not as well entitled to protection, as merchants and sea- In carelessly turning over the leaves of this book, our the restrictive measures and the war, and it was not till 1818 that that amount was ascertained; and, surely, in the years 1815 to 1818, there was no sluggishness in trade to have caused a decrease of tonnage, the duties on inportations paid therein having exceeded those of any other four consecutive years, by several millions of dollars! Look then, at the regular increase since 1790,or, take the period of the corrected returns of 1818, and see how our tonnage has advanced through protection afforded; add to this the fact just stated by the secretary of the treasury, in his letter of the 4th inst. which shews that, in 1826, there was a whole increase of 111,079 tons over the returns of 1825, the last given in the preceding table; and that the increase of registered tonnage exceeded the average of preceding years in the handsome amount of 23,274 tons! If these facts do not sustain the of proof the author of the "report" would require, unless in obtaining testimony from a higher source than this world can furnish. "From the Harrisburg Address' says the report, we "extract the following-The protection of domestic in-statement in the "address" we cannot imagine what sort "dustry has not only built up the commerce and naviga"tion of the United States, but continues to increase both.' Again "It (the protecting system), has probably added "50 per cent. to the internal and coasting TRADE within "the last 5 years.' That the protecting system has not built up our commerce and navigation, has already been "shown by the decrease of our foreign tonnage since 1815, "from 854,294 tous to 700,787 tons." Gross tonnage in 1818, 1,260,000-in 1826, 1,534,000increase, 274,000 tons, in 8 years from Dec. 31, 1818 to Dec. 31, 1826. The report continues "The other assertion that the coasting and internal We take this member of the "Report" first, to be "TONNAGE had increased 50 per cent. is refuted by the disposed of and a more disingenuous or uncandid state- "address, or by the report annexed to the address, in ment we have rarely met with. In the first place, the "which it is stated and truly so, that the enrolled and protection to navigation, alluded already to, was regard-licensed tonnage of 1821 was 679,062 tons, and in 1826, ed in the "Address;" but without reference to that, the "722,323 tons, making an increase of 53,161 tons in 5 figures put down, though true in themselves, convey an idea "years, or 8 per cent. instead of 50 per cent." totally opposed to the truth; and we know not how to account for the mistake except in the imputation of motives that we are loath to entertain. The figures are apparently derived from the "Address"-if so, the whole truth appertaming to them must have been before the eye of the writer. The "foreign tonnage," as the report calls it, was as stated at, 854,000, by the treasury return, in 1815, and 700,000, in 1825. The whole table, as given in the "Address," stands thusA comparative view of registered, enrolled and licensed tonnage of the U. States, from 1815 to 1825, inclusive Enrolled and Total tonnage, licensed tonnage. Registered TONS AND 95тHS. ex cal YEAR tha pu tio int 1815 854,294 74 An 1816 800,759 63 ret 513,833 04 of each dis- This "out Herod's Herod!" The report, not content with using the word "tonnage" in the place of "trade, "* has just taken the liberty" also of altering a figure--1826 for 1825! The "address" speaks of the internal and coasting trade-the report, cunningly substitutes tonnage; and, as to what the tonnage was for eighteen hundred and twenty six, the writer of the address knew not one figure, but used those belonging to eighteen hundred and twenty five, and elongated four years into five years? How shall we contend with such statements?" Here are three gross mistakes or wilful falsehoods in 5 or 6 lines, and each important to the fact presumed to be presented to inform the public! We cannot descend to argue against such misrepresentations-the counterfeits of a manly appeal to the reason of the people. But as to the coasting tonnage, we shall say one word-it was 513,833, in 1815, 722,323 in 1825, and, so far as we can gather it from the 1,368,127 78 secretary of the treasury's letter above referred to, (see 1,372,218 53 page 339, of the last paper), not less than 780,000 in 1826, 1,399,911 41 [eighteen hundred and twenty six], and we venture an 1,225,184 20 opinion that, for 1827, the tables, when published a year 1,260,751 61 hence, will show that it was not less than 850,000 tons! 1,280,166 24 Such is the "Boston report." We pledge our veraci1,298,958 70 ty, that we have examined only the two matters referred 696,548 71 1,324,699 17 to; and, judging of them, what must we think of the 596,644 87 1,336,565 68 whole volume! 