COMMERCE, AND BOSTON, NOVEMBER 11, 1826. LABOR; SUBSISTENCE; &c. From Niles’ Register, Baltimore, October 21, 1826 . IT has afforded me great satisfaction to observe the attention a article published under this head in the Register of the 23d uh and the increased circulation which has been given to it through the columns of f . her papers. The matters set forth in that essay were not meant as " J hhcs o/ THE DAv’’_but, in the plain language of a plain man to " nv te the people to a consideration of statistical demonstrations and fects which ^ was supposed, ought to reach the heart and the home of everv rpfl^r’ £asi sis; ■“? tte spnghtljimaginatio^of our feH^^UizensliT^k^ng^^somethin^lilce an aggregal e ,dea of the value and importanoe of them* AndTwhen these s^&SrSSSSS^S ££-i0“;rr^ manufacture of St ,? P , le ,S h,gher becau9e of the domestic ded bv the tariff* T ?} ton !ower i because of the protection affor- aed by the tariff, I go further, and fearlessly assert generally — that nil tho r^nn ? pf ° cheaper to the consumer because of that protection I cannot suppose that this will be disputed by any one who if reasonablv Ge°rman b “‘ 4°^ ' the /L'f° lhaJ“beaf upo^t ‘“a a thing Jury oMjgS 1%^ the probable supply ^f^anli demand for Cotton 1 savf-^*‘W ’ ° n ^ ^“gustj. speaking of opinion that the revision of the tariff in 18^4 hno iJ cai 1 ir!0 * ; re ^ ram from giving it as our value of Cotton. The 1 factorS^ ^ the UniSrf ^ a S f ^ ee,, >f d Wll j be, the means enhancing the will England manufacture SSTthan sh ? ™*™ facture ^re}han we consume- rnotives which spur her on to preserve her i rp„„j e ' ^ re there not ambitious and pecuniary thrown two of the greatest cLmercSnat^n^'n fW 6 "^,^ r ? anufactures ? Has not the tariff ted two markets in the place of one, instead df le^^} Has il not crea * obliged to have our Cotton or let the United States suXt her in Mdl >° rBrlta,n > " ho is amv \ gument against the necessity which passed, or the advantages that have resulted from the enactment of a law to protect the people of the United States again foreign invasion , as foreigners protect themselves against us. And, because that I would reason on these matters, I cannot forget that three hundred subscribers were lost to me, though nothing like resentment is felt because of the difference of opinion, or of feeling, that induced such a striking at me ; and every gentlemen has an indubitable right to afford or withdraw his support of his own free will and discretion, and no one may ask him why or wherefore he does either. But, having passed through this trial, because of the very humble part that 1 took in supporting what I be- lieved were national interests, a disposition, perhaps a determination, has been formed to maintain and advance the benefits gained at so great a per- sonal loss — though individually, or more than any other individual in busi- ness, laboring for a livelihood, I have no interest in these things. Some, however, who left me, have returned, and generously repaired the damage which they did in the manner stated — and I have no doubt that the time is ne arly at hand, when every intelligent cotton-planter will hail the tariff as his last protection, and receive it into favor, as the grain grower has always entertained it, because of the home market, able and willing to balance or regulate the foreign demand, and keep up the prices of agricultural pro- ducts — when, without the encouragement to domestic industry afforded, briefly measured out as that encouragement is, they would have declined. True — it is still fashionable with a few to declaim against the tariff — so there are some who wear breeches and long-top boots, and others that have tails attached to their heads curiously bound up with black ribbands or eel- skins — but if you ask these what evil hath the tariff done ? — they are as “ mute as frogs frozen up in a pond. 1 ’ They cannot tell. And yet, when they feel much displeased about something — any thing, they cry out ‘‘cursed tariff,” as blundering lawyer-boys use u your honors” when ad- dressing a court. 1 do not speak thus concerning those who opposed, or oppose, the tariff on constitutional grounds. That is a matter of opin- ion —and we are bound to treat every man’s opinion with respect, that our own may be kindly received, when thought ever so erroneous. Refer- ence is had only to those who joined to reject it on other and far less honor- able principles-— being mercenary or sectional. And this includes two classes of persons, one located in the east and the other in the south, both opposed to the middle and west— only three votes being in favor of the bill, in 1824, from the three states of Maine, New-Hampshire and Massachusetts— 3 for and 22 against, while N. York, N. Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio, gave 81 for and only 9 against the bill. The navigating interest was feared in the east, or a worse spirit, one of a monopoly of protection , was indulged ; but in the south there was an indisposition to pass the law, lest it might operate partially, and to the injury of the planting interest in sel- ling and buying. The result, however, is that both parties were mistaken- altogether mistaken, in their views of that momentous measure. The middle and the west were right ; they will sustain what by long and faithful perse- verance they accomplished ; and, joined more or less by the convinced east and liberal south, will make the support of internal improvements and do- mestic manufactures a sine qua non , let the government be administered by whom it may — and reasonably extend the encouragement afforded as expe- rience shall justify and the actual state of things demand. We will not a- gain be reduced to the necessity, as it were, to shut our eyes that we may not detect smuggling or other illicit transactions, that those called upon to defend their country shall have clothes to cover them and blankets to shield them in their hours of rest, as was the case during the late war. Old preju- dices, however, are not easily eradicated, and time must be allowed to cool down irritated feelings, though the operating causes of excitement were only imaginary. I well remember it was haughtily and harshly said (in the 41 Richmond Enquirer,” I believe), that the tariff would render the great state of Virginia tributary to little Rhode Island — aye, too, add at the very moment when the capitalists of Waltham, in Massachusetts, Sec. were op- posing the tariff, that monopoly might rest with them. But what are its effects ? The best market for Virgiuia cotton is at home— Virginia obtains cotton goods cheaper than ever she did, and the nabobs of Waltham are ri- valed in many places so that the whole manufacture is reduced to the low- est point of profit that it will bear — so low that we undersell the British in every foreign market at which our goods are received on the same terms as their o»cn,”* These unquestionable facts are worth a whole library of spec- ulations, apply them as any one pleases. And that our common country prospers on account of them, is indisputable — though so little has been done to protect the national industry, compared with that protection which exists in other countries, with whom we have to contend, and with whom we must contender cease to be what we ar e—and never arrive at what we hope to be. In supporting the tariff, it never entered into my understanding that it would injure any class of the people of the United States, no matter what their location or business might be. On the contrary, it appeared manifest that it would apparently benefit the grain-growing States, and at the same time, be profitable to all the rest, and was of incalculable national impor- tance. If some districts prosper more than others by the protection afford- ed, and none are injured— surely, all should unite to push on that prosperity. How does it effect South Carolina, that the coal and iron of Pennsylvania, by her canals, are about to be brought into and supply a mighty market, at lower prices than are generally paid for British iron ? because that the tariff' protects, and only protects, the maker of American iron against ruinous fluctuations of prices, by gambling adventurers, or the cold calculations of heartless foreigners to break down our establishments by occasional glut- tings of our market, and then to make us pay up their losses with swinging interest on the monies hazarded by them. How will it affect Georgia, if the farmers of the eastern states should be willing to take off the duty on for- eign wool, until we raise enough for ourselves, that the makers of woollen goods may be relieved, and go on to extend their business ? What will it take from the pockets of the people generally, if a heavy duty shall be laid on all such foreign goods sold by auction, as interfere with the regular sales of like home made articles, and produce ruinous variations in the sales of such goods ? Let these questions and others that will naturally occur, be serious- ly considered. Let it be answered, whether it is better that we should pay 500,000 dollars a year to Europe for chemical preparations, which now are, or are about to be made in Baltimore, the chief materials for which would otherwise be as valueless as the rude rocks seated on the highest peaks of the White Mountains — and especially when these preparations are cheaper and of a superior quality than the imported. There must be a looking to these things — and further care and protection ought to be extended as expe- rience, the best teacher, shall dictate — until, as it had been in commerce and navigation, and in the manufacture of coarse cotton goods, we can rival and surpass, under-work or under-sell, the people of other nations with whom we are placed in competition. Give fair play to the genius, enterprise and industry of the American character, with a paternal and liberal government, which shall not take from the mouth of labour the bread it has earned — * It may be added; ju9t by way of memorandum; that the American consumer of American cotton goods, purchases them at about half the price which goods of like quality cost British consumers, though of British manufacture. The excise, of home-consumed articles is 110 per cent, but a bounty; or draw-back, is allowed on the exportation. And so rigid is the law a gainst importations, that a friend of mine had to pay duty on a small piece of muslin with which he had mended a hole in his mattrass ! 