Laws which i cor, nu nitv, iff loss should ere e’
sumer.
the rate of freight depends on foreign competition.
Coastmuod as ti nt body iq h is dilficttlt to and the foreign ship, cheap, because urburthentti,
couccive- ot <<tn less fitted for such i t fferei.ee. On settles the price.
trie other hand, there is a ways enough off individu- The effects off the protective system ttpon Com-
al eiherpiire, iMelfigence and cajiital, to test any merce in general, can only he satisfactorily illustrat-
• experiment wh.feh g,vess a fair ]:rornisc off ultimate led hy dciails. It is an important task, and will he
lepmncrari'm, nolv. iihrmndn g ir may be subject j fiiitl'feilv performed by those to whom it is confided.
'I he diminution oi imports—a total or partial scar
city 7 of some articles—an increase of price to tlie
consumer, a depression of the mercantile spirit
which, under differen* circumstances, would tie ani
mated to new enterprises, and the consequent
check to our attainment of that freight of prosperi
ty > t° wliich the freedom of our institutions guides
us, lliese are results which cannot be denied. That
actual misery is not felt in a young and free conn-
fry, tv]iere almost every citizen is, or easily can be,
a proprietor, is not an argument to deter* us from
the removal of tliose obstructions to that fissured
and unexampled ease and comfort of condition, to
which the American citizen aspires and is entitled.
These laws fa-, wautsffis.fow nsistent
un-
expense
tion, tv!
rican capital and labour to
die unfettered discretion of'those who possess the
one and apply ti e oilier, can *ioue fee denominated
the <4 Aj3tcrjcan System: 5 ' j
worlfl;
>y securing (he application of the highest energies
of each, to ti* sc objects which it was best qualified
to produce, would enlarge the amount of produc
tion, and increase the sum off human comfort. But _
such a State ol things would, according to the ar- ;jcct of t^e hpunlv ef trj.we’S sfs fjjettre-
ikevcise add, not only the necessaries, but also the
blameless luxuries of life, why should he he chur
lishly prevented by a sordid and monopolising sys
tem, which finds enjoyment, in restriction, and pro
fusion in prohibition.
Every class of manufactures which is not the olv
i>t her re -
rg
no I'.’:'-
W trial.
■f'Khii
iisluiL
bv expr i iments, iota in England and the Luked
States, fiirnisliihg a means of interna! in tei course
exactly adapted to this case, capable cf passing
tliro’ tlie dry 7 mountain districts where there is v>*
water for canals, and by 7 Their rapidity off morion,
and cheapness of’transpoi tat ion, doing a wav the.
objections off thstanee ami elevation as applicable to
the delays on a long and much inclined sivnal—^li£
will In? lidse to her oyyn interest, iff she docs n>(
make a mighty effort to participate, lhllv in tlie
rich trade of the rally of the Tennesree Hive.
She will n<>: only fell relatiyelv behind the ot):*;
Atlantic Cities tnaiare increasing their business fo
sucii works, but must soon sutler the positive i*s>
of the trade she now receives from bey ond tei
mot;n#iins. There is already on foot, a plan cTa
Hail Road from Knoxville to Lynchburg, to Le 1
continued to Richmond; aud also, iiir improre-.
ments in (he Tennes.se, to produce an < asv 8te».i i
Boat navigation to New Orleans, by either ofwhrfi.
the whole trade of East 1'eunessee would hid a
market easier, than to CuarV-tdon in the present
state off things. But should she now awake fim
her torpor, and push a Rail Road to the Steim
Boat waters of the Tennessee, she may not oafo
secure the trade of East Tennessee, 'hut from flic
cheapness and expedition of such mode of-transpor.-
lation, and tlie advantage offat once reaching an
Atlantic market, tlie products of the whole vslievef
the Tennessee would he brought up the River it
Steam Boats, to pass on such Raii Road, rathe*
than descend the circuitous route off the Rivers to
a port, from which they 7 must be again Shipped
around to ail Atlantic port.
Looking on tlie map of the Southern Sectiosi r>t
tnc Union, with a view to a concentration cf trade
to Charleston to sustain it as a place of original
Commerce, in which tlie whole surrounding Coun
try, lias a great interest, it seems plain that, a
Rail Iload, after passing up between the Santee
and Savannah Rivers, should divide, and one part
passing through Augusta, should go off a littlo-
north of West, into Alabama; the other passing,
through Columbia, and up t fie route of Broad Riv-.
er, fall into the valley off tlie French Broad, amt
down tliat to tlie navigable waters off the Tennes
see. By such a route tlie interest ®£ the State «ff
South Carolina wouki he more readily brought io
aid of the measure; the business which would arise
from tlie extensive Iren mines bordering upon that
River, and those off Lincoln, Bwrkev Rutherford and
\\dikes, in North Carolina, and of Carter, Sullivan,
Washington and Greene, in Tennessee, togetlicf
with an immense amount of other products, of great
demand and value in her markets, would, by an
increased facility nnd diminished expenditure of
transportation, lie vastly increased in amount, and
entirely drawn in upon*the Raii Road;—It would
then Strike tlie navigable waters so much sootier
than by a route to lit tie Tennesssee,.a3 to give this-
line a preference in distance over that by Lvnch-
burg to Richmond, and afford a better market tor
their products*.
The Knoxville Rcgwter publishes tlie. rc|>prt (f
survey of a route from the Tugulo to little Ten-
Ii to the easy acquisition of good cheap land, he can nesaee; nnd also adverts to t vra, others™—one- ffroio
rtriil ha) nrdir 1...* ^ 1 • .1 11 r* ti in .• • n
tha.head of French Broad to some of the waters of
the Santee; and the other, of “a pass ef tlie.' moun
tains recently discovered, intermediate between Sa
luda and Swanftano Gaps.” The latter one g,
most probably tbe pass or gap where the Hickory-
nut Roads intersects the mountains; or at the head
off tbfoF@ri^ofJBrgq$ ^iv^ neat