669,972 60 719,190 37 1,389,163 02 1825 700,787 08 722,323 69 1,423,111 77 To this was appended a note, accounting for the great apparent decrease of tonnage from 1815 to 1818, inclusive of both the custom house lists being corrected, and the vessels lost, missing or worn out (especially during the war) deducted. The protecting system was applied to our tonnage in 1790. Its amount then was 346,254, registered-and why did not the "report" "begin at the beginning," to invalidate the facts stated in the address? or, why not, at least, commence with the corrected list of 1818, to shew the regular and actual increase? No one is silly enough to suppose that between 1815 and 1818, in three years only, there was an actual decrease of our tonnage in the mighty amount of 250,000 tons-a quantity equal to one third of the whole, and an amount greater than was owned at Boston and New York, united, in the years stated! There was much loss of tonnage during *We should rather say nearly as well and as cheapfor the protection afforded has rendered our navigation preferable to the British-as is the case in respect to the protection also extended to certain manufactures-especially those of coarse cotton goods, of which 800 bales were exported, a few days since, in one vessel, from Balimore, for ports in the Pacific. BOSTON PETITION. The extraordinary fact that, a petition from Boston, against the protection of manufactures, was presented by Mr. Hayne, a member of the senate from South Carolina, has caused much conversation and some pointed remark; a few of the people of Massachusetts seeking protection from South Carolina! That the facts may be remembered, we give the following extract from the proceedings of the senate-December 17. Mr. Hayne said, he had received a communication, conveying a memorial, which he was requested to present, and to which he would call the particular attention of the senate. It related to a subject of great importance, and advocated those principles of free trade in defence of which we had already waged two wars, and on the preservation of which, he was persuaded, the prosperity and permanence of the union depended. The memorial was signed by no less than fifteen hundred and sixty-two inhabitants of Boston and its vicinity; and he was assured, *Trade" they have it, in the preceding quotation, as furnished by themselves! As well might we read "Thou shalt bear false witness against thy neighbor." What is the small word "not" in a matter of argument? We. meant wagons and canal boats, as well as sloops and schooners. that there were among the names of the memorialists, tives of the state felt willing to let the old aristocracy many of the most enlightened, learned, and disinterested "go by the board," and raise up an invaluable class of citizens of that metropolis, and not a few of the most in-productive persons, to be the glory and defence of the telligent and reflecting of her manufacturers, all of whom state, in after times; a body of practical men, reasoners, had here united in a decided remonstrance "against any not talkers. It appears that the host of old prejudices increase of duties on imports, and especially on the import- were arrayed against this bill, and various amendments ant and essential article of woollen manufactured goods." offered to defeat its purpose. One only succeeded, to The memorial was written with great ability, and con- limit the duration of the charter to 20 years. tained facts and arguments, which Mr. H. could not bring himself to believe, would be disregarded by any enlightened legislature. There was displayed, throughout, a pervading good sense and a practical knowledge, which, added to a tone of candor and moderation, could not fail to secure for the memorial the most respectful conside-Richmond, the cost of getting his produce to market, was ration of the senate. Mr. H. said he wished that it might now be read, in order that the attention of the senate might be seriously called to a subject, certainly second in importance to none that could come before them during the present session. Mr. Hayne said, he could not take his seat without expressing the satisfaction he felt in receiving the unequivocal evidence afforded by this memorial, that the cause of "free trade and unrestricted industry," was not yet lost in the east. His colleague, (Mr. Smith), and himself, would, in a few days, submit to the senate the memorials from South Carolina on the same sub As these things proceed, goods roads will be made and the whole country improve. We have now before us a letter from one of our old and most faithful friends in Virginia, directing a change of the direction of his Register, because that, though he had lived within 45 miles of so great as to induce him to leave a tract of fertile land, on which he had expended from 12 to 15,000 dollars in improvements, that he might avoid the enormous cost of transportation. An easy way, he supposes, might be made for 30,000 dollars to his neighborhood, but the "deadly hostility to internal improvements," forbade the hope that it would be effected, caused the abandonment of his farm! Such is the substance of a genuine letter received on the 21st inst. from a Virginia farmer. SEEKING DISTINCTION. Many young members of ject, and he could not but hope, that the united efforts congress and the other legislative bodies, zealous to sup of the agriculturists, merchants and "judicious manufac- think that they must be doing something, and oftentimes port the reputation which gave them a right to a seat, turers," might yet save the country from the evils of the not only make themselves ridiculous for the moment, but prohibitory system." Mr. H, then