6 and no competition is to be feared, reciprocity in trade existing, And we insist that it shall. This is what our merchants contended for, and ob- tained — and this is what our farmers will have — that, a foreign market being denied for their products, a home demand may be created that will more certainly, and at better prices, take off their surplus productions. But we shall speak more pointedly of these things hereafter. GREAT NATIONAL INTERESTS. DESULTORY REMARKS AND SCRAPS, Illustrative of the progress and present condition of manufactures in the United States , and concerning internal improvements , aiding and assist- ing evtry branch of the national industry. The making of the New-York canals did not really cost the people of the state the value of one cent, except as far as foreign materials may have been employed in the construction of them, or for that small portion of the pro- fits on labor which the artists and laborers may have carried out of the state. On the contrary they have a large and wholesome circulation to money, and enriched many individuals ! and the increased value of property, and of profit, resulting from them, must be supposed by counting up hundreds of millions of dollars, if, indeed, the benefits of them be within supposition at all ! The rise in the value of lands and lots on their borders— at Albany, Troy, Rochester, Utica, Buffalo, and an hundred new and thrifty villages which have started into existence as if created by magic— the new employ- ment of tens of thousands of persons — the new commodities transported to market, many of which, of great value, were hitherto as quiescent, or use- less, because of the want of such market, with the new products of a teem- ing, busy, bustling and happy population — make up an aggregate of benefits that the mind cannot grasp with any degree of confidence in itself ; and to all these should be added, the wealth and power caused by the increased inhabitants of the state on account of these things ; perhaps directly and al- ready, to the number of three or four hundred thousand persons ! Such are the general effects of canals, roads and bridges. And besides, the revenue arising from tolls will not only pay the interest on the money expended, but speedily extinguish the debt, and then supply the chief part of all the funds required for the support of the government of New-York 1 These canals cost 9, 123,000, but the actual debt created was only 7,771,000, the interest payable on which was 419,000 — but the tolls of the present year will amount to a million ! — and the business of the canals will go on, on, on, and in- crease every year, for years to come, until the utmost shore of lake Supe- rior teems with civilized men, and cities are located where the wolf has his home, and the bear takes up his winter-quarters. Up to the 18th August last, and for the present season, about 9,000 tons of coal, 4,000 tons of wheat, 2,000 tons of iron ore, 1,500 tons of flour, and 4,000 tons of other articles, arrived at Philadelphia by the improved naviga- tion of the Schuylkill — one hundred vessels laden with Schuylkill coal will have arrived at New York from Philadelphia, during the present season. What is the new profit, or value, of the products or employments caused by this comparatively small work, yet in the very infancy of its usefulness ? What the amount of new capital put into useful operation ? Let it be calcu- lated ! Some particulars might be given about other canals ; but these two cases have been referred to only to shew general results, and they speak a Jan- 7 guage that cannot be mistaken — to the glory of those who have supported INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, to the shame of some who have opposed them, and the (what shall I say ?) — the something of others who were so much interested in aiguing while others were employed in digging ! But such will always be the difference between talking and doing — the talkers will become poorer and poorer, and the doers richer and richer. One spade full of earth removed in New York or Pennsylvania, has rendered more ser- vice, in either state, than a ten-column essay in the Richmond u Enquirer*’ has benefitted Virginia. The policy of the first, is to make even a small state a great one ; of the other, to reduce a great state into a small one. Witness, Vermont and New York, and Maryland and Virginia. Population and power and wealth will centre where labor is honored, and business a- bounds. The little rough and rugged state of Vermont, has had as great an accession of citizens, since 1790, as the mighty state of Virginia.— though the capital for increase in the latter was five times greater than the former had in the year just stated ; and as to Maryland, Vermont now contains more of the people than she does, though the first numbered 208,000, and the last only 85,000, in 1790 ! These things speak in most intelligible lan- guage. Maryland has done nothing, (though we have talked much,) infavor of interna] improvements, or to encourage domestic industry, except thro’ the public spirit of some private individuals located in Baltimore or Freder- ick — and. by a strange waywardness of policy, our representatives and de- legates have generally, in fact, discouraged those who would have effected them; to increase the population and wealth of the state. A great field is open for improvement in Maryland, the Susquehannah, and the Potomac, and the abundance of water-power adjacent to Baltimore, with our valuable mines and minerals, invite capital and enterprise — and they must be prompt- ly exerted, or the state will retrogade yet further and further. Albany has added one third to her population in five years, since 1820 — and which now is 17,600. A large number of houses have been built and are building— yet rents have advanced fifty per cent, since 1823. It is suppos- ed that 135,000 persons, (travellers,) arrive at and depart from this city in a year. 3,336 canal boats arrived from the opening of the navigation up to the 1st of August. Among the manufactures of Albany, are 50,000 bar- rels of beer brewed, and 120,000 morocco skins dressed, annually! The goods sold at Albany are valued at five millions of dollars a year. Troy prospers like Albany, and has very extensive manufactures — and one other was erecting that would have a capital of a million of dollars. The imports at Troy was 107,203 tons of articles in 1825, by the canals and the Hudson. The shores of this noble river, the line of the canals — the borders of other water courses and of the lakes, and of all the great roads, abound with busy, thrifty and happy people, collected in beautiful villages— living plentifully, and having much to spare. A person who has travelled in Maryland, only, (in one or two counties excepted) when he first finds himself a little beyond the Susquehannah, seems as if he had gotten into a new world There are about 100 sail of coasters on the American side of lake Erie — 500 will be required after the Ohio canal is finished, and fairly in use. Buffalo, a mere village before the war, has 5,000 inhabitants, and the num- ber is daily increasing. One steam boat on the lake had not sufficient business two years since — six are now well employed. We shall soon have ports on Huron and Michigan. Green Bay will be an important point, and Michili- mackinac the centre of a very extensive trade which will pass either to N. York, Philadelphia, or New-Orleans, by canals and river navigation, every foot of the way ! A thousand miles of space has beeD reduced as if to fifty. Distance is subdued by science, supported by public spirit. By means of the canals made, or making, the coal trade will be a mighty 8 business, and the price of fuel be much reduced in those parts where wood is becoming scarce. It abounds in the immediate