COMMON SENSE. industry of the people may be cut up and disrepurport, and I was unable to gather it out of the garded-they must be very prosperous because the observations upon it. treasury is overflowing. It consists of a few com REMARKS BY THE EDITOR OF THE REGISTER. published without reflection-because the case mon-place paragraphs, rapidly written, and Having read the preceding, "says I to my- did not require much consideration, and an imself-if I have said any thing that is in oppo- portance is given to it that it is not entitled to. sition to a firm belief that the "happiness of What is its amount?-that the United States, the people-their prosperous industry-the and the several states, were financially prosabundance of their means for supporting their perous. This is the entire sum and substance. progeny-were the true indications of nation- is not the fact so? "Common Sense" has at prosperity," it is at open war with every either mistaken the meaning of the word thing that I ever said, or at least meant to say, "financial," or strained for it an application that in the whole course of my life. But I never said it was not intended to bear. I have been told any thing like it. that finance is a French word-meaning a sum The articles on political economy and statis-or sums of money paid to the French king; but, tics which have appeared in this work, it is ve- by common acceptation, means also the revery probable, have been more esteemed by some nues or treasures of any state or government. than they deserved to be, on account of the ra- If, then, we are not in a state of "financial prosrity of such things. Their compilation is labo- perity," I have erred. But it seems, that if rious, and, indeed, it is not many of those who the treasury of any country is overflowing with are pleased with such subjects that will take the money, that its finances must be considered trouble to examine them (when prepared) for themselves; and results on desired objects inay such prosperity may not be based on a sound prosperous. However, it is no less true that be too freely accepted. But this is not my economy. fault. Whatever I have said is open to candid in itself, evidence of a nation's prosperity; An excess of public money is not, investigation, and if error is pointed out I though, in a liberal government where the peowill hasten to correct it. I have only to ask ple tax themselves, it is a strong presumption that opinions may not be imputed to me that of it. Common sense taught me these things never were held or expressed. The writer's many years ago, and also assured me that naideas, as to political economy, have been fami- tional wealth depended upon the profitable emliarly used by me for several years past, and ployment of its people, especially at HOME. are as familiar to my readers as my name.Leaving out what is said about the alleged "in-cate and press upon my readers with unboundThose opinions I have felt it my duty to advocapacity of the administrative authorities," &c. ed zeal, though with less ability than their great as involving opinions that I do not feel free- importance merits; and, perhaps, I have done dom so discuss in the REGISTER, though, I ap- as much good in respect to such matters as the prehend that a difference of sentiment might writer who assumes such an imposing signabe supported, I decidedly agree with "Com-ture. mon Sense," and trust that I always shall do it. My essays have had for their chief, indivi- personal character has sanctioned" my opinions The writer is pleased to declare that "my sible object the encouragement of national in- as being "good authority" on political economy dustry, and a constant looking at HOME for the and statistics. What a pity that such a pretty only certain means of national prosperity. compliment should be so strangely mangled by ith my amiable and intimate friend, "the the "perhaps Mr. Niles finds those erroneous? worthy Isaac Briggs," I have the pleasure to opinions better adapted than plain matter of continue on the best understanding-and if my fact to the taste of his readers. He has a right opinions on political economy should have the to indulge in a taste of that kind, IF ALL THINGS appearance of variance from his, I would sus- WITHIN AGREE." Light and darkness-honespect their correctness from that circumstance, ty and fraud-oil and vinegar, are here united. and most carefully weigh them before publica- and by "common sense!" The writer will extion: o much do I admire the talents and re- cuse my freedom when I tell him that he knows spect the judgment of my friend. But I know nothing about my "personal character"-benot of any discrepancy in our opinions on this lieving that if he did know it, he would not have subject. Nor is there a discrepancy between thought me capable of the thing so ungenerousthe writer of "Common Sense" and myself, as ly insinuated. Nothing has been stated by me to the leading points in his remarks, as I shall in the REGISTER that I did not believe to be shew below. Yet he seems to have wished to "plain matter of fact," unless otherwise dewhip somebody, and to have thought it most ex-scribed; and this paper never has been directpedient to do it over my shoulders! ed by passion or rendered subservient to pri I had written thus far before I turned to the vate views. Its pages have not been thrown article which called forth the grave remarks of open to the office-seeking factions that abound "Common Sense." The reader will please to in the United -tates; hence no disappointment refer to it, page 292. So little had I thought has occurred to sour its pages, and its course of that article that I had really forgotten its has been steady and consistent, in all its parts. From the foregoing statement it appears tha from the 20th June to the 30th December, inclu sive, there were fifty rainy days; and that the quan tity of rain amounts to almost 31 inches. This i probably an unusual quantity; but future observa tions must determine the fact. Manufacturers' Memorial. The