His improper conduct,
however, has checked the salutary progress of principle; but the
object is fixed in the eye of nations, and they will press to its
accomplishment, and to the general amelioration of the condition of
man. What a germ have the freemen of the United States planted, and
how faithfully should they cherish the parent tree at home. Chagrin and
mortification are the punishments our enemies receive.
You tell me I am quoted by those who wish to continue our dependence
on England for manufactures. There was a time when I might have been so
quoted with more candor. But within the thirty years which have since
elapsed, how are circumstances changed! We were then in peace; our
independent place among nations was acknowledged. A commerce which
offered the raw material, in exchange for the same material after
receiving the last touch of industry, was worthy of welcome to all
nations. It was expected, that those especially to whom manufacturing
industry was important, would cherish the friendship of such customers
by every favor, and particularly cultivate their peace by every act
of justice and friendship. Under this prospect, the question seemed
legitimate, whether, with such an immensity of unimproved land,
courting the hand of husbandry, the industry of agriculture, or that of
manufactures, would add most to the national wealth. And the doubt
on the utility of the American manufactures was entertained on this
consideration, chiefly, that to the labor of the husbandman a vast
addition is made by the spontaneous energies of the earth on which it
is employed.
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