neighborhood of Pitts- burg, and, in 1822, a million of bushels were used by 10,000 inhabitants, including the manufactories — 1,500,000 bushels will probably be used in that city during the present year, because of the increased population and busi- ness. What then will the great cities require ? Salt may be made in New-York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the western states, amply sufficient to meet the whole consumption of the country, and will — so soon as the different canals are completed. The price at the works is about 20 cents per bushel. By the canals, salt will be furnished on the sea-board and sold so low, that a small duty upon the imported article will amount to a prohibition. Its manufacture will convert otherwise useless water and useless coal into value, employ some tens of thousands of persons, and annually save millions of money to our country. It is probable that the domestic ccnsumption of cotton in the present year, [in 1816, 90,000 bales,] will amount to about or more than one hun- dred and fifty thousand bales — possibly, to 175,000. Next year, unless because of some unlooked-for events, to 200,000 ! Suppose this were thrown into the European market ! The price of cotton, paid to our planters, by our own manufactures, has been greater on the average, than they have received of the British purchasers of their staple. About 30,000 bales an- nually arrive at Providence, R. I. for the mills in the neighborhood. Many single establishments at other places use 1,000 — some 1500, some 2000 ! The consumption at Baltimore is 4000. We have applied cotton to the manufacture of several new articles of great importance to the American growers of the article. Among them are canvass, for the sails of ships, and many sorts of ropes. It answers excel- lently well. The average export of our cotton for seven years, has been equal to about 380,000 bales — so that the present home consumption may nearly amount to one third of the whole quantity raised , and we think that jt does. At Saco, in Maine, a company, with a capital of 160,000, are at work building houses and making machinery as fast as they can. There are sever- 1 al valuable establishments in this state. There are between 50 and 60 cotton and woollen factories in New- Hampshire, and it is supposed that they make 33*000,000 yards of cloth per annum. In 1810, the quantity made was only 4,274,185 yards. At Dover, 21,000 spindles and 750 power looms, were lately at work, or pre- paring. At Salmon Falls, a village with 1,600 inhabitants has jumped up.* Many mills are building with brick — one finislted is 39u by 49, another 220 by 49, and six stories high ! At New Market there is also a new village with 1,000 inhabitants — the capital of this last company is $600,000, This establishment now makes, or speedily will make, 3,600 yards of cloth, daily — though it has only just started, as it were. When the works are complet- ed, a million and a half of yards of cloth, v4H be made in a year at New-Market. The capital vested in manufactures in Massachusetts, including the new works, may be estimated at between twenty-five and 30 millions of dollars — the factories in 1824, were 161. At Lowel, 1,700,000 dollars have been recently employed At Waltham about the same sum ; its stock has been sold at 40 per cent above par. At Merrimack, 1,200,000, all paid in ; the Hamilton company has 600,000. At Taunton, 250 pieces of calico are made daily — employing 1,000 persons ! — The furnaces at Wareham make * At Somersworth, where th.ee years ago it was a wilderness, there are at this time 2000 in- habitants, and in addition to the large Cotton factories now in operation, there are two Woollen factories (one of which is already completed) capable of making, daily, 800 yards Broadcloth — 600 Cassimere, 1000 Sattinetts, and 500 Carpets. 9 4,000 tons of metal annually, and there are two rolling and slitting mills and three forges at the same place with large cotton mills, fulling mill, &c. Several villages, with from 1,000 to 1500 inhabitants have been built within a few years, all whose inhabitants were employed or subsisted by the fac- tories. A busy, healthful population teems on spots, over which a rabbit, a little while since, could hardly have made his way — 7,000 lbs. of powder were expended at one place in one year, in blowing rocks ! The annual product of the glass works in the vicinity of Boston, is 450,000 dollars, and there are large establishments in other parts of the state, [To give an idea of the magnitude of some of these establishments, we shall observe, that five great mills have already been erected at Merrimack, only three of which are yet in full operation — but each of these make 2,500 yards of cloth daily ! In one machine-making shop a ton of castings is used up every day ! Some of the woollen factories are also very large,]* The manufactories of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont make up a large amount of capital. In Rhode Island there are about ninety cotton mills, and new ones are building ! We venture to assert that the surplus pro- duct of the people of Rhode Island, aided as they are by scientific power, is of greater value than the surplus products of the whole state of Virginia, in whjch that power is notmuch used. By “ surplus” I mean a value beyond wh a t is required for the subsistence of the people. One person, assisted by machinery, is equal to from 100 to 200 without it. One hundred and fifty persons are employed in making lace at Newport. R. I. It is made at several places splendid, and as good, and at a less price than the imported. Provi- dence is, perhaps, the richest town of its size in the world — and its pop- ulation rapidly increases. The whole manufacturing establishments in Providence and its neigh- borhood (including a small district in Massachusetts) are one hundred and fifty , or more : and the persons employed in them are between 25 and 30,000! A canal about to be made into the interior of Massachusetts will greatly add to the business of Providence. On the 12th September last three thousand packages of cotton and wool- len, or mixed domestic goods were sold at Boston, at public auction— in part made up of the following articles — 351 pieces of superfine and fine broadcloths, of various colors ; 20 packages and 103 pieces cassimere • 98 packages cloths ; 22 packages and 1,014 pieces satinets and Oxford mixt • 21 packages of flannels ; 118 pieces of kerseys ; 433 packages of cotton • 474 do. prints and fancies, (many of these were of fine colors and beautiful figures ; 123 packages and 107 cases sheetings ; 88 packages and 95 bales shirtings; 104 packages checks & stripes; 154 do. tickings; 56 do. °-inghams * 18 do. blue nankins, 11 do. haresback ; 2 do. swanskins ; 6 cases plaids ; 26 do. hats ; 10 do. lead pencils ; 264 silk umbrellas ; 20 gross boot webbing ; 2 bbls. refined saltpetre ; 2 bbls. allum ; 1 do. red lead ; 1 do. camphor ;* 1 do. borax. After these remained for sale the next and succeeding days — cases con- taining 57,827 pairs of boots, and men’s and ladies’s shoes; 1,803 sides of leather ; 429 doz. and 1,808 leather and morocco skins ; 134 groce boot webbing ; 2 bales and 4 cases shoe-thread, and 69 trunks— many thousand pounds of wool, 152 casks American olive oil, &c. fee. Besides the above, a great variety of mahogany and other furniture ; «-lass and other wares ; looking glasses, time pieces, &c. w r ere exhibited. * ° * At the Boston and Canton Woollen Factory at Canton, Mass. 600,000 yards of Negro Cloths are now made annually and other machinery is in a state of forwardness to complete 400 000 more making 1,000,000 yards. The proprietors of the Saxon and Leicester Factory are now putting machinery into their mill which will enable them to complete 400,000 yards of the same article per annum ; thus in two factories in Massachusetts no less than one million four hundred thousand yards of narrow Woollen Cloth will be manufactured yearly ! n 10 At Providence, on the 11th September, two hundred packages of* domes- tic ticks, shirtings, flannels, plaids, sheetings, satinets, &c. were sold at auction. At New York, one thousand packages of domestic goods were sold at auction, on the 10th October, instant.