14 



mer and manufacturer a direct and positive benefit. In this 

 view the construction of rail roads and canals through an 

 extensive inland country, and improving the navigation of 

 rivers, opening a free trade with such nations as will pur- 

 chase our produce and manufactures, or in exchange, supply 

 us with such articles as we may want, prohibiting or impos- 

 ing duties on such importations as come in direct competi- 

 tion with the produce of our farms and the wares of our 

 work-shops, — are subjects, in which the interest of the far- 

 mer and the mechanic are deeply involved. A regard to 

 your interest, therefore, requires that your views be extended 

 beyond the cultivation of the soil and the increase of your 

 flocks. Your voice must be heard, and your influence felt 

 in our state and national legislatures. The opinion of sound, 

 intelligent, and practical farmers, is entitled to great consid- 

 eration ; and I am happy to say, that the time has come 

 when gentlemen of every profession are disposed to treat it 

 with respect. By continuing to merit the esteem of your 

 fellow-citizens, you will not fail to receive it ; and so far as 

 legislative aid can advance your interests, you may expect 

 the co-operation of a wise and patriotic legislature. 



In times like the present, of general depression in every 



branch of industry, you must expect to participate with 



your fellow-citizens. Economy, at all times commendable, 



now becomes an imperious duty. If the products of your 



labor can find no market abroad, let them, at least, supply 



your wants at home. To effect this, I place great reliance 



on the industry and ingenuity of your virtuous wives and 



daughters. They will curtail your shop bills by furnishing 



many articles of apparel of their own manufacture. Like 



the good wife described by Solomon, they " will seek wool 



and flax, and work willingly with their hands. They will 



lay their hands to the spindle, and their right hands hold of 



the distaff*; their candle goeth not out by night." Such 



merchandize is better than that brought from afar — such 



industry is above rubies. 



