On the Rhode- Island Coal. 235 



It will readily be allowed, that the different branches 

 of manufacture, which are pointed out in these pages, 

 are objects of the first consequence. The materials are 

 obtained in abundance, and no greater proportion of la- 

 bour is required, than, in the present state of popula- 

 tion, can be spared from other pursuits ; they have also 

 this advantage, that they have already been tried, and 

 succeeded. 



Premature attempts to divert the channels of com- 

 merce, as well as to excite a rivalship in manufactures, 

 however plausible they may appear in the reasoning of 

 a philosopher, experience has shown to be erroneous 

 in theory, and dangerous in practice. 



That species of industry, which has already suc- 

 ceeded, which has contributed to the wealth and pros- 

 perity of the country, which encourages a spirit of lite- 

 rature, and promotes the diffusion of knowledge, should 

 not be rashly abandoned, for speculations, founded on 

 false views of the real interest of the nation. 