submitted the fol-deprive themselves of that degree of future usefulness lowing letter, which was read: they might acquire, by a more moderate and modest deBoston, Dec. 12th, 1827. portment. There are very few persons, even among SIR: The committee of the citizens of Boston, and the those who are the most intelligent and valuable of the vicinity, opposed to an increase of duties on imports, have people who can suddenly invest themselves with that the honor, herewith, to forward, to your care, a memorial sort of knowledge which constitutes value in a legislator on this important subject, of which they request an ear- much time must be given up to reading, hearing and rely presentation to the senate, and such an advocation of flection; and however correctly such men may vote when its principles as shall seem to you called for by the ar- a question is presented and fairly before them, they should guments therein contained, as applied to the interests of be cautious in originating any other business than such as the whole nation. There are, sir, among the names of they have previously studied and made themselves acthe memorialists those of many of our most enlightened, quainted with. By refraining, they at least, prevent exlearned, disinterested citizens, and not a few of the most posures of their ignorance, if they do not obtain respec intelligent, judicious and reflecting of our manufacturers, and influence with their fellow members. There have both of cotton and wollens. The committee have the always been some members in congress and other legis. most entire conviction that the best interests of the coun-lative bodies, persons not fitted to shine upon any subject try are involved in this question, and will be promoted by the abandonment of any further prosecution of this system of high duties. The committee have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your very humble ser vants. Nath. Goddard, Lot Wheelwright, Henry Lee, To the hon. Robert Y. Hayne, Washington. Mr. Hayne then submitted the memorial of the citizens of Boston and its vicinity, against an increase of duties on importations, which was read, and ordered to be printed, and on motion of Mr. H. referred to the committee on manufactures. [By the way it is worthy of remark, that many of the petitions against manufactures are ordered to be printed; but nearly all in favor of them are simply referred]. but who, by never attempting, and steadily attending to business, acquire much moral power, and are always re spected, and looked up to in cases of difficulty or doubt. The Middleton, Con. "Sentinel," with reference to some subject agitated, has the following amusing and in structive article. Mr. M. of W. in this state, when a very young man was elected a member of the legislature, and like mos young men when brought into public notice, had a strong desire that his talents should be known. He introduced a bill prohibiting fishing in the Quinebang river, excep at certain seasons of the year; and, in support of the measure, made a very ingenious and eloquent speech: touching with much pathos on the inhumanity of destroycolors, the disadvantage which would result to the neighing the fish unnecessarily, and pourtraying, in lively boring inhabitants by the total destruction of the fish.› unless this restraining law was passed. When Mr. M. had finished his speech, a pause of some length ensued: and he very naturally concluded, he had made a deep impression on the minds of his auditors. At length, sound headed, unpolished farmer, who had more infor mation than eloquence, and too much common sense to VIRGINIA. A bill has passed the house of delegates of attempt a display of what he did not possess, arose, and this state, 119 to 79, incorporating the Rappahannock said he had one objection to the bill which the gentle. MANUFACTURING company after several days debate-men from W. had introduced, and supported so feelingand, truly it is a wonderful event! If it does not shewly and so cogently. In the principles advanced, he cor a yielding to the principle of protection, though surely it dially coincided with the gentlemen from W. and he does by the grant of an act of incorporation, it, at least, doubted not that every member who had the pleasure of demonstrates an altered feeling on the subject-no mat- litsening to the gentleman's argument, fully accorded ter from what cause--perhaps from the evident necessi- with him. But that one objection weighed so strongly ty of supporting the industry of the people of the state, upon his mind, that he could not vote for the passage o that they may not abandon it for other parts of the union the bill; and he doubted not the gentleman himsel wherein labor is more honored. But, be the cause what would acknowledge its validity, when he informed him it may, we rejoice in the passage of this resolution. We that the objection was, that this law is now in the statute bope that it may be regarded as an era in the histo-books, and has, for a long time, been curried into fal ry of Virginia, and mark the time when the representa- execution. COM. PORTER. The following proclamation, lately issued by commodore Porter, may have a serious effect upon the commercial community. THE BATTLE OE NAVARINO. If the proceedings of