giving the necessary credit on the bond, and for making retain yourself; one you will transmit by the first mail to the proper entry on the docket, and the other to be for- this office, as a voucher for your discharge from further warded to this office, as the voucher upon which he is to responsibility; and the third you will forward by the first be discharged from responsibility. mail to the First Auditor of the Treasury, to be placed on file by him, and to be preserved as a check in the settlement of the Collector's accounts. You will direct him to pay the costs to the Marshal, and take duplicate receipts. On the defendant's delivering one of these receipts to you, in addition to the Collector's receipt for, or the payment to yourself of, the whole amount due to the United States, you will make such entry on the docket as shall be necessary for the discharge of the defendant.

3. In like manner, you will give to the District Attorney triplicate receipts for money which he may pay you from the defendant, in discharge of bonds in suit, and specify therein particularly the object for which the money is paid.

4. Whenever, after execution is delivered to the Marshal, he shall pay you a part or the whole amount of the judgment, you will deliver to him triplicate receipts, that he may retain one himself, forward one as a voucher to me, and send the other with his regular return to the first Auditor of the Treasury, to be filed in his office.

5. In compliance with the duty prescribed in the fourth section of the above mentioned act, whenever you shall cause a seizure to be made for the purpose of enforcing any forfeiture, you will, by the first mail, give information thereof to the Solicitor of the Treasury.

Regulations to be observed by District Attorneys.

5. Whenever any defendant to a suit, other than upon a custom-house bond, whether for debt or a fine, penalty, or forfeiture, is desirous of paying a part or the whole of the demand against him previous to the delivery of execution, you will request him to deposite the money, or such part thereof as belongs to the United States, in the Bank of the United States, or some office thereof, or some other bank authorized to receive deposites for the Government, to the credit of the Treasurer of the United States, take triplicate receipts or certificates of the cashier, designa1. Whenever a bond shall be transmitted or delivered to ting the object on account of which the payment is made, you for suit by any Collector, you will give him triplicate re- and deliver two of them to you, upon which you will give ceipts, and forthwith and without delay" institute suits them the necessary credit; and on his producing to you, against all the parties thereto. By the first mail after-in addition thereto, the receipt of the marshal for costs, wards, you will transmit information thereof to the Solici- you will make, according to the circumstances of the case, tor of the Treasury, together with a full and exact de- the entry on the docket necessary for the security or disscription of the date of such bond, the amount due thereon, charge of the defendant. You will retain one of the certhe time when it became payable, and the names of all the tificates of deposite to the credit of the treasurer, and the obligors. I send you herewith printed forms of these re- other transmit to me by the first mail. On the receipt of it, the necessary entry will be made upon the books of this office, to release you from responsibility.

turns.

2. In like manner, whenever a transcript of the accounts of any delinquent public officer, certified by the First or Second Comptroller of the Treasury, shall be forwarded to you for suit from this office, you will immediately commence suit thereon, and by the first mail give information thereof to the Solicitor of the Treasury.

If the defendant, instead of making deposite in bank, as above mentioned, should make a tender of the whole amount due to the United States to you, you will receive it; forthwith deposite it in the Bank of the United States, or an office thereof, or some other bank authorized to re3. You will, also, when any suit or action for the reco-ceive the deposites of the Government, to the credit of very of a fine, penalty, or forfeiture, shall be instituted, the Treasurer of the United States, and take triplicate immediately transmit to this office a statement of such suit certificates of deposite of the cashier, designating the obor action, specifying the name of the defendant, the cause of the action, the time of its commencement, with such remarks as are necessary to the full understanding of the

same.

ject for which the payment is made. One of these you will, by the first mail, transmit to this office, as a voucher for your release from responsibility; one you will send by the first mail to the Auditor in whose office the transcript on which suit was brought was prepared; and the third you will retain yourself.

6. Whenever a suit shall be prosecuted to judgment, you will deliver execution to the marshal, unless there be, in your judgment, good reasons for delay, such as the hopeless insolvency of the defendant. Whenever execution is thus postponed, you will report the case to this officer for instruction. Whenever you deliver execution to the marshal, you will take duplicate receipts: one of them you will retain yourself, and the other you will send by the first mail to this office, as a voucher for your release from responsibility.

