144 
[Assembly 
prominent feature in the character of our State; and while the 
public mind is directed to the development of internal resources, 
this one cannot fail to take a prominent place, both as regards the 
interests of the State and of individuals, but also as a subject of 
great national importance. 
The increased demand for iron has arisen, in part, from perma- 
nent causes, such as its application to a great variety of new pur- 
poses. The demand arising from this cause will continue to in- 
crease indefinitely, or until limits are prescribed to human ingenu- 
ty. Another, and great source of demand has arisen from the con- 
struction of rail-roads in this and other countries. To the latter 
cause may be attributed chiefly the rise in the value of iron within 
the last two years; and the demand from the same source is likely 
to increase for a number of years to come, even if no more than 
the rail-roads now chartered should be constructed. This demand, 
arising from the construction of rail-roads, is likely to increase 
faster than the supply of iron; and while the English manufactu- 
rers are directing their attention to supply this new demand, other 
branches of iron manufacture must increase also, in like proportion, 
both in demand and value. 
The value of iron and steel manufactures imported into the 
United States for the year previous to the 30th of June last, 
was ^7,717,910. The year previous the import was less than 
85,000,000. 
Mr. Cambreling's report shows an increase in the importation 
of bar iron for the seven years previous to 1835, of 77 ^ per cent 
over the former seven years, or from 1821 to 1828.^ 
The development of the rich mines, and the establishment of 
iron manufactures in the northern part of our State, would great- 
ly increase the population, by increasing the demand for labor 
where it w^ould not otherwise be called for. There are 500 per- 
sons either immediately or remotely connected with the iron works 
of the Peru company at Clintonville. Of these, 100 are engaged 
in the works, receiving from 80 cents to $3 per day each for their 
labor. Those out of the works, but dependent on them, are mi- 
ners, colliers, teamsters, &c. with their families. 
* In 1828 there was manufactured in England 732,000 tons of iron, of this there was 
exported, of un wrought iron and steel, together with hardwares, cutlery, arms, machine- 
ry, &c. 150,000 tons. In 1820 there was manufactured in England 400,000 tons, and in 
1806, 250,000 tons. 