took the voyage to "that undiscovered country, from the allied powers-Britain, France and Russia, should be whose bourne no traveller returns. His doxy has been judged by their doctrines of legitimacy which they have since arrested-she lived in great style, possessed of maprescribed as applicable to their own concerns, their in-ny extravagant articles, and 5,408 dollars in doubloons, terference in the quarrel between the Turks and their with jewels, &c. in abundance. "Jegitimate" subjects, the Greeks, cannot be regarded in any other light than as an outrage upon their own established rules. But there are many considerations that have a tendency to alleviate the peculiarities of this case; and it may be questioned whether the Turks, (not being within the social compact), should obtain the benefit of those principles of national law, which the rest of Europe, at least, pretends to have a regard for. And, at any rate, there are few that would be willing to adopt the language of Mr. Randolph, when in a late debate, he took occasion to say- 1827. Squadron and marine department of Vera Cruz. Having in my power several commissions for privateers, which have been directed to me by the supreme government, for such persons as may desire to arm vessels to cruize against the enemy, I notify the public that those who want them may apply, it being understood that "Sometimes our humanity is up for the Greeks-it has they will be granted, with the formalities which are pronot yet, so far as I know, been asked for the Trojans-vided by the ordinances and laws which treat of this subit may, very possibly, be some day up for the Trojans-ject. and we are called to rejoice in a victory of the three first powers of Europe over a handful of semi-barbarians, in the harbour of the ancient Pylos. Sir, instead of any triumph, in my opinion, that victory was a stigma-a stain npon the naval glory of all those nations concerned in it-I mean of those who had any glory to lose. With immense odds in their favor, they attacked, and killed, and murdered, hand to hand, as brave a set of men as the sun ever shone upon. And what are we to assist the Greeks for? To build up a nest of pirates in the Ægean sea? They were so of old-long before the time of Ajax and Agamemnon-pirates they are--pirates they have ever been ---and pirates they ever will be-Why sir, our force will not be able, even in that small, placid—that haleyon sea, I might call it-to protect our own commerce from their row boats and their corsairs. Frigate Liberty, in the port of Vera Cruz, Nov. 16 (Signed) DAVID PORTER. Squadron and department of marine ? of Vera Cruz S Pursuant to the disposition of the supreme government, under date of July 23d last past, and in conformity with the ordinances and laws which govern the matter, all vessels, on board of which may be found effects appertaining to the enemy, shall be conducted to this port for trial. The same shall be practised with every vessel, on board of which may be found goods contraband of war, destined for the service of the enemy-understanding as such goods, mortars, cannon, muskets, pistols, and other fire arms; also, swords, cutlasses, bayonets, and other offensive arms; powder, balls, grenades, and all other munitions of war, ship timber, cordage, and other supplies “In saying this, Mr. R. said, he knew that he was run-proper for the construction and arniament of vessels of war, ning against the prejudices of the country, and that phi-naval stores, harnesses for cavalry and soldiers, clothlanthropy which was so much in vogue. But, said he,ing, and generally all goods which may serve for war, by what was I sent here for but to oppose those prejudices whenever it is practicable?" IMPROVEMENTS. It is stated that thirteen hundred buildings have been erected in Philadelphia during the present year. Many of them are large edifices, but the chief part, perhaps, designed for the accommodation of manufacturers and the large number of mechanics associated or connected with them. The manufactures of Philadelphia amount to a mighty sum annually-not much short of the whole revenue of the general govern ment. sea or land: of which I notify the public for the informa- DAVID PORTER. A DELICATE MATTER. The following case is called "Algerine impudence"-but we do not see any "impudence" in it, more than France or Spain would exhibit Wilmington, Del. the centre of a large manufacturing in a similar case.-The French Captain, Olive, who had district, is steadily and extensively improving, and the been captured by an Algerine pirate, and had subsequentbusiness transacted within its limits has exceedingly in-ly taken advantage of the drunkenness of his captors to creased of late years. The local authorities deserve great overpower them, having hoisted afterwards the signal of credit for the courageous and completely successful ef- distress was relieved by a Spanish guarda costa, and fort to supply the borough with an abundance of pure brought into Almeira. Some doubt then arose as to and wholesome water. They have erected two reser-whether the vessel did not become the property of the voirs on the highest ground, into which the water is forc-guarda costa, or whether he was not entitled to salvage. ed by a mill on the Brandywine. The