4. Whenever any obligor of a custom-house bond shall desire to discharge part or the whole of his debt previous to judgment, you will request him to pay the money to the Collector who delivered the bond for suit, and to take triplicate receipts therefor. Two of these receipts you will require him to deliver to you; one to authorize you to give him credit for the amount thus paid on the bond, and to be retained by you; the other you will transmit to the office, to serve as my authority for giving you credit, and discharging you from responsibility. If, instead of paying the money to the Collector, as requested, he should make a tender of the whole amount due the Government to yourself, you will receive the same; forthwith deposite 7. You will, immediately after the end of every term of it, to the credit of the Collector who delivered you the the District and Circuit Courts, or of any State Courts in bond for suit, in the Bank of the United States, or an of which any suit or suits may have been instituted on behalf fice thereof, or some other bank authorized to receive of the United States, forward to this office a statement, Government deposites, and take triplicate certificates of (which the law requires to be certified by the clerk,) of such deposite from the cashier, designating the object for such cases as have been decided during the term, and such which the payment was made. One of these you will re-as are pending, together with all the information which tain yourself; one you will transmit by the first mail to may be necessary for understanding the true situation of this office, as a voucher for your release from responsibili- each case. Your statement will be sent in two different ty; and the third you will deliver or forward by the first forms, one to contain the suits brought on treasury tranmail to the Collector from whom the bond was received. scripts, and the other on custom-house bonds, and for If there be no bank near in which Government deposites fines, penalties, and forfeitures. Printed forms for these are made, you may, if more convenient, pay the amount returns are herewith sent.

to the Collector who delivered the bond for suit, and take 8. In all cases in which an appeal is taken, cr a writ of triplicate receipts from him, designating the object for which error is sued out, you will cause to be transmitted to this the payment was made. One of these receipts you will office, with as little delay as may be, a transcript of the

record, which you will examine with a view to ascertain cate receipts therefor, in which the parties are to be that it is a faithful copy, and will accompany the same with stated, and the amount of the judgment. One of these a report of the argument of the cause in the court below, receipts you will keep for your own protection, one you noting the points made and authorities referred to by the respective counsel.

will transmit to this office, as my authority for making such entry on its books as will discharge you from further I take leave to call your particular attention to the eighth responsibility, and the other you will transmit, with your section of the act sent with the circular, by which, in ad- regular accounts, to the First Auditor of the Treasury, to dition to the return after each term, you are required to be filed as a check in the settlement of the Collector's ac transmit to this office "full and accurate accounts of all counts. causes and actions pending in the courts of the United 4. Whenever execution shall have been delivered to States" in your district, "in which the United States are you upon a judgment for any other cause than a customplaintiffs, on the fourth day of July" of the present year, house bond, and you shall have collected the money of the in such a manner as shall enable me to prepare an intelli- defendant, you will forthwith deposite the amount belong gible abstract of all such causes, showing the names of ing to the United States in the Bank of the United States, the parties in each suit, the cause of action, the time it or one of its offices, which may be nearest you, or any accrued, the time of the commencement of the suit, and other bank, if nearer to you, which is authorized to resuch other matters as may be necessary to full information ceive Government deposites, to the credit of the Treasurer to Congress respecting the same. As this abstract must of the United States. You will take duplicate certificates be laid before Congress at the commencement of the next of deposite from the cashier, designating the object for session, it is necessary that your return should be made which the money is paid, one of which you will retain on or before the tenth day of October next. The forms yourself, and transmit the other to this office, as the sent for your statement at the end of each term of court voucher upon which you will be discharged from further will answer the purpose of this report. Be pleased to responsibility. state, in a very distinct manner, the cause of action, and let your observations in the column of remarks be full, so that the object and situation of each suit may be clearly understood.

Regulations to be observed by Clerks of the Circuit and Dis

trict Courts of the United States.

1. Hereafter, you will forward to this office, within thirty days after the adjournment of each successive term of the District and Circuit Courts, respectively, of which you are clerk, a list of all the judgments and decrees which have been entered in the said courts, respectively, during such term, to which the United States are parties, showing the amount which has been so adjudged or decreed, and the costs, and stating the term to which execution thereon has been made returnable. You will divide the list into two parts, to be sent in two separate forms, one to contain the judgments rendered in suits brought on Treasury transcripts, and the other on custom-house bonds, and for fines, penalties, and forfeitures. I send you printed forms for these returns.