following memorial, signed by many, was for. warded to Washington city on the 8th inst. the object, their interests being entirely at home, yet they co-operated with the government, made it a common cause with their commercial and agricul tural brethren, they contributed their efforts, and To the honorable the senate and house of repre- bore their portion of the privations and exp ns®. sentatives of the United States of America in conThe interests of your memorialists are now attack. gress assembleded; their manufacturing establishments are prostratThe memorial of the subscribers, residents of ed, by foreign rivals; a war in disguise is carried on Baltimore, manufacturers of woolen and cotton against them, by forcing into our market foreign fagoods; and others interested in the support and brics far beyond the consumption of the country, promotion of domestic industry and the improv- which are sold, of course, generally at losing prices. ment of the useful arts in the United States, respectively representeth: It cannot have escaped the notice of your honor. able body, that a distinguished member of the Bri That while your mémorialists acknowledge, with tish parliament has, in his place, avowed this hostili gratitude, the attention paid by the national legisla ty to our manufactures; after speaking of the profure to the manufacturing interest of the country, bable loss on shipments to America, he said, "it in the wise regulations of the tariff, to favor their was well worth while to incur this loss on the first growth and prosperity, they have seen, with deep exportations in order, by the glut, to stifle in the concern, the object of these regulations entirely cradle the rising manufacture of the United frustrated, and most of their expensive establish States, which the war had forced into existence." ments for the manufacture of wool and cotton, dis. We have no public avowal of this hostility to our abled, borne down, and their operations finally ar- manufactures, on the part of the merchants or ma rested, by the excessive introduction of foreign ri-nufacturers of England; but facts and circumstan val fabrics. It is a fact that will not be denied that ces go far to prove its existence; and there is little foreign fabrics, to an extent nearly equal to the doubt but they would be as ready to discover and to consumption of the country, were in the years 1815 avail themselves of the advantages their superior -16 and the early part of 1817, forced into the mar- capital and skill in manufacturing gave them over ket at public auction, withou. regard to their cost, our infant establishments, as Mr. Brougham, the the duty or other charges, and were sold generally member who made this declaration. The hostility at prices below their cost, a mode of selling allow-thus avowed and inferred, has been severely felt edly favorable to frauds on the revenue; and by our establishments. But we rely with unshaken there is little doubt that frauds to a great extent confidence on the magnanimity of the national lewere thus covered, and the owners of such goods gislature, to frustrate their designs. Your memothereby enabled to sell at reduced prices and de- rialists are citizens of the United States, bound to feat the honest efforts of the fair trader and the participate in its burthens and distresses; and their manufacturer. Thus were the works of the Ame interests entitled to a common protection with the rican manufacturer thrown idle, their costly ma- interests of other classes of the community; their chinery much injured for the want of use, the hands prosperity is necessarily a component part of the employed in manufacturing, a vast body of needy peo national prosperity, and their depression diminishple, thrown out of employ and dispersed, and the ca- es and impairs its wealth and power;-to afford pitals of the proprietors rendered worse than unpro- them protection would cost the nation no war, no ductive, by the sacrifices necessary to meet so un-money, nor sacrifice of any kind; the public reveusual and unexpected a pressure on their business. nue is drawn from the people through commerce; Your memorialists further represent, that the and if the price of articles, interfering with our dohistory of American commerce will shew, that at mestic industry, be enhanced to the consumer by every period of our political existence as a nation, the protecting duties, the duty on other articles, it has been encouraged, protected and defended, by that by habit have become articles of the first nethe paternal care of the government; and through cessity, and which we cannot furnish at home, might a protected commerce, the agricultural interest of be proportionably lightened to the consumer. But the country has been encouraged and supported. the avidity with which foreign fabrics of every deWhen ship-building and navigation were in their infancy in these states, such duties were imposed on foreign tonnage, and on goods imported in foreign ships, as gave the American tonnage a decid. ed preference of our coasting and inland trade; and in the import and export trade of the country. scription have been forced into the country, under the existing duties is, to your memorialists, a satis factory evidence that these duties are not too high to comport with the wise objects of national policy in contemplation by their adoption. Your memorialists beg leave further to observe, When the Barbary states disturbed our commerce that the manufacturing interests of the United in the Mediterranean, the government by an armed States, whether viewed as it respects the amount of force, brought them to terms of just accommoda- capital occupied and circulated at home, the numtion, and a respectable force is still kept in these ber and species of hands employed and supported, seas for the protection of our trade. And when and its general benefits to society, or as a source of Groat Britain made an insidious attack on our com- wealth and security to the nation, is important and merce, arrogating to herself the right of inter- inferior to none but the agricultural interest.