270 FAssembly 



merce. We have succeeded in foreign markets, by the help of pro- 

 tection, in some articles of extensive demand. Why not in others 

 ■with the same advantages? Is there a hopeless want of skill, of in- 

 dustry or of capital in our country, that should consign us to despair 

 and inactivity? Is there an American that will give countenance to 

 such a reproach — who will not repel it as an insulting calumny upon 

 his country? 



At this era, we need not long dread the prevalence of the idea we 

 have alluded to, of any inj.urious operation upon foreign commerce 

 resulting from manufactures. Experience is every day refuting it, 

 with proofs that must soon accumulate to an irresistible force. But 

 it is our task to aid, if possible, in hastening the complete triumph 

 of a system which has yet to encounter so many and serious obstacles. 



It has still to encounter, as heretofore, the resistance of an army of 

 foreign agents; backed by the specious objections and arguments of 

 their domestic allies, who, though refuted again and again, can argue 

 still as ingeniously as ever. It has to encounter the threats of violent 

 enemies, the treachery of pretended, and the neglect of lukewarm 

 friends. It has still to contend against ancient errors and misrepre- 

 sentations, and still more ancient and besotted prejudices. It belongs 

 to its friends to pronounce, by their activity and constancy, whether 

 the contest shall be ended at orjce and forever: or >vhether it shall be 

 left to time and accident to bring it to a close — whether this system 

 shall be practically enforced, or remain for years a theme of still be- 

 ginning discussions and debates. 



After all that has taken place, we rally, at this time, under the 

 most auspicious circumstances. The American System has found fa- 

 vor in the eyes of a large majority of the American people; and 

 their voice is daily demanding its extension, in a louder and more 

 imperative tone. There needs but concert and activity to give it the 

 force and form of an irreversible decree. 



In adopting this mode of uniting our exertions, and in recom- 

 mending the same course to our fellow-citizens who concur in our 

 views, through the state and country, we are most solicitous to avoid 

 all imputation of party motives and designs. We have suffered no 

 feelings or views, in relation to the parties of the day, to intrude into 

 our deliberations. On all occasions, we shall most scrupulously ab- 

 stain from any interference in the struggle for power, which has un- 

 happily severed our country into two political parties, except in so 