5. Hereafter you will make the returns required by the eighth section of the act of May 15, 1820, for the better organization of the Treasury Department, to this office, in which you will state the proceedings which have taken place upon all writs of execution or other process, which have been placed in your hands for the collection of the money which has been adjudged and decreed to the United States in said courts respectively. I send you printed forms for these returns. You will make these returns in two separate forms, one for executions issued on judg other on custom-house bonds, and for fines, penalties, and ments in suits brought on treasury transcripts, and the

forfeitures.

Mr.

REPORT ON MANUFACTURES.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JANUARY 13, 1831. MALLARY, from the Committee on Manufactures, to whom was referred so much of the President's message as relates to the tariff of duties on imports, and so much thereof as respects manufactures," reported: That they have taken this delicate subject into full con

66

2. You will examine the statement required by the third section of said act to be made by the United States' Attorney for your district, and, comparing it with the re-sideration. This was due alike to the source from whence cords in your charge, and finding it correct, you will thereto subjoin your certificate.

Regulations to be observed by Marshals.

1. Whenever, before judgment, any defendant to a suit f the United States shall pay you the costs which have ccrued, you will give him duplicate receipts, one to be zept by himself, and the other to be delivered to the Disrict Attorney.

a review was recommended, and to the importance of the subject itself. They feel confident that they have done it without mingling with the operation of their reasoning powers, unreasonable "likes and dislikes," either to the system of protecting domestic industry, or to the views expressed by the Chief Magistrate.

It is not the intention of the committee to present to the House a mass of statistics or labored arguments, in fa2. Whenever, in any suit in which the United States vor of the protecting system. In the recent discussions of are plaintiffs, the District Attorney shall deliver a writ of the tariff, all that could illustrate theory, or be proved by execution to you, you will give him duplicate receipts, in experience in our own and other countries, has been prewhich you will state the names of the parties, the amount sented. Our Government has adopted and endeavored to of the judgment and costs, with the time from which in-sustain, by repeated legislative enactments, a policy which terest accrues, one of which receipts is to be kept by him, has had the sanction of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and the other to be transmitted by him to this office as a and Monroe. It has been sanctioned by "the continued voucher, upon which an entry is to be made to release acquiescence of the States, and the general understanding him from further responsibility, and to charge you. You of the people." Confidence in its permanent duration is will, moreover, by the first mail, after execution in any warmly inspired. It is this alone which can give it vigorcase shall be delivered to you, transmit information there- ous and successful action. A system of protection may appear perfect in our statute books, and yet be useless to 3. Whenever the judgment has been rendered in favor the country, if exposed to perpetual danger. Skill, alof the United States on a custom-house bond, and the exe-ready matured, will not venture upon uncertainty. The cution has been issued and satisfied by the defendant, you power of invention will never be exerted, if it has no conwill give him a receipt therefor. You will immediately fidence in the promise, and repeated promise, of support. thereafter pay over the amount of the judgment to the Capital will never come to the aid of skill and enterprise, Collector who delivered the bond for suit, and take tripli- if it has no security for investment. It must have confi

of to this office.

dence, it must find solid honesty in individuals, as well as right to foster their own industry, and to counteract the most firmness in Government, or it will not be employed. selfish and destructive policy which might be adopted by During the last session of Congress, the declaration was foreign nations. This surely cannot be the case: this inoften repeated, that the system of protection should and dispensable power, thus surrendered by the States, must would be mantained. It was presumed to have come from be within the scope of the authority on the subject exthe people, and dictated by them to their representatives. pressly delegated to Congress." The committee would reThis was expressed by the most decisive majorities in Congress, on repeated occasions.

dent repose.

diffused.