—At a dicting to our ships and goods the market of our time when almost all the states of Europe are enchoice, and carried on a war in disguise against our gaged in arrangements for the protection of their property on the high seas, the government, under manufactures, by the prohibition of rival fabrics; an indignant sense of these outrages against our and by duties prohibitory in their operation; and commercial rights, repelled the aggression by force under the accumulated difficulties with which your of arms; and brought that proud nation to a sense memorialists have to contend, they indulge a hope of justice. A continued and heavy expense and that they will not be thought to ask too much, many privations have accrued, and are still accruing when they earnestly and respectfully pray, that the to the nation for the protection of commerce,-al-protecting duties of the tariff as now in operation, though those of your memorialists immediately con- which by the existing law are limited to three years cerned in manufacturing had no direct interest in from the 30th day of June, 1816, be made përma nent; and that such further legislative provision may be made for the collection of the import, as in your wisdom shall be deemed best calculated to prevent frauds on the revenue. Domestic Manufactures. The following resolve, adopted by the Jefferson county (N. Y) AGRICU&TURAL SOCIETY, of which maj. gen. JACOB BROWN is president, has been communicated by him for publication in the WEEKLY RE DISTER Expenses of government, To which add the balance in the trea 183,095 14 191,862 56 $1,154,427 10 Whereas it becomes all men, who profess to be engaged in promoting the great work of national [The items of expenditures are also given in economy, to be living examples of the doctrines or principles they teach and as, in the opinion of detail. The amount for "improvements" is for this society, it is of vital importance to our coun- roads, bridges, water courses-a long list of imtry that her manufactures should be sustained, by portant matters, for many of which only certain in. those whose duty it is to legislate for us, by such wise and liberal provision as will effect the object -and as we believe we can best testify this interest by recommending to the members of this so ciety to abstain from the use of all foreign fabrics and productions to the extent that may be found practically consistent with the respective duties they are called upon to perform in life, and by Resolving, that each and every member of this society who shall, after the next stated meeting of this society, be in the habit of wearing cloth or cotton garments, not of the growth, produce and manufacture of the United States, shall pay to the treasurer of this society five dollars annually, to be distributed in premiums for the encouragement of agriculture. Finances of Pennsylvania. Receipts at the state treasury, for the year commenc ing on the 1st day of December, 1816, and ending with the 30th day of November, 1817. Monies loaned to the United States, returned with interest thereon, 333,670 97 Dividends, &c. on bank and other stock, 200,571 00 Auction duties, Lands and fees on lands, &c. Tax on banks, Tavern licenses, &c. Miscellaneous, Tax on certain offices, stalments are taken into the account. The cost of the Bank stock. Bank of Pennsylvania Bridges and lock navigution The appropriations made for roads Piers, wharves, colleges and aca- $2,108,700 00 404,863 04 285,000 00 $2,798,563 04 385,900 00 131,400 00 13,700 00 $531,000 00 A large amount of those appropriations and of 110,617 32 others theretofore made, do not appear to have been 78,826 13 called for at the treasury. POPULATION.-The constitution of the state of 8,716 67 Georgia provides for a census of its inhabitants 2,019 45 every seven years-for the purpose of apportioning the representatives of the people. This is a wholesome and truly republican provision, which we most sincerely wish had been adopted in the constitutions of Maryland and Virginia. By the censu just taken in Georgia we have the following results 175,981 White persons Blacks 968 45 877,762 92 276,664 18 To which add the balance in the treasury, 1st December, 1816, $1,154,427 10 Increase in 7 years [The different items that form these aggregates Total-1817are particularly stated in the pamphlet before us, The population in 1810 but we have not room for them, and perhaps they are not of sufficient general interest to require in. sertion. Of the tax upon banks the lowest contribution is from the bank of Montgomery county, $212 88-the highest, the Mechanics' bank of the city and county of Philadelphia, $2,578 14.] Payments at the state treasury, for the year commenc ing on the 1st day of December, 1816, and ending with the 30th day of November, 1817. Improvements, Loans per act of 11th March, 1815, to pay the militia of Pennsylvania in the service of the United States, 333,682 16 133,459 309,440 252,493 57,007 From seven counties, however, there were no returns, and the numbers put down for them was as in 1810-and shews an increase at the rate of 34 per cent. per annum; which is a progress more rapid than we had anticipated, by one half per cent. FINANCES. By the treasurer's abstract, submit. ted to the legislature of Georgia, the receipts of last year (including $378,970 from the United States and the former balance in the treasury) $764,130 315,265 97 amount to And that the disbursements (including $29,060 for the Penitentiary, $10,000 loaned the University, $8,000 for internal improvement, and $360,000 paid for bank stock) were, Leaving in the treasury on the 31st of October, 455,275 $298,855 Due from the general government, and subject to the order of the state. The whole making an unappropriated 377,042 CONGRESS. SENATE. Jan. 9. Mr. Fromentin, of Louisiana, appeared and took his seat. The resolution offered on a former day, by Mr. Campbell, respecting the