basins will con- The difficulty was increased by the Algerine captain, who tain a million of gallons, and may be used together or demanded whether the Spanish government was at war separately. Thus a supply of clean water is secured. with the dey of Algiers, as, if it was, he became its priThe mill forces the water through iron pipes $ inches in soner; but if not, he required that the French vessel diameter, in the clear, 2,120 feet, having an elevation of should be restored to him, and the Spanish captain pun99 feet, to the bottom of the basin, and nearly 500,000 ished. The determination of the governor on this point gallons may be thus supplied in 24 hours, the pump be- is not yet known. ing driven with the quantity of water usually employed to drive the flour mill, to which the works are adjacent. This mill cost the borough $28,000. Fire plugs have been placed at convenient distances, and the difference in insurance alone, will probably refund the cost of the improvement, as the town increases, within a few years. Such are the fruits of successful applications of the industry of the people--creating wealth and acquiring pow-son and John C. Calhoun, for president and vice presier to render themselves more comfortable. A GAMBLER. A person named Kane, who was seere. tary of the National Insurance company of New York, which he is said to have defrauded to the amount of $180,000-lately finished his course by exceuting himSelf, leaving behind him a paper bearing these words: My fate may be found in the tragedy of the Gamester." He lost on Christmas eve $60,000, and had prepared to clear out for Liverpool, but was disappointed, and so ELECTIONS AND ELECTIONEERING. At a convention of delegates from all the counties of New Jersey, held at Trenton, on the 8th inst. Edward Condict, esq. was appointed president, and John Ciement and Daniel Vleit, esquires, vice presidents, and Henry B. Hagerman, Ephraim Buck and George McCarter, esquires, secretaries; resolutions were passed to support Andrew Jack dent of the United States; for which purpose the follow- A committee was appointed to draft an address to the Southern district. Matthew Lyon, of Caldwell; Jolu people of the state, and corresponding committees were Breathitt, of Logan; Dr. N. Gaither, of Adair; Edmund established for all the counties. It was also recommend-Watkins, of Muhlenberg. ed that a convention should be held in September next, for the purpose of agreeing upon a congressional ticket. [Dr. George Holcombe, a very valuable and worthy member of congress from the state of New Jersey, died on the 14th inst. after a long and painful illness, which had prevented him from taking his seat.] The "Virginia legislative convention" re-assembled on the 14th inst. as briefly noticed in our last-14 members of the senate, 157 members of the house of delegates, and 22 special deputies were present-Mr. Banks in the chair and Mr. Ritchie, secretary-from 96 counties, out of the 105 of the state, and 4 boroughs. It was unanimously resolved to support Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, for president; and 162, as before stated being in favor of Mr.Calhoun, for the vice presidency, against 26 opposed to him, it was resolved that should be supported as vice president. On the 15th inst. the following electoral ticket was reported and agreed to 1st. District. Wm. C. Holt, of Norfolk county. ith. Major Thos. N. Nelson, of Mecklenburg. 7th. Judge Wm. Daniel, of Lynchburg, 10th. Judge Wm. Brockenbrough, of Richmond. 19th. Dr. Jacob D. Williamson, of Rockingham. A committee was appointed to prepare au address to the people on the subject of the presidential election— and supporting Andrew Jackson and John C. Caihoun. It was further agreed, by the convention, to recommend William T. Barry, for governor, and John P. Oldham, for lient. governor of the state. The house of representatives of Kentucky disagreed, 53, to 37, (10 members absent), to a proposition, to order the firing of a salute on the 8th of January, though it is stated to have been customary for several years past so to do. The "Jackson convention" which assembled at Columbus, Ohio, on the 8th inst. consisted of one hundred and two persons, from fifty two counties of the state. It nominated gen. Andrew Jackson for president, and Jolm C. Calhoun for vice president, and agreed upon the following electoral ticket. Ethan A. Brown, Hamilton county; George McCook, Columbiana; William Piatt, Hamilton; James Shields, Butler; Henry Barrington, Miami; Thomas Gillispie, Green; Thomas L. Hamer, Brown; Valentine Keffer, Pickaway; Robert Lucas, Pike: John McEivaio, Franklin; Samuel Herrick, Muskingum; George Sharp, Belmont; Walter M. Blake, Tuscarawas; Benjamin Jones, Wayne; William Rayne, Trumbull; Hugh McFall, Richland. After the convention was dissolved, a number of those who had been of its members, and other Jacksonians, met and nominated John W. Campbell, of Brown county, (late of Adams), as the Jackson candidate, for governer of Ohio. FOREIGN NEWS. By an arrival at New York, London papers have been received to the15th December; but they do not contain any news of importance. The ambassadors of the allied powers were still carrying on their ne gociations, but as yet nothing definitive had been effected. The account of the battle of the 20th October issued by admiral Codrington,had arrived at Constantinople several days previous to the Turkish official account.