commend this argument to the candid consideration of the House. Most especially would they invite to its calm conIts effects, so far as they have been developed, have an- sideration those of our fellow-citizens who honestly believe swered the hopes of its most ardent friends. Capital flows that a protecting tariff violates the constitution. If there widely and freely through our extended country. The ge- are any who have become regardless of the rights, internius of our people has been stimulated to greater and more ests, and welfare of the great majority of the nation; who diversified exertion. The useful arts are improving in are determined that all shall yield to their opinions; who every form that stern necessity or elegant taste may desire. insist that they are infallibly right, and every one else is The committee most cheerfully concur with the President absolutely wrong; on such, reason and argument can have in the animated view which he has taken of the condition no influence. Still, the cause which enables our Chief Maof our country. They adopt his language in describing gistrate to give us such a glowing view of the prosperity that condition. "With a population unparalleled in its in- of our country as he has done, must and will continue. crease, and possessing a character which combines the har- The States, in their sovereign capacity, as expressed in the dihood of enterprise with the considerateness of wisdom, message, and cannot be denied, had the original power of we see in every section of our happy country a steady im- imposing duties on imports. It is now transferred to the provement in the means of social intercourse and corre- Government of the Union, in the most ample manner. spondent effects upon the genius and laws of our extended Had the States retained it, they must have exercised it as republic." This is the language of truth and justice. It they pleased, to accomplish any object they deemed proforms a subject of high and deep congratulation to every per. It might have been for revenue alone. It might have patriot mind. While other nations are suffering under op- been employed solely to counteract the selfish policy of pressive burthens, or convulsed with bloody revolutions, other States or nations. It could have been exercised for we witness among ourselves, in general, a calm and confi- any purpose which suited the pleasure of sovereign power. We see over all portions of our broad coun- But the States have delegated their whole power over imtry prosperity and happiness most equally and evenly ports to the United States. It would indeed be a strange anomaly if it could not now be exercised by the GovernSuch is the prospect before us. It is the offspring of ment to which it has been transferred, as fully as it could our fortunate Government, and the wise policy which has have been by the States from which it was derived. been adopted of cultivating our own resources, by the The President has declared, that, "while the chief obskill, and industry, and enterprise of our own people. In ject of duties should be revenue, they may be so adjusted considering that imperfection must be stamped on the high-as to encourage manufactures." It seems to the commitest and best of human institutions, it is matter of surprise, tee that this remark is in plain collision with the sentiments "that the apparent exceptions to the harmony of the pros- which he has previously maintained. He has observed that pect" are so few. They seem to arise rather from the the authority to impose duties on imports, having passed exercise of fervid imagination, than from evils which really from the States, "the right to exercise it for the purpose exist. It cannot, however, be expected that any code of of protection does not exist in them." If it is "not poslaws, or any form of government, can dispense precisely sessed by the General Government, it must be extinct." the same benefits to every individual under their influence, "Our political system would thus present the anomaly of wherever he may reside, or whatever may be his genius a people, stripped of a right to foster their own industry, or pursuits. Nature herself has failed to do this. But, and to counteract the most selfish and destructive policy when we see a great nation moving on with stately steps. which could be adopted by foreign nations." If revenue unimpeded, to the height of happiness, opulence, and gran-alone is wanted, duties for that object should be imposed. deur; when every portion, however minute, partakes am- If protection to domestic industry is required, let duties ply of general prosperity, it would seem that the "appa-be imposed to "foster it." Why should the chief object rent exceptions to the harmony of the prospect" might be be revenue--why protection secondary--when the Trea permitted to melt down in warm felicitations, that the sury may be full? Many now apprehend that our reveprospect" of our whole country is so nobly gratifying.nue is, and will be, too abundant. But protection "against It is to this wide and comprehensive prospect that we may the most selfish and destructive policy of foreign nations" safely look for substantial reasons to preserve that Union, can be secured by duties on imports. By them alone. which it is "most devoutly hoped may prove imperishable. Then they should be adjusted to secure protection. This The committee are much gratified to have the opinion should be the primary object. The protecting power of the President, clearly and fully expressed, that the ta- having once belonged to the States, and now transferred to riff for protecting domestic industry is constitutional. They the General Government, it may be used, as the good of think it proper to quote language so clear and unequivocal. the nation demands, for a primary, not a secondary, object. He says, that "the power to impose duties on imports ori-It ought not to be loosely attached to the skirts of reveginally belonged to the several States. The right to ad- nue. Domestic industry is a single, great, even pre-emijust those duties with a view to the encouragement of do-nent, interest of the nation. It has been intrusted to mestic branches of industry, is so completely incidental to the guardian care of the constitution. It now demands that power that it is difficult to suppose the existence of the exercise of that power, which the States have surrenone without the other. The States have delegated their dered, for its promotion and preservation. whole authority over imposts to the General Government, The President, in his message, further observes, that, without limitation or restriction, saving the very inconsi- in the adjustment of protecting duties, the Government derable reservation relating to their inspection laws. This should be guided by the general good." As an abstract authority having thus passed from the States, the right to proposition this may be admitted. The general interexercise it for the purpose of protection does not exist in est is the interest of each; and it is only necessary that them; and, consequently, if it be not possessed by the Gene- that interest should be understood to ensure the cordial ral Government, it must be extinct. Our political system support of some who think "it encourages abuses which would thus present the anomaly of a people stripped of the ought to be corrected, and promotes injustice which ought

