18 



will the manners and morals of the people long remain un- 

 corrupted ; their virtues and social enjoyments unimpair- 

 ed ; and the liberties and governments vt'hich distinguish 

 this free land, and attract the admiration of a world, shall 

 be transmitted with undiminished glory. 



The general subject of manufactures has become most 

 interesting to the United States. Universal attention is 

 excited to institute an enquiry, ivhether the exigences of 

 the country require that they should receive general syste- 

 matic support ? and whether we possess the means of giv- 

 ing them a successful support ? Recurrence to the histo- 

 ry of other countries, and their manufactures in the early 

 stages of their progress, demonstrate that the exigences 

 of our country at this period are as urgent as any which 

 ever existed in Europe ; and that our means are more am- 

 ple than those of any other country of similar age and 

 population. If policy and self- security lead them to make 

 immense efforts and sacrifices to commence and prosecute 

 manufactures, the same causes operate more conclusively 

 on us. That the vast increase of agricultural products, 

 above the consumption of the country, or the prospect of 

 sale in foreign markets, will tend to depress the price, is 

 manifest. Such an event must be sensibly felt in the 

 market of agricultural products. In such a dilemma, is 

 there an expedient for relief? Is there any way to lessen 

 the pressure of such a reverse ? Yes, there is. In the 

 language of a great and distinguished statesman of our 

 own country, " We must now place the manufacturer by 

 the side of the agriculturalist." In every country and 

 age, these tv\ o great pursuits have become mutual aids, 

 receiving and bestowing activity and energy ; ensuring to 

 enierprizc and industry their merited rewards. The ef- 

 fect of such a course of policy is certain, and cannot dis- 

 appoint the bene volent wishes of an honest statesman. It 

 must result in prosperity. It will furnish all the means of 