-In France the constitutionalists have gained great advanA central committee was appointed to supply vacan- tages in the recent elections. Great disturbances have cies, &c. and the orginization of committees of corres- been made by the gens d'armis in Paris, and some blood pondence devised. On the 17th-Mr. John H. Peyton shed. The French troops are stated to be on the point reported, that the committee appointed on the previous of leaving Spain, and notwithstanding several recent evening, had instructed him to make the following re-arrests and executions, the insurrection is said to be at an port: "The committee appointed to inquire whether any further measures are requsite on the part of this meeting have considered the matter to them referred--and, after consultation, are of opinion, that no further act is necessary for the promotion of its objects." This report was agreed to by the meeting On Mr. J. H. Peyton's motion, the members came to a resolution, to deposit one dollar each, in the hands of the secretaries, to meet any expenses which might accrue, -which was accordingly done. Mr. Hunter then moved that the central standing committee be respectfully requested to address the people of Virginia on the approaching presidential election. This motion was lost. And-after some minor business, the convention adjourned, sine die. end. The Lisbon Gazette publishes a letter from Don Miguel to the infanta, his sister, announcing his intention to govern according to the constitutional charter, and that he makes the solemn declaration of such intention that it may obtain the necessary publicity. He requests the infanta, without loss of tine, to order a frigate and brig to be equipped, and to repair to the port of Falmouth, that he may proceed from that port to Lisbon. The Portuguese minister of France has published a statement of the receipts and expenditure of the treasury since his taking the ministry on the 13th of June last, to the 31st of October inclusive. The amount of the receipts, including the loans, is 5,508,084,974 reas; which in English, at 84 the exchange amounts to £1,101.723. The expenditure is 4,807,774,583 reas; equal to 961, 555 An "Adams convention" has been held in Rhode Is-pounds. land for the nomination of state officers, James Fenner esq. was named for governor, and Charles Collins, esq. for lieut. governor. The "Jackson convention" for Kentucky, met at Frankfort on the 8th inst.-present 203 delegates from 59 counties-gen. Robert Breckenridge, president, and Willian S. Waller and Nelson C. Johnson, esquires, secretaries. The following electoral ticket was reportcd and agreed to THE AMERICAN SYSTEM. It is impossible that we should publish all the preceedings and memorials of the people on the "tariff question;" and, indeed, having so much ourselves to say in favor of the "system," we rather prefer an insertion of the proceedings of its opponents than of its friends, that a more full and fairer view of the subject may be exhibited; but the following has a peculiar interest beNorthern district. Benj. Taylor, of Woodford; Rich-cause of the section of country in which the very respectard French, of Clarke; Robert J. Ward, of Scott; Tandy Allen, of Bourbon; Thomson Ward, of Greenup. Middle district. John Younger, of Shelby; Benj. Chapeze, of Nelson; Tunstall Quarles, of Pulaski; John Agreeably to previous notice, a respectable number of Sterrett, of Breckenridge; Reuben Monday, of Madison.the citizens of Loudon county, Va. friendly to the en able meeting was held, and we have been particularly requested to give it a place: it is therefore excepted from what necessity has made a general rule. couragement of domestic industry, met at that large and commodious sohool room, near Goose Creek meeting house, on the 22d day of Dec. 1827, to take into consideration the propriety of memorializing congress on the subject. Stacy Taylor, esq, was called to the chair, and 5. B. T. Calwell, appointed secretary. couragement of domestic manufactures, and the creation of a home market, indispensable to the prosperity of these states. body, that Europe, in the exercise of a policy thus inIt cannot have escaped the notice of your honorable which she has steadily and inflexibly pursued, has imjurious to the interests of the United States a policy, posed upon this country the necessity of an application of her own skill and industry in the production of those articles which are essential to the convenience and com The object of the meeting being stated from the chair, it was, on motion, ordered, that a committee of five be appointed to prepare a preamble and resolutions express ing the sense of this meeting. Whereupon Benjamin F. Taylor, Daniel Janney, Wil-fort of its inhabitants. Aware of the effects of this proliam Hogue, Eli Janney, and Timothy Taylor, jr. were appointed a committee for the above purpose. The comJittee having retired for a short time, returned and presented the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Whereas, it is the duty of a free government to adapt its policy to the circumstances and wishes of the