66

to be obviated." He also advises Congress that objects of ing is, therefore, obscure. Iron, it is presumed, would national importance ought alone to be protected. Of be considered essential to "national defence," and, being these, the productions of our soil, our mines, and our the product of "our mines," should be protected. But workshops, "essential to national defence, occupy the that protection which would produce the material for a first rank. Whatever other species of domestic industry, musket would also furnish it for axes and ploughs. A having the importance to which I have referred, may be duty that would give us domestic bullets, is all that might expected, after temporary protection, to compete with be required to supply the country with domestic lead for foreign labor on equal terms, merit the same attention in every use. But are muskets, and powder, and bullets, all a subordinate degree." Suppose the opinion to be cor- that may be essential to "national defence?" An army rect, that objects of national importance ought alone to might be most abundantly provided with these, and yet be protected," what then? The President has not, by this be totally inefficient in the field, if it wanted hats, and general expression, afforded the least aid in adjusting the coats, and shirts, and shoes, and blankets. The condition details of a protecting tariff. If the action of Government of our country, during the last war, furnished a well decould be confined to abstract rules and principles, little fined illustration of this sentiment. Various manufac difference of opinion would probably exist in the nation. tures, then, were considered of national importance, which The great embarrassment is found in making an applica- the doctrines of free trade now erase from the catalogue. tion of excellent theory to practical and useful purpose. But a duty imposed for promoting the domestic manufac The protecting system, the tariff, is composed of humble ture of these articles, for military purposes alone, would items. These, united, make up the great mass of national be an anomaly in the annals of any nation. That protect industry. Had the President been pleased to designate a ing policy which could supply the wants of an army few items only, which he supposed to possess "national war must be allowed to operate in peace. Hence the importance,' or had he pointed out what "comforts of difficulty of any classification of interests, while all are life are taxed unnecessarily high--what are the interests distinctly and equally governed by the same great constitoo local and minute to justify a general exaction, which it tutional power derived from the States. It is also to be undertakes to protect, and what kinds of manufactures for remembered that peace with the world is the natural con which the country is not ripe, it attempts to force," we dition of this country. It is not the foreign bayonet that should then have the light and benefit of illustration. we have the most reason to apprehend: it is the "selfish General theory may be adopted with perfect unanimity. and destructive policy which might be adopted by foreign Its application to real use, its coming down to the every nations." To guard against this is an object of "national day exertion of our farmers and mechanics, is a different importance." For peace or war the protecting policy is affair. Under general theory, any one can make a retreat equally adapted, and it is believed by the committee that and maintain that it has been done with consistency and the best preparation for national defence may be found in honor. Theory is best explained by its application to the the rigorous cultivation of the arts of peace. Our people axe, the plough, the hammer, and the spindle. The Chief ought not to be perpetually dependent on orders in counMagistrate presides over a people, who are engaged in cil or decrees of emperors. Our country ought not to unceasing and untiring industry. Congress has for years, wait, until invasion surrounds it, and then beg blankets and on repeated occasions, exercised its wisdom on the from invaders to warm a shivering army, engaged in tariff. Its best efforts have been made. If errors exist,"national defence."

