Page:Debates in the Several State Conventions, v4.djvu/363

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Duties.
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most nations, the materials being almost all produced in our country."—Idem, p. 28.

The same. "Let us take, then, the resolution of Congress in 1783, and make it the basis of our system, adding only such protecting duties as are necessary to support the manufactures established by the legislatures of the manufacturing states."—Idem, p. 34.

Mr. SINNICKSON "declared himself a friend to this manufacture, [beer,] and thought that, if the duty was laid high enough to effect a prohibition, the manufacture would increase, and of consequence the price would be lessened."—Idem, p. 65.

Mr. LAWRENCE "thought that if candles were an object of considerable importation, they ought to be taxed for the sake of obtaining revenue, and if they were not imported in considerable quantities, the burden upon the consumer would be small, while it tended to cherish a valuable manufacture."—Idem, p. 68.

Mr. FITZSIMONS "moved to lay a duty of two cents per pound on tallow candles. The manufacture of candles is an important manufacture, and far advanced towards perfection. I have no doubt but in a few years we shall be able to supply the consumption of every part of the continent."—Idem, p. 67.

The same. "Suppose 5s. cwt. were imposed, [on unwrought steel:] it might be, as stated, a partial duty; but would not the evil be soon overbalanced by the establishment of such an important manufacture?"—Idem, p. 69.

The same. "The necessity of continuing those encouragements which the state legislatures have deemed proper, exists in a considerable degree. Therefore it will be politic in the government of the United States to continue such duties until their object is accomplished."—Idem, p. 67.

Mr. SMITH (of South Carolina.) "The people of South Carolina are willing to make sacrifices to encourage the manufacturing and maritime interests of their sister states."—Idem, p. 212.

Gen. Washington's Speech to Congress, of January 11, 1790, declares, "That the safety and interest of a free people require that Congress should promote such manufactures as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military supplies.

"The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, by all proper means, will not, I trust, need recommendation."

Extract from the reply of the Senate, to the speech of Gen. Washington, January, 1790.—"Agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, forming the basis of the wealth and strength of our confederated republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberations, and shall be advanced by all the proper means in our power."

Extract from the reply of the House of Representatives.—"We concur with you in the sentiment that 'agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, are entitled to legislative protection.'"

His speech of December, 1796, holds out the same doctrine.—"Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much importance not to insure a continuance of these efforts in every way which shall appear eligible."

Extract from the reply of the Senate to the speech of Gen. Washington, December, 1796.—"The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful branches of manufactures, by the intervention of legis-