* [Mr. Webster, at a late public dinner, gave the following appropriate and veritable sentiment. “ The mechanics and manufacturers of New England — Men who teach us how a little country is to be made a great one.” The females employed in the factories are remarkable for the propriety of their conduct — to be suspected of bad behaviour is to be dismissed.] The cotton and woollen cloths made in New York are valued at from 15 to 18,000,000 dollars per ann. There are large manufactories of iron, wool, cotton, leather, glass, paper, &c. &c. One brewery at Newburg covers 7,500 square feet of ground. Hudson teems with manufacturing establish- ments, and the splendid cotton and woollen works at Matteawan are fa- mous — they support a large population. Duchess, Oneida and many other counties, are filled, with factories. At Jersey city, opposite New York, there are several great factories — among them one of glass, employs 100 persons, and a capital of $200,000; one of beautiful porcelain about the same number ; one of wool which has a capital of $400,000, and turns out 2,500 yards of carpeting weekly l [These are New York establishments.] At Patterson, N. Y. there are 15 cotton mills requiring 1,500,000 lbs. of cotton annually to supply them, with 700 power and hand looms ; 58,831 yards of cotton are made weekly. The flax factories consume 460,000 lbs. of flax annually, (chiefly imported /) and make 406,560 yards of duck. There are other great works of iron, &c. The weekly wages of persons in the factories is 3,680 dollars, and to the weavers out of the factories 970 ; to- gether 4,650. Patterson is a large and thrifty town, and wealthy, because of the products of the labor of the people, who are very industrious. A bleaching establishment was lately made at Belleville. The house is of hewn stone, 263 feet long and three stories high ! A grand display of manufactures has just been made at the Franklin Insti- tute, Philadelphia. It was estimated that the rooms were visited by seven thousand persons in one day, and the crowd was great during the whole time of the exhibition. Cloths, cottons, glass wares, porcelain, silks, works in wood, in metals, and of almost every description of materials, many of the very best and most beautiful kinds, were shewn and in astonishing va- riety and quantity. A piece of black cloth was rapidly sold off at 12£ dol- lars a yard. All these things were, of course, of American manufacture. In the little county of Delaware, there are 157 mills and factories ; five of the factories employ 1,038 persons ; one of them has 200 power looms. Four thousaud weavers find employment in Philadelphia ; and several new villages of manufactures have been built in the neighborhood. Among them Manyunk, with 2,000 inhabitants. The furnaces of Huntingdon county, only, make 6,000 tons of iron, annually. There are 165 hatters in the small town of Reading. The city of Pittsburg contains 1,873 buildings and 12,796 inhabitants. One paper mill employs 190 persons ; there are seven other paper mills in the city or its immediate neighborhood ; seven rolling and slitting mills, eight air foundries, six steam engine factories, one large wire factory, seven glass works, &c. Some of these are mighty establishments ; one of them has two steam engines, of 100 and 120 horse power to drive the machinery ! One of the factories at Pittsburg makes glass to the value of 160,000 dollars * In this sale were 400 bales of Flannels, u a year ; and others do nearly as much business. The whole glass manu facture in the United States is worth not less than three millions annually. The breweries at Philadelphia do business to the amount of $300,000, and the umbrella makers to the value of 400,000 dollars a year ! The work? to water the city have (in all) cost $1,443,585. There were thirty cotton factories in the neighborhood of the city in 1824, and they have been con- siderably increased or intended since that time. Some of them are great establishments. Delaware has many valuable cotton mills — several important woollen factories and of paper, &.c. The powder works of Mr. Dupont afe said to be the largest in the world ; and there are few more extensive establishments for making paper than one of those on the Brandywine. In Maryland, there are various large and respectable factories in Cecil, Balti- more, Frederick and Washington counties — but we cannot give many particulars, just now. All advances on the value of the raw materials are profits to individuals, or exhibit amounts paid for labor and subsistence, which ai 2 as profits to the nation. A friend has furnished the following estimate of increased values produced at Baltimore, and its immediate neighborhood — cotton $296,000 Wool 40,000 Chemicals 190,000- Iron, (exclusive of castings) 200,000 Copper 130,000 856,000f And we have the sum of eight hundred and fifty six thousand dollars, which are as if annually created by these few manufactures, and thrown into rapid and wholesome circulation, and which, as the greater part of it is paid for wages, may be said to be perpetually changing hands, and this is the life of trade. I ask, what would be the condition of Baltimore, if instead of the creation of almost a million a year, it was required that we should pay that sum to others for their manufactures, through labor applied to other purposes than in manufac- tures ? What other labor should we resort to? As heretofore supposed, I esteem it very nearly the truth, to say — that the increased value of commodities caused by the manufactures of Baltimore, amounts to two millions of dollars a year. What would Baltimore, at this time, be without this employment and profit of labor, these two millions of earnings to pay expenses ? Small as our manufac- tures are compared with what they ought to be, they are, at present, of greater importance to us than any other business that we do — and without them, we should be u fiat ” indeed. When the new establishment at Baltimore is fairly and fully at work, it is thought our chemical preparations will produce about 500,000 dollars a year. There are large factories at other places, especially in and near Philadelphia. It is believed that of chemical preparations, including paints, and other things sold by apothecaries, druggists and colormen, we export about as great a value as we import. Many extensive iron works are going into operation in the northern part of Ohio , in consequence of the market about to be opened by the canals. There are large establishments of various kinds at Steubenville and Cincinnati, and respectable ones scattered through the country, and the flocks of sheep of Mr. Dickinson and others, are justly famous. Mr. D’s is, perhaps, the best and most valuable in the United States. In Jefferson county, in which Steubenville is lo- cated, there are 25,000 sheep. Mr. Dickinson’s flock is 3,000. At Steubenville, besides the great cloth manufactory, there are 2 steam flour mills, 2 do. cotton * The gross amount of sales of these Articles is about 220,000 — so that only 30,000 dollars is the cost ot the foreign materials : all else is profit or capital, or money paid for labor. t The gross product of these five articles named, in which the cost of materials used is added, is about as follows — cottons 428,000, woollens 70,000, chemicals 220,000, iron 350,000, copper 200,000-in all], 268, 000 dollars. ’ 12 mills, 1 do. paper mill, 2 breweries, 2 copperas manufactories, 1 air foundry, 1 steam engine factory, 1 machine factory, 2 carding machines, &,c. some of them very extensive. There are numerous valuable factories in Kentucky, In- diana and Tennessee — and some in western Virginia, North Carolina, &c. but we have little or not any particular information concerning them. The following articles in addition to these mentioned are made in quantities equal to the consumption — leather and all it manufactures — hats, lead, shot and other preparations of it — cannon, muskets, rifles swords and other military ac- coutrements — printing types and all that is needful for the business of printers — almost all manufactures of wood, with many of iron, brass and other metals, useful or ornamental, ponderous or light, for steam engines of an 120 horse pow- er down to candlesticks or a sprig an eighth of an inch long, including most of the implements of agriculture, a great deal of cutlery, and some of the finest fabncks — gun powder : a long list might be added, but the articles do not occur to us just now. Among them, however, are sundry small things which make up an aggregate of millions. Before the perfect establishment of the cotton manufacture in the United States, those kind of goods which now sell for 12 cents, cost the consumers 25 cents ! Cotton, for the last two or three years, has averaged a greater price for American consumption than it sold for in Europe ! Let the planter look to this — it is true. in .1815, in a congressional report, it was estimated that 200,000 persons were employee in the cotton and woollen manufactories of the United States ! The present nurauer engaged in all sorts of manufactories cannot be less than two millions. What a market do they create. We shall attempt to calculate it here- after. The hats, caps and bonnets, of straw or grass, manufactured in the United States, employ about 25,000 persons, chiefly females, and produce $825,000, in Massachusetts, only ! The whole value of this manufacture is, probably, about a million and a half yearly. The quantity of flannel now made in the United States is considerably great- er than the whole importation ever amounted to — as reported at the custom houses. [In five towns in Massachusetts, viz. Amesbury, Salisbury, Andover, Haverhill and Billerica, there have been manufactured the present year, 31,200 pieces flannels, of 46 yards each, and the additional machinery now in a state of forwardness, will enable the proprietors to complete during the next year, 17,500 pieces more, making in all, very nearly 50,000. These establishments are all included within a space of 17 miles