in

it would seem reasonable to expect, that the Chief Magis- The President alludes to another species of industry trate, looking abroad from his high station over all the in- having the importance to which he before had referred, and terests of the country, and observing their mutual relations which may be expected, after "temporary protection, to and dependencies, should intimate to the representatives compete with foreign labor on equal terms." This spe of the people, what particular business of life has been too cies of industry, in his opinion, merits "the same attenwarmly cherished-what too coldly neglected. In adjust- tion, in a subordinate degree," while, in speaking of ob ing the details of the tariff, Congress has done what it jects "essential to national defence," he prescribes no limi deemed best for the general good. To reach the em- tation, either as to the extent of protection or its duration. ployments of life, it must go down to particulars. If the The other class he considers entitled to the "same attenPresident is still dissatisfied, might have been hoped that tion," yet qualified by the expression, in "a subordinate he would have designated the precise error. It will degree." This qualification seems to render it difficult always be borne in mind, by practical men, and they com- if not impossible to ascertain the extent of the rule which pose the mass of the nation, that abstract theory, however he has adopted for his own action, and the guidance of splendid, does but little good, unless it comes to the aid of Congress. Instead of opening a luminous pathway, in every muscle of labor. In what consists the defect of the which all branches of the Government may move on in existing tariff? Individuals may discover imperfections, unison and safety, new embarrassments appear to be but the collected wisdom of the nation has repeatedly de-added to those already encountered by Congress in adjustclared that material change is not demanded. Nothing ing the detailed provisions of the tariff. It would seem to better, under existing circumstances; can be done. Then be the meaning of the President, that, after a temporary let doubt and uncertainty be avoided. They are evils next to the surrender of the whole system.

protection has been extended to a manufacture for a rea sonable period, if it cannot then compete with foreign The message advises Congress that "objects of nation- labor on equal terms," it does not merit protection. This al importance alone ought to be protected; of these, the doctrine has been repeatedly advanced in Congress, and productions of our soil, our mines, and our workshops, the committee presume it to be the doctrine of the mes essential to national defence, occupy the first rank." It sage. But it will not stand the test of experiment. Prior is to be presumed that Congress has not been unmindful to the late war, the coarse muslins consumed in the United of productions "essential to national defence." But the States were imported from India, and cost the consumer President says, "the present tarifi taxes some of the com- about twenty-five cents the yard. By the war the supply forts of life unnecessarily high. They are not defined. was cut off-our cotton mills began to move, and a partial In the minds of many, what might be essential to national supply was furnished. At its close, when the India cot defence, might also promote the comforts of life. If the tons were again imported, most of these establishments message meant only guns, powder, and bullets, difference were ruined. By the tariff of 1816, establishing what of opinion, even then, might exist, as to the extent of pro-was called the minimum duty on coarse cottons, the home tection which ought to be afforded to the various cle- market was effectually secured to our home manufacturers ments of which they are composed. Its practical mean- Under its fostering influence they have flourished and

=

Report on Manufactures.