nomination of certain officers to the senate, was taken up, modified by the mover so as to include the superintendant of indian trade, and, after some conversation between Messrs. Campbell, King, Tait, and Morrow, on the most This sum (says the Georgia Journal) judiciously proper mode of attaining the object, the resolution applied, would go very far towards opening our thereof being added on the suggestion of Mr. Morwas passed in the following shape, the last clause navigable rivers, improving public roads, and es. row: tablishing free schools throughout the state. fund of $665,897 Jan. 12. The following resolution, offered some days since, by Mr. Burrill, was taken up for consideration: Resolved, That the committee on military affairs IMPROVEMENTS. The legislature of Georgia, (says be instructed to inquire into the expediency of rethe Savannah Republican of the 24th ult.) adjourn- quiring by law the nomination of superintendant of ed sine die, on Saturday morning last, after a ses. indian trade and of agents to indian tribes, as also sion of nearly two months. Among the number of of agents for trading house establishments, to be submitted to the senate for their consent and appro acts passed during the session, which are any way important, was an act appropriating large sums bation, in like manner as the nomination of other offi for internal navigation, as follows: For the Oco-cers now are; and generally to enquire whether any nee river, 15,000 dollars; Ocmulgee, 18,000 dol. and what amendments are necessary to he made in lars; Alatamalia, 5,000 dollars; Ogechee, 3,000 dol- the laws regulating intercourse, and for establishing lars; Savannah and Tugalo, 20,000 dollars; Broad trading houses with the indian tribes. River, 5,000 dollars; Brin Creek, 5,000 dollars.An act to amend the penal code. An act to incorporate the Steam Boat company. An act to raise a tax for the political year 1818: a section in this Resolved, That the committee to whom was refer. act imposes on the notes of unchartered banks a red the petition of the committee of the yearly tax of two and a half per cent. on the amount in meeting of the society of friends at Baltimore, be circulation; and subjects the branches of the Unit- instructed to enquire into the expediency of so ed States' bank in this state to the same tax paid amending the laws of the United States on the sub. by the banks chartered by the legislature, viz. thir-ject of the African slave trade as more effectually ty-one and a quarter cents on every hundred dol- to prevent said trade from being carried on by citi lars of the capital stock. The taxes in general re.zens of the United States under foreign flags; and main as heretofore, with the exception of the 50 per centum to reimburse the direct tax, which is continued. A permanent fund of 250,000 dollars for internal navigation; and the like sum for the support of free schools, has also been appropriated. also into the expediency of the United States taking measures in concert with other nations for the entire abolition of said trade. After debate, the question was taken by yeas and nays, and agreed to. The bill from the house, making compensation. to the members of congress, was taken up in committee of the whole, and an amendment made in the phraseology, which was agreed to by the senate; when, travelled. This motion was negatived, without debate, by a large majority. TRIBUTE TO DEPARTED WORTH.-Mr. Montgomery (of the legislature) from the committee on the state of the republic, to whom was referred the communication of his excellency the governor re: lative to the disposition to be made of the sword Mr. Wilson, after observing, that he should enter intended to have been presented to the late lieut. into no discussion of a question on which every col. Daniel Appling, of the United States' army, member had unquestionably made up his mind, but, reported on the 13th inst. That whereas a former in order to take the sense of the senate, moved to legislature, influenced by the distinguished bravery strike out eight and insert six dollars, as the daily and gallant conduct of lieutenant colonel Daniel pay, and also as the allowance for every twenty miles Appling, did authorise and direct the executive department to procure and present to that meritorious officer a sword suitable to his grade, a grateful expression of the public approbation of his native state; but as the worthy object of her applause was removed by death before this laudable design could be carried into execution, and inasmuch as there remains no male heir either to the fortune or honors of this deserving young soldier, into whose hands the state could commit this sacred pledge of its affection and respect: It is resolved that the state will assume to itself the guardian- Jan. 13. The president presented a memorial ship of the fime and military reputation of her dis from the president and directors of the bank of the tinguished son the late lieutenant colonel Daniel United States, stating certain inconvenienc es Appling, and that the sword intended by her as the experienced from the provision in the charter re just reward of his military achievments, be depo quiring the president and cashier of said bank to sited in the executive chamber, there to be pre-sign all the notes issued by the several branches of served and exhibited as a lasting monument of his fame, and a grateful proof of the sensibility with wish Georgia cherishes the patriotic services of izens. Mr. Dickerson, then moved to strike out eight and insert six, as the allowance for every twenty miles travelled, and made a few observations in support of his motion. Mr. Daggett briefly replied. The question was taken, the motion lost,the verbal amendment made was ordered to be engrossed, and the bill to be read a third time; and The senate adjourned. said bank, and praying relief-which was read, a nd referred to the committee of finance. The bill providing compensation for members of congress, was read a third time and passed. |