square, and empoly 2100 persons. — The capital invested in them, is $950,000.] Silk begins to be extensively cultivated in several of the states. The silk raised and manufactured in the town of Mansfield, Con. in 1825, was 3,000 lbs. worth $15,000, and in Windham county, in the same state, silk worth $54,000 a year. We have seen fine specimens from North Carolina and one from Mis- souri. It is a very profitable cultivation, and nearly the whole business is done by women and children, w ho would otherwise be idle, and so it is pretty nearly a clear gain. One acre of land planted with mulbury trees, will feed as many worms as will make silk worth $ 200 , in a good season. The consumption of silks in the United States is valued at nearly eight mil- lions per annum. The chief part of this might be procured at home, and pre- pared for the market, without any considerable dimunition (and perhaps, with- out any dimunition at all) of labor given to other purposes. One acre of mul- berry trees will feed as many worms as will yield 40 tbs. of silk, worth $5 per lb. or $200 — the whole labor of attending to and preparing it, being estimated at 114 dollars. There are probably not less than fifteen millions of sheep in the United States, and their numbers is increasing, though the price of woollen goods is very low — too low. But our farmers must raise less grain, and more of other articles than heretofore. Flax is exceedingly w anted — we import large quantities for our manufactories It is abundantly proved in the neighborhood of Philadelphia and York, Pa. Georgetown, (Col.) Vevay, Indiana, &c. that the vine will flourish, and that excellent wine umy be made in the United States and 20,000 13 hands detached from the cultivation of wheat to that of the vine, would make a great difference in the general products of our agriculture. The olive begins to be cultivated as a crop in the south, and the Palma Christi grows bountifully. A moderate degree of attention to a few new articles of agriculture, would save us from five to eight millions of dollars a year, and be so much, of a clear gain. The cultivation of the vine, especially in the neighborhood of cities, wherein the grapes may be sold, is wonderfully profitable. Half an acre of land, Mr. Carr’s vineyard, near Philadelphia, produced 260 gallons of wine, the value of which, with that of the grapes sold, is estimated at #670, for the present year : one vine yielded 300 lbs. of fine grapes. Mr. Eichelberger’s vineyard near York, Pa. has produced 180 gallons of wine per acre, besides grapes sold, &.c. Mr. E. has several acres under cultivation and is extending his vine-fields. Some of his neighbors are so doing and like wisely. The population of Vermont has probably doubled since 1800, though it increa- sed slowly until very lately, when the breeding of sheep and the manufacture of iron, wool, copperas, &tc. &c. began to flourish. This little mountain-state will soon be a strong one. It was very poor, but is gathering wealth rapidly. The northern canal of New York is doing wonders for it, Seventy tons of wool were shipped from the town of Middlebury to New York, &.C. though within the town are several woollen factories, and 3 great cotton factories, one of them capable of holding 10,500 spindles : 4,800 spindles were at work at this place in August last. It may generally be observed, that migrations from the eastern and middle Atlantic states to the west are not nearly so common as they were, except to particular sections. Employment and profit is found at home. The facts shewn at the next census will probably surprise even those who may have calculated the probable population of the several states. The capital vested in manufactories in 1820 was thought to amount to about 75,000,000 dollars.* The following is a rough estimate of the present probable amount of the capital employed in them — derived from various sources, and made up after considerable reflection — but sometimes without any data except drawn from ray own opinions. Truth, however, has been aimed at, and correc- tions will be thankfully received. By manufactories, 1 exclude what we usually consider as the mechanic arts. * It exceeded that sum — but in that severe year the value of property in manufacturing estab- lishment* was so reduced that, perhaps, the money price might have been so estimated. STATES. Maine New Hampshire Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut Vermont New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia North Carolina South Carolina and Georgia Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi Kentucky Tennessee Ohio Indiana, Illinois and Missouri Capital. 2,000,000 6,000,000 26,000,000 7.000. 000 5.000. 000 4.000. 000 28,000,000 5.000. 000 30,000,000 2.500.000 8.000. 000 8,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 5.000. 000 3.000. 000 9.000. 000 3.500.000 Total 156,500,000 14 This table was made up without any prospective regard to its aggregate — but I felt pleased when it was shewn to be 156,500,000 dollars, having often thought that the capital vested in the manufactures of the United States was between one hundred and fifty to one hundred and sixty millions dollars, real money or ac- tual value invested and employed. But let it be understood that the aggregate, as well as almost every location of parts of it, chiefly rests upon opinion, and are not given other than as an attempt to make an estimate. But there are various quasi authorities for some of the dicta — such as the imperfect returns of the marshals in 1820, the companies incorporated in some of the states— the local or state censuses of others, and many additional sources affording some partial lights to lead us into reasonable conclusions. In the amount is meant to be included works and establishments for the manu- facture of iron, and all other metals and minerals, of cotton, wool, grain, (ex- cept flour,) leather, glass, paper, gunpowder, &.C. and generally all those things made in quantities for sale, and not by mechanics proper, unless employed in large factories and doing other than what is called “ customers’ work.” The items of flour, sugar, &c. are excluded, as rather belonging to the agriculture than the manfactures of the country. The anuual product of this capital, may be put down at more than $200,000,000 — family manufactures not included. In 1816, it was supposed that the capital vested in the cotton manufactures was forty millions, and in that of wool twelve millions, producing a yearly value of be- tween 50 and 60 millions. And the present, an aggregate of 200 millions will not appear large, when we recollect that it is to be divided among 12 millions of persons — and if we add 100 millions more for family manufactures and imported articles, there will be only 25 dollars for each, to supply materials for clothing, some things for food, with whiskey, rum, beer, &c. most of the tools and imple- ments of farmers and mechanics, numerous articles of furniture, and others for the building or repair of our houses, &lc. Indeed, viewing these things somewhat in detail, 1 am convinced that the aggregate annual produce of our manufactories, properly so called, is much more than 200 millions of dollars — perhaps may more nearly amount to 300 millions/ What then would be the state of our country, if our work-shops were in Europe ? We should have, as it were, to live in caves and be clothed in skins. But we shall speak of these things hereafter — the whole intent of my present undertaking being to afford some faint idea of the importance of the manufacturing interest, and to show the people what has been done by the encouragement of the national industry, that they may more and more attend to the subject, and resolve that their public agents, whether of *1 offer the following calculation of a solitary item, to shew the means often resorted in order to bring out the mighty aggregates which I am sometimes compelled to send forth as dicta, when on political economical subjects, and, by ascertaining one thing, or a few things, by the assumption of reasonable data, we arrive not so far from the truth as many might suppose, if they should not take the trouble to calculate particular items for themselves. Thus — There are 12 millions of persons in the United States who use shirts, or something in lieu there- of. I shall divide them in four classes — 1 — two millions who annually consume 15 yards of linen, 5 shirts each, at 50 cents per yard being 30 millions of yards or $15,000,000. This is moderate, I think — many use 30 yards at 60 or 70 cts. I myself about 21 yards . 2 four millions at 9 yards each, at thirty cents, making 3 shirts each — 36 millions of yards and 10,800,000. dollars. 3 — 3 millions at 6 yards, at 20 cts. 2 shirts each, 18 millions of yards or $3,600,000. 