C 91 1 
tjn. But what prevents our manufacturing not 
only what is necessary for our families, but for 
the general consumption of our country I Why 
should not our city beaux, who look beyond conve¬ 
nience to elegance, find the gratification of their 
taste in the product of our own, rather than of fo:^ 
reign looms ? The price of labor is the general 
objection. This is already diminished by carding- 
mills, which do the work better, and leave more 
women to employ in spinning, and of course must 
reduce the price of their wages. Mills have also 
been lately erected for spinning wool ; and certain¬ 
ly if any wool can be spun fine in mills, it will be 
that which, from its softness and the evenness of its 
texture, most resembles cotton. Is it possible, 
that the price of labor can operate in an equal de¬ 
gree with the various charges that enhance the va¬ 
lue of a piece of superfine British broadcloth before 
it comes to the hand of the American consumer. 
1st. The wool must be purchased in Spain where 
a commission of not less than five per cent, must 
be paid. The mean duty upon the exportation of 
wool from Spain is 6d sterling a lb. but upon fine 
wool much higher, because the duty is proportion¬ 
ed to the quality ; this then is not less than 15 per 
cent. Transportation to the sea ports, freight and 
insurance, port charges, at landing, must amount to 
at least 5 per cent, more, before it is stored in Lon¬ 
don. The merchant’s profit cannot be less than ten 
per cent, thus, laefore the manufacturer receives the 
