No. 63.] 11 



in the west, that the deficiency of labor continues the same, and its 

 value, under ordinary circumstances, constantly increases. Immi- 

 gration, therefore, is an auxiliary to agriculture. The condition of 

 society in Europe favors emigration. The nations are reposing after 

 long and exhausting wars. The masses increase in disproportion to 

 their territory and subsistence; and although a democratic spirit is 

 abroad, slowly renovating their institutions, there is still a restless 

 desire to participate in our social advantages and enjoy our perfect 

 liberty. But with the sturdy, enterprising and virtuous immigrants, 

 there will also arrive on our shores, the infirm, the indolent and the 

 depraved, while a change of home and country is always liable to be 

 attended by accident and misfortune. These circumstances increase 

 the charges for public charity and justice in our populous cities, and 

 hence their inhabitants often regard immigration as itself a ca^ 

 lamity. 



But, aside from all questions of humanity — if we compare this 

 incidental misfortune with the addition to the national wealth and 

 strenffth derived from the one humlred thousand emigrants who an- 

 nually disperse themselves over the country, and take into conside- 

 ration the increase of our physical strength by their descendants, we 

 find every principle of political economy sanctioning the policy of 

 our ancestors, which freely opened our ports and offered an asylum 

 to the exiles of every land. Nor need I urge before such an enligh- 

 tened assembly, that prejudices against emigrants, and apprehensions 

 of danger from their association, are as unwise as they are lyigener- 

 ous. The experience of mankind has proved that mutual intercourse 

 and the most intimate relations between the various branches of the 

 human family are indispensable to the progress of civilization and 

 humanity. 



The agricultural interest, though the last to suffer, is always slow- 

 est in recovering from any national calamity. Associations in other 

 departments deranged, may be renewed. Capital destroyed may be 

 supplied, and masses overborne may recover. But agriculture, once 

 embarrassed, is with difficulty restored. War, however justifiable or 

 necessary, or however it may stimulate production for a season, is 

 always a national evil, and in its least desolating form is destructive 

 of agricultural prosperity. To cultivate the disposition and the arts 

 of peace, and to guard against domestic disturbance and civil discord. 