4 — 3 millions (children, &c.) at 4 yards each, at 20 cents, 2 shirt each, 12 millions of yards, or 2,400,000 dollars. The aggregate of these is $31,800,000. Is the calculation unreasonable ? Let each one examine his own uses for himself. But if any one supposes that I have allowed him too much, in his class, he will deduct what he pleases ! — or, on the other hand, take as much as he likes. Several mil- lions might be spared from this particular item without affecting the general aggregate suppossed, as will appear manifest to any one who will attempt a view of the whole subject, and apply figures to it, . The quantity of flax or cotton cloths, required for shirts, & c. is perhaps, about twice as much ns is needful in families for sheets, table-cloths, towels,, tickings, and all other common house- hold purposes — and hence it seems reasonable to believe that the white (or uncolored), linen or cotton goods annually consumed by the people of the United States, may be of the value of about forty-five millions of dollars. 15 the general government or of the states, shall rather accelerate than impede the .progress of things so indispensable to the general welfare — so insepara- bly connected with the employment and profit of every citizen of the United States. The export of American manufactured goods amounts to several millions. The Salem Register thus neatly and briefly sums up certain important and well established facts — u We learn that an intelligent foreign gentleman, who brought samples of such of our domestic goods from the West Coast of South America as are saleable there, took them to Waltham, and ascertained the prices at which they could be made. He afterwards took them to Manchester, in England, and found that goods of the same quality could not be afforded there at tire prices they are now selling for in this country. They told him they could make goods resembling them, but the quality of the cotton would not be so good. We understand that it has been recommended to send our domestics to Java. We know the English are enabled to come in competition with us in the South American markets only by making goods resembling ours, and that they are in the habit of sending them to this country with the stamps of American factories on them, so that the most experienced are hardly able to discover the fraud.” The following general remarks concerning the commerce and manufac- ture of cotton in Europe, are highly interesting — We find, says the New York Daily Advertiser, in a late Havre paper some interesting statements concerning the state of trade and manufacture of cotton in the different countries of Europe, and some estimates concerning the amount of land and labor necessary for its cultivation. The article ap- pears to have been published, to show the impolicy of a project said to be meditated by some of the ministry ; that of increasing five fold the duties on imported cotton, to encourage its cultivation in Corsica, and to lay an im- post on its manufacture, for the benefit of agriculturists. The amount of cotton imported into Europe in 1825 is estimated at 292 millions of pounds ; 212 millions of which were for England, and 57 for France ; 167 millions of pounds were manufactured in England and 54 in France. England exported the value of 620 millions of francs, and France 40. The increase of value produced ou the cotton manufactured in En- gland is stated at 663 millions of francs ; in France, 262. The land occupied by the cotton fields which yielded the 1,140,000 bales (or 292 millions of pounds), imported into Europe in 1825, is estimated at 380 square leagues ; and the number of cultivators at 570,000. On an esti- mate oi their families, which may appear too large, the number of persons dependant on the cultivation of cotton for support is set down at 2,890,000. About 10 cents, (110 sous,) is supposed to be paid per pound for cotton on the spot, which is 150 millions of francs for the whole, and allows each cul- tivator 450 francs. The freight and expenses are estimated as equal to the first value. In France they are considerably greater than in England ; and if the duties should be increased as projected, the French manufacturers would have to pay one third more for cotton than the English, and of course must abandon the business. The following statements are given to show the extent to which the in- terests of the country would be put at risk by a plan like that proposed. Not less than 270,000 workmen are supported in France by the cotton manufac- ture. In Europe more than a million of persons* are estimated to be depen- dent in various ways on the commerce and manufacture of the article. The wealth which is thus produced by a business unknown thirty years ago, is three times as great as the revenue derived by the emperor of Russia from * Many more than a million. But what is their effective force through scientific power ? Ed. Reg. 16 his fifty millions of subjects, and five times that of the house of Austria. The cotton imported into the single port of Havre in 1824, equalled in value the whole revenue of the kingdom of Naples and Sicily ; and when manufactured far exceeded that of all the resources of the Spanish mo- narchy ! [Now, if the manufacture of the United States be, at present, 175,000 bales, or say, 52 millions of lbs. and we use about that quantity, it will ap- pear that already we nearly rival France, and manufacture about one sixth part as much cotton as all Europe imports ! Who would have thought this ? The amount, will not appear so large when we regard the quantities used in family manufactures.] CIRCULAR Of the Committee of Correspondence of the Woollen Manufacturers of Massachusetts and the adjoining States , appointed at Boston, JYovember 7, 1826. Boston , November 11 , 1826. SIR — It is about three years since the friends of American Woollen Manu- factures were addressed on an occasion similar to the present. A petition to the Congress of the United States, at that time, resulted in an increase of du- ties on Woollens of 8 per cent, ad valorem ; and the same bill added 15 pr. cent, to the duties on imported wool. Instead therefore of obtaining addi- tional protection to our establishments, the operation of the law has been injurious to the interests of manufacturers of wool. The English manufac^ turer obtains wool, from various countries, without paying, as Americans do, at the present time, 30 per cent, duty ; while the low price of labour, the greater cheapness of the raw material, and other causes enable him to undersell us in our markets. It is allowed, that the duty of 33^ per cent on imported woollen cloths operates in favour of home-made fabricks ; but it is also believed, that foreigners, by invoicing their goods at prices much less than the cost, evade our revenue laws, and escape paying the duty con- contemplated by them. Be this as it may, the fact of the unprecedented de- pression of American Woollen Manufacturing Establishments is undenia- ble ; arid their increased distress and probable ruin, unless ample protec- tion is speedily extended to them by government, are clearly foreseen. Impressed with these alarming facts, public meetings of Manufactures of Wool from different parts of New-England, were held in this city on the 14th September, 23d October, and 7th November. A general and free in- terchange of facts and opinions was communicated, the subject wa9 thor- oughly discussed, and suitable resolutions were adopted. It was unani- mously agreed to adopt a Memorial to Congress, setting forth the unparal- leled distress of this branch of national industry, and earnestly praying for an increase of duties on imported Woollens. The undersigned were ap- pointed a Committee to correspond with manufacturers in this and other states, and to solicit the aid and co-operation of all persons, who feel an in- terest in sustaining American manufactures. It is deemed important, that there should be a unity of sentiment, among manufactures of wool, respecting the protection to be asked of our national Legislature. A general belief prevails that an ad valorem duty cannot ef- fectually protect our woollen manufactures. Goods purchased, at great sacrifices, in foreign countries, do not pay duty on their actual value ; and it is contended that foreigners, who have agents in this country, invoice 17 their goods so low, that they pay less duty than American importers. The public Appraisers, though sworn to perform their duty, and having power to add to the invoice prices, whenever, in their opinion, the goods are invoiced lower than the actual cost, are believed to b6,in some of our seaports, unfaith- ful or incompetent. We, therefore, deem it absolutely essential, that a square yard duty should be levied upon the leading woollen articles, to be progressively increased, as the manufacturers of our own country acquire the power of supplying the home market ; and that the ad valorem duty be augmented also, so that the protection intended to be given, under the tariff of 1824, may actually be realised. There is no evading a square yard duty, and without applying this remedy, to the existing evil, we do not be- lieve that the revenue will be secured from fraud, or the just prosperity of the woollen manufactures be promoted. We do not undertake to say, what the minimum price should be, nor what advance ought to be made in the ad valorem duties. We cheerfully submit these points to the wisdom of Congress, confidently trusting, that they