people, when it can be done consistent with its constitutional powers: And whereas, a majority of the people of this country, are in favor of such a protection of domestic manufactures, as to place them on a sure and solid foundation, thereby calling into action all the latent resources of the country, and by this means, destroying a depenlance upon foreign countries for articles which can be abundantly produced in our own, which protection is imperiously called for by the present condition of all the great interests of the nation:-And whereas, the legislature of this state, at its last session, has denounced this policy in a spirit of illiberality, utterly incompatible with those principles of mutual forbearance which should ever be cherished by the members of this great confederacy; and, as it may be presumed that this act of the legislature has received the approbation of the !people, until a formal and decisive protest is entered I against it-Therefore 1. Resolved, That this meeting is firmly persuaded tial to the permanent prosperity and happiness of this that a further increase of domestic manufactures is essen country. 2. Resolved, That the legislature of this state, in denying the constitutionality of a tariff for other purposes than a revenue, would, in the opinion of this meeting, deny congress the exercise of two positively granted powers, viz. the power to lay and collect duties, imports, &c. and the power to regulate commerce; the latter of which has been exercised to its fullest extent in the passage of the embargo and other restrictive laws. Powers which are essential to the protection of our country against the mischievous tendency of the commercial regulations of foreign governments. 3. Resolved, That this meeting views, with deep regret, the course which has been pursued by some of our fellow citizens of the south, in relation to this deeply interesting subject, and believes that it has had its origin in prejudice, and misconception of the true interests of this country. hibitory course, England, in particular, has labored in- fits which have resulted from the encouragement of the Your memorialists believe it to be the duty of all wise governments to pursue that policy which is best calcuThe experience of mankind has fully demonstrated, that lated to call into action all the resources of the country. when a contrary course has been pursued, the most wretched and baneful consequences have resulted. That our country has been endowed by nature with a capacity to enter into a successful competition with the manu4. Resolved, That we most cordially approve the facturers of Europe, in the articles just enumerated, is proceedings of the Harrisburg Convention, so far as they have unequivocally evinced from the fact, that, notwithstandbeen developed to us; and that our grateful thanks be ten- ing the inadequacy of the protection which has already dered to H. Niles, esq. chairman of one of the commit-been afforded to a portion of them against the overtees of that convention, for the able and indefatigable man- ineffectual from the counteracting policy of the British whelming influx of British goods, rendered still more ner in which he has exhibited the great and permanent interests of our country, in his lucid report of their pro-tended our exertions. To render that success more gegovernment, success, to a certain extent, has already atceedings. 5. Resolved, That this meeting adopt a respectful memorial to the congress of the United States, praying that such a modification of the tariff be made, as is recommended by said convention. neral-to enable every portion of the United States to engage in manufacturing, where the requisite advantages honorable body to make such alterations in the existing are afforded, your memorialists earnestly solicit your The five gentleman named on the first committee, to- tariff, or such a modification of its provisions, as is regether with Thomas Hughes and Henry S. Taylor, were commended by the memorial of the convention holden appointed to prepare a memorial to congress, agreeably last. In the principles laid down by that convention, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the thirtieth day of July to the fifth resolution. The committee having retired aand the recommendations consequent upon them, your short time, returned and reported the following memorial, memorialists entirely coincide. They would, therefore, which was also unanimously adopted:The memorial of the undersigned, citizens of Virginia, entreat your honorable body to afford such a protection to the senate and house of representatives of the Uni- to these great national interests, as is recommended by ted States of America, in congress assembledRespectfully represents-That such is the depression of the agricultural interests in this country, arising from the policy which has been pursued by all the principal states of Europe, in excluding from their markets the produre of our agricultural labor, as to render the en said convention. On motion, resolved, That the memorial be forthwith printed; and, that S. B. T. Caldwell, Daniel Janney, Thomas Hughes, Jonah Sands, Timothy Taylor, sen. Albert Heaton, Rich'd H. Lee, William Holmes and John Janney, be a committee to obtain subscribers |