No. 151.] 307 



lie man too often asts what is the interest of his party, rather than 

 what is that of the community at large. Within my own brief ex- 

 perience in public affairs, I have seen measures of the most pernicious 

 tendency advocated with zeal and ingenuity for the purpose of secu- 

 ring a little political capital. And it is but three or four years, since 

 a representative of this commercial city — the great emporium of the 

 Union — denounced in his place the whole mercantile class amongst 

 us, for no other reason, as he shamelessly avowed, than that he had 

 not received their votes! It was pretty evident that they had duly 

 appreciated his character. 



It might be expected, under a popular government, that measures 

 would be taken to foster and encourage the useful mechanic arts, as 

 connected with the practical pursuits of life, and to stimulate and re- 

 ward inventive talent. But here again, sectional interests sometimes 

 come in to defeat the will of the people. Impediments, instead of 

 incentives, are thrown in the pathway of genius, and the industry of 

 foreign countries encouraged, instead of our own. Thus is the beau- 

 tiful theory of our political institutions sacrificed to party objects, 

 and the whole machinery of our model republic used for the mere 

 purpose of elevating party hacks to office. 



Wanting the protection of the government, the domestic industry 

 of the country must seek its support amongst the masses of the com- 

 munity. To them should the appeal be made to come forward in 

 solid phalanx, to protect their common interests by encouraging 

 American labor, and counteracting, by all lawful means, the suicidal 

 policy of the government. Voluntary associations afford the best 

 means for effecting this object. Efficient and united action may yet 

 place American industry on a firm foundation, and render our country 

 independent of the workshops of Europe- 