[21st CoNG. 2d SESS. multiplied; and such have been our improvements in skill, its different provisions, that "small minorities" may be and labor, and machinery, that the consumer, instead of taught how to form a "combination" to overthrow it. paying twenty-five cents, now purchases at home a much What gives national importance to an object, or probetter article for eight cents the yard. Large exporta- duction of domestic industry? How is its national importtions of them are made to foreign countries. They are ance discovered? Whence derived-by what principle carried to India, China, and South America, where they decided? Is it the place of production in the United States; are sold to advantage. But suppose the protecting duty that imparts to it the character of "national importance?" withdrawn, and the American manufacturer left to "com- Must production be found in every narrow subdivision of pete with foreign labor on equal terms." Admit the cot- the country? Must it, of necessity, be "general, not lotons of India, England, and Scotland, and what would be cal?" Should the answer be in the affirmative, the concenthe effect? Within two years not a single cotton mill in trated wisdom of the nation would never provide a protectthe United States would be in motion. The immense cap-ing tariff. Our various soils, our different climates, our ital invested in them, amounting to many millions, would diversified objects of industry, would present an impassabe utterly sunk to the country, and their owners irretriev-ble barrier against the adoption of any system of protecably ruined. And why? Not because we cannot make tion. The farmer who grows wheat, asks the aid of Gogoods as cheap as in Manchester and Glasgow, but because vernment to protect that article. He knows that Poland, a war would be waged by British capital against Ameri- Russia, the Barbary States and France, may furnish, at can capital-a war of extermination. Such a war has times, wheat cheaper on the seaboard, than he can afford been waged upon every article of American industry, it. When he asks protection, an objection is made. Some whenever the protecting duty has been inadequate, or the portions of the Union do not produce wheat. Its produclaw extending the duty so framed, that mercantile cupidity tion is not general. It must be rejected. Butter and and the cunning of foreign manufacturers could evade it. cheese are presented for protection. Our farmers can There is another rule laid down by the President which produce them in abundance. The Irish tenant, who subthe committee have thought proper to examine. It is consists on the humblest fare that unfeeling oppression deals tained in the expression that "objects of national import-out, may furnish them cheaper than the cultivators of our fance alone ought to be protected." The committee will soil. Yet it is discovered, that portions of our extended J not here enter into a discussion of the question whether country are unable to produce butter and cheese. They Congress may not protect objects local in character. The cannot be protected. They are "local" and not general. States, in their original independence before the adoption Iron is named. This is indispensable in peace and war. of the constitution, could have used the power of impos- It may, perhaps, be for a time, furnished by boors and ing duties on imports for the express purpose of protect- serfs, laboring under the command of Russian and Swedish ing local objects, according to the doctrine entertained by nobility, a little cheaper than the Pennsylvania and New the President, in which the committee fully concur. The Jersey forgemen can produce it, and live as independent several States no longer possess that power. Where is it? citizens ought to live in a free country. But iron is a Where has it fled? On what shelf is it laid? The Go-"local object, not general." It must be rejected. vernment of the Union possesses it, or it has become "ex- Hemp is named, an article so valuable to the indepentinct." If an object did present itself, purely local in its dence of all branches of the navigation of our country. character, and its protection was demanded by the pros. The strong arm of protection holds foreign navigation perity and happiness of a single State, and this could be away from our domestic trade. It should unfurl Ameribest done, or done only, by the delegated power from the can canvass with delight. It should also be well kept in States to impose duties on imports, it should be well con- mind, that the great body of American consumers of foreign sidered, before Congress rejected a proposition for that productions sustain navigation engaged in foreign compurpose. The discussion of this subject, at this time, is merce. The splendid ship that carries and brings is still not intended. It may, however, be intimated that it is the subordinate to the interests of those who buy and use, and duty of the General Government to protect every State, pay for the cargo. The merchants on our seaboard may county, and town, in the Union from invasion. The Go-heap up wealth, build palaces, command the luxuries of vernment of the Union is bound to protect every inch of life, but they must well keep in mind, that they all owe our soil from a hostile bayonet. It has equal power to their prosperity to the strong arm of labor; they owe protect every finger of domestic industry against foreign to the daily toil of our yeomanry, whether engaged in subcompetition. Let it be firmly exercised. It matters but duing the summits of the Green mountains, or cultivating little to real national independence, whether foreign guns the glens of the Allegany. Let, then, the hemp of Ohio, or foreign labor conquer us. However this may be con- Kentucky, and Tennessee, be protected. Let the people sidered, it is fully believed by the committee, that the of those States have a share in the advantages of that polipresent tariff, taken together, or in the minutest detail, is cy, which they are willing to defend. If it has so happennational in its character, although the language of the ed, that navigation engaged in our foreign trade, is sufferPresident may seem to imply, that, in this respect, it is ing from foreign competition, it is owing to itself. All defective. He has also told us in his message, that, "it which it asked for protection was freely granted. When is an infirmity of our nature, to mingle our interests and it had gained such an ascendancy, as it supposed would prejudices, with the operation of our reasoning powers, enable it to challenge foreign competition, it triumphantly and attribute to the objects of our likes and dislikes, quali- told the Government that protection was no longer wanted. ties they do not possess, and effects they cannot produce," Hence treaty after treaty has been concluded for reciprothat our deliberations on this interesting subject should be cal navigation. This was urged by the advocates of free uninfluenced by partisan conflicts," and should not be trade. If now it is a little crippled, if other nations supmade subservient to the short-sighted views of faction." ply us with a little more navigation, is it a greater evil than The committee have a due regard both to the admonition if foreigners supplied us with a little more iron, or hemp, and the sentiments expressed by the President; and they or sugar, or cotton, or woollens? Must the great system also entertain a most ardent hope, that our fellow-citizens of protection be abandoned, because navigation has been will keep a steady, searching eye on every movement of indulged in its wish and has been somewhat disappointed? political ambition, in whatever quarter of our country it The advocates of free trade ought rather to rejoice that may appear. It may speak well and pleasantly to the pub- our interest is free from the fetters of protection. lic ear, in favor of a national protecting system, and yet, If foreign nations can build ships cheaper than the with a calm, fair, honest-looking countenance, scatter people of the United States, why not cheerfully employ such mysterious, yet captivating doubts, as to the value of them? According to the doctrines of free trade, so much

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