will devise, an efficacious method to prevent future frauds, which lessen the revenue, produce an unfair ad- vantage over conscientious importers, and are of serious injury to the Ameri- can Manufacturers ; and that they will insure the protection, which their predecessors aimed, though ineffectually, to accomplish. We owe it to ourselves, to be furnished with strong arguments in favour of our memorial, that we may be able to convince our opposers, if any there now be, and retain the confidence of those, who wish well to American manufactures. It is not now a question between different American inter- ests ; but one between Americans and Englishmen. We see daily, in the advertisements of our newspapers, that American importers are relinquish- ing business ? and it i> well known, that about four-fifths of the woollens imported into the United States, are. on foreign account. It cannot be denied then, that English manufacturers find it for their interest to send immense quantities of woollen goods to this country, when our countrymen cannot import them without loss. There must then be advantages on tire side of for- eigners, which our importers do not at present possess. The English have the experience of centuries ! by the aid of immense capitals, low duties, and long established agencies, they are able to procure stock very much lower, than we can possibly do, without an injury to our agricultural brethren ; their wages of labour are .greatly below ours ; and, especially, their government has ever extended a guardian care over the woollen interests. Their man- ufacturing establishmentss are much more numerous, than ours ; the capital invested in them is infinitely greater; the interest on capital is much less ; and their enormous machine power, equal to supplying almost the whole world with goods, is not suffered to be idle. Owing to the general peace in Europe, and the introduction or revival, of manufactures, in all nations, the English are unable to be suppliers of other countries, as former- ly ; consequently they have accumulated stocks, with which they frequent- ly crowd our markets. They export the surplus of their fabricks to this country, leaving their home market free from an excess of goods, and pro- ducing a glut in our markets, which paralyzes the exertions of our manuiac- turers. The old prejudices against our manufacturing establishments have yielded to the light of truth. Our merchants now see, that domestick manufactures are not hostile to commerce. The large quantities of wool, indigo, oil, and other mate- rials, consumed in them, give employment to our ships and to our seamen. Whatever conduces to general industry and profit is beneficial to ah classes of the community. This nation is, and ever must be, agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing. These are the pillars, that support our fabrick of govern- ment. Let them be strengthened equally. There is no error greater than the notion that manufactures are injurious to the agricultural interests. They fur- nish a home market for the produce of the husbandman* and are the only r>r« 3 18 tection to his flocks. The agriculturalist can prosper only when the manufactu- rer thrives. Blast the prospects of the latter, and the former will inevitably suf- fer. While we are content then, to have the duties on imported wooi remain as they now are, though against our present interests, we call on our agricultural brethren, to give a generous support to manufactures, which conduce so highly to their welfare. We contend, that an increase of duties will not be injurious to the great body of the people by manufacturers exacting exorbitant prices for their goods. We believe, the permanent interest of all classes of the community is promoted by such moderate gains; as will insure industry, prudence, and perseverance ; and are fully convinced, that “ the internal competition which takes place, soon does away every thing like monopoly, and reduces by degrees the price to the mini- mum of a reasonable profit on the capital employed.’' The experience of this country establishes the truth of this position. Notwithstanding the Tariff of 1816 imposed prohibitory duties on low cottons, they are now sold at half their former prices, considering the relative value of the fabricks ; and it is not doubt- ed, but the fostering care of government over manufactories of woollens would tend to improve their quality, while it would eventually reduce their price. We contend, also, that the increase of duties will not impair the revenue of the United States. It was predicted by the opposers of the prohibitory Tariff of 1816, that the non-importations of India Cottons would lesson the resources of the Trea- sury to an alarmiug amount. These predictions have not been fulfilled. The increase of our population, the artificial wants of the inhabitants, and the greater ability to purchase, will, it is presumed, ever continue a demand for the fabrics of other nations ; the wise governments of the old world will lend their powerful aid, as hitherto, in enabling their subjects to rival the youthful establishments of this country ; and it cannot be denied, that “ the interests of the revenue are pro- moted by whatever promotes an increase of national industry and wealth.” Let these considerations be pressed upon the attention of our countrymen, that our application to Congress may accord with publick sentiment. The diffi- culties that surround us, require union, zeal, and resolute effort. We must show our necessity, propose just remedies, and enforce our claims upon the attention of our country. We know, and feel, that our establishments are unprofitable ; that they are running us in debt ; that employment in many factories is suspended, that, without relief, it is impossible to avoid greater distress. We request you to give all proper publicity to the proceedings of the manufacturers in this city and elsewhere ; to take measures to have the public informed, through the public journals of the actual state of our manufacturing establishments ; to see, that all authentic information be given to the Representatives in Congress before and af- ter they shall have arrived at the seat of government ; and to do all, that pri- vate interests, and public motives, may suggest for the accomplishment of the object we have shown to be so necessary to preserve us from ruin. We recommend, that meetings be held of manufacturers of wool, and that memorials be prepared and sent to the National Legislature, praying for an in- crease of duties ; that committees be appointed to confer with members of Con- gress personally, for the purpose of urging them to visit woollen factories, where it is practicable, and of exhibiting to them, in detail, their actual condition ; that committees of correspondence be appointed, of persons actually interested in the manufacture of wool, or who take a deep interest in its success ; that delega- tions be appointed to visit Washington to explain and enforce the prayer of our memorial ; that subscriptions be made to defray the expense of these delegations and the publication of facts ; and that all honorable and persevering exertions be made to secure to our establishments that protection which is due to individual enterprise and industry, when they advance the prosperity of the community, ^ and are so essentially connected with its independence and welfare. We will thank you to address to the Chairman of this Committee, a report of the measures that may be adopted by yourself and the manufacturers of wool in your neighbourhood, on the subject of this letter. We shall be glad of any infor- mation, or usfctul suggestions you may make. The business requires prompt at- ^ tention, and untiring effort. Let every manufacturer use his utmost exertions, confidently relying that his country will not desert him at his utmost need, but will render justice to a class of citizens, who, while prosecuting their individual enterprises, have done so much to enlarge the resources, promote the industry^ and increase the independence of this country. We Remain, Respectfully, Your Friends, JONAS B. BROWN, JAMES M. ROBBINS, LEWIS TAPPAN, JAMES WOLCOTT, Jr. JOSHUA CLAPP, MANUFACTURES AMD COMMERCE. From the Boston Daily Advertiser of Nov. 5 , 1826 IT is not the object of the writer of this communication to make any re* marks at this time, upon the mistaken opinions which a few years ago were entertained by merchants in this country, in regard to the effect which a system of protection to American manufactures would produce upon the shipping and commercial interests of the nation. It was then supposed by many of our most intelligent merchants, that such a system would be ruin- ous to them, and blast the fairest prospects of our country’s prosperity. The system, nevertheless, found friends enough to carry it partly into opera- tion, and the happiest results have arisen from it. It needs no argument now to prove to the citizens of Boston, that com- merce and navigation have been greatly augmented by the establishment of manufactories in New England. In order to show how much these establish- ments contribute to the prosperity of these interests, submit the following statement of facts with regard to four of the woollen factories established in the county of Worcester ; each employing about the same number of hands, and making about the same quantity of cloth. These four factories make 140,000 yards of Broadcloth per annum, which is contained, as the cloth is put up and brought to market, in 900 bales, 3 feet by 2, and would occupy no more room in a vessel than 300 bales of cotton. This is about one fifth part of a cargo for a vessel of four or five hundred tons. Suppose these factories had not been erected, and these 900 bales of cloth were to be imported from England. Should we by reason of this, ex- port to Europe any more of the products of our soil, or other commodities, than we now do ? I think we should not. Now let us see then, how much employment these four factories afford for ships, and how much commerce is benefitted by their operation. There is annually consumed in these factories 360,000 lbs. of wool ; half of this quantity is foreign wool, and makes 1600 bales, somewhat larger than bales of cotton. There is also used in them 140 pipes of olive oil, 400 boxes Marseilles soap, 80 cases indigo, 60 tons dye woods, 40 hhds. English woad, 100 bags Sicily sumac, large quantities of iron for machinery, 600 barrels flour from other states, and a great many other articles of minor con- sideration. Thus does it appear, that, by the establishment of these facto- ries, eight times the amount of tonnage is employed for the supply of articles consumed in them, that would be required, were we to import the same quantity of cloths, instead of manufacturing them ourselves. 1 have Committee of Correspondence. 20 raid nothing about the quantity of sugar, molass*s, eoftee,tea, rum and other articles consumed at these establishments, though it must appear plain to every one, that the manufactories in New England, employing about one fourth of its population, greatly increase the trade in these articles, as well as in those I have before enumerated. Why then do not our merchants feel a more lively interest in the success of our woollen factories? It is because they are unacquainted with all the facts in relation to them. I was not even myself aware of the immense ad- vantages to commerce, growing out of these establishments, until I set about these calculations, which I know are sound ones. Let them consider of this subject, then will they come forward and join the manufacturers in their application to Congress for an increase of duties on woollen goods. Results no less beneficial are derived to agriculture by the establishment of woollen factories in this country. It is not my purpose, however, to go into this investigation at present. I may do it at another time. R. From the Boston Patriot , of November 8 , 1826 . Mr. Editor — In this age of intelligence and universal improvement, there is no one subject which has excited my astonishment and admiration more than the increase and perfection of our manufacturing establishments. During the last summer, I undertook, for the first time in my life, to visit several of the large and small manufactories of both cotton and wool. It was a matter of surprise to me to witness the extent of many of the large es- tablishments, and likewise to observe the order and system in some of the small ones. If I had been told fifteen years ago, by the wisest men in this or any other country, that New-England, in 1826, would manufacture cot- ton and woollen goods sufficient to clothe its ©wn population and ship a large quantity to other ports of the United States and to our kinsmen in free- dom south of us, I should have esteemed that man farther from probability than that Capt Symmes’ theory will all be realized as true. 1 am one of those men, sir, who, a few years ago, honestly thought that neither this or any other country could manufacture goods suitable to cover an American’s back, except Great Britain ; consequently when the ques- tion was brought up in Congress, with many other conscientious men, with great zeal opposed the laying of any more duties, because I supposed the effect would be to ruin our commerce and impoverish the country. The duties were laid on, the manufacturing interest (at least one branch of it) has flourished beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends, and agriculture has flourished with it. Now, after having seen the operation of this grand stroke of policy, I confess I have changed my opinion, and am constrained to acknowledge that my views in the beginning were not cor- rect. 1 have changed my mind upon many points of national policy, and I am ready to acknowledge my error and to defend my present opinions — The evidence, after a few years of successful experience like the six past years, is irresistible to my mind. The tariff I understand, is to be again brought before Congress the next session, for the purpose of doing something by which an impulse may be given to the woollen trade of the country, which is represented to be in a very embarrassed state at this moment — it is said nothing can give it vigor but the protection of the government income form. I hope, for I believe it will be for the interest of the country, that this ex- tensive manufacture may receive the protection it so much requires. There 21 has been great complaints made in and out of Congress, whenever the tariff has been brought up, that there was a great want of information upon the subjects which were discussed by the representatives, and from New-Eng- land there appeared to be as much want oi practical knowledge as from any other quarter ; it is to be hoped that the representatives will be at some pains to inform themselves upon the great questions which will come before Congress the next session, so that the views and feelings of their consti- tuents may be well understood. The tariff and bankrupt law will be questions of great interest to the peo- ple of New-England as well as all other parts of the United States, and I sincerely hope that the former may be so far amended as to relieve the wool- len interest, and the latter be made the law of the land, so that honest men may be protected in their lawful rights, and rogues brought to the punish- ment they have so long richly deserved. A MERCHANT. WOOLLEN MANUFACTURES. From the Worcester Spy. THE fears of those who have looked with alarm upon the increasingly depressed state of the woollen manufaature, begin to be realized. Already some of the largest establishments in this state and Connecticut have stop- ped running a part of their machinery, with a fair prospect, unless a change of times should take place, of having, ere long, to suspend their work en- tirely, or of doing a business which must end in their ruin. That a remedy may be applied for these evils, before it is too late, must be the wish of every one, who would not willingly see an important branch of industry render- ed unproductive, and a heretofore fruitful source of individual and public prosperity entirely dried up. One of the most important benefits to be derived from the encouragement of domestic manufactures, is the furnishing of a permanent home market for our produce, not subject to the fluctuations of foreign demand. At the pre- sent time, when the nations of Europe are at peace, and the demand for our productions abroad is so limited, the high price which they maintain, when compared with other articles, can be attributed to no other cause than the success which has hitherto attended our manufacturing establish- ments. If there is any one branch which we ought to cherish, in preference to others, it is the woollen business, because it creates a demand for wool, which might, in a few years, become as important a staple of the northern, as cotton has of the southern states. Our climate and our soil are pecu- liarly adapted to its growth, and, what is an important consideration to the farmer, it requires less expense of labor, in proportion to its value, than almost any other production of the farm. We apprehend that the public, generally, are not aware of the extent to which the woollen manufacturing business is carried, or of the evils which must inevitably flow from its prostration. If none were to be affected but those who are directly interested, either as owners or laborers, then the evil would be sufficiently great to require a remedy promptly applied. A loss to the community of some millions of dollars, and the throwing of thou- 22 sands of laborers out of employment, are things not lightly to be regarded. Yet, these are but the precursors of the distress which must follow in their train. The loss of the market, which the establishments make for wool, cannot but seriously affect every portion of the community. Those who recollect the universal depression of business, and the wide spread distress which attended the partial stoppage of our factories in 1817-18, can best judge of the effect, which a return of those causes would have at the pre- sent time, when the business is so much extended beyond what it then was. Boston : E. BELLAMY, PRINTER, CONGRESS STREET.