The signal utility of the lately invented cotton-mill had been noticed, but other machines of scarcely less utility were employed on it with exclusive, or more than ordinary effect. This circumstance particularly recommended cotton fabrics, to a country deficient in hands. The variety and extent to which the manufactures of this article are applicable still farther recommended them.

A vigorous pursuit of the cotton branch in its several subdivisions was still farther recommended by the faculty of the United States to produce the raw material of a quality which, though alleged to be inferior to some, was capable of being used in many fabrics, and would probably by more experienced culture be carried to much greater perfection.

In addition to what had been previously stated, it was announced that a Society was forming with a capital, which it was expected would be extended to half a million of dollars, and measures were in train for prosecuting, on a large scale, the making and printing of cotton goods.' These circumstances indicated the propriety of removing obstacles, and adding such encouragements as might appear proper and necessary to the successful prosecution of the manufactories in question. The present duty of three cents on cotton was a serious obstacle. The injurious tendency of duties on raw material, as regards manufactures, and their inutility in preventing the growth of the material, were before adverted to. Cotton had not the same claims as hemp, because not generally grown throughout the country, and on account of its shorter and weaker fibre, doubts were entertained of the quality of the national cotton for manufacturing. It would be wise to let the infant manufactories have the full benefit of the best materials, which was the more necessary, as workmen were more unskilled and inexperienced. Inexpert workmen made great waste of indifferent materials. A repeal of the duty on cotton was therefore recommended. A more encouraging substitute would be a bounty on the national cotton when wrought at home, and an additional bounty on exportation. The British bounty on coarse linens applied also to certain kinds of cotton goods of similar value. One cent per yard, of a given width, on all goods of cotton, or cotton and linen, made in the United States, with one cent additional per pound on the material, when of domestic growth, would be a considerable aid both to the production and manufacture. The magnitude of the object would justify the expense. The printing and staining of cottons was a distinct business. It was easily accomplished, and added much to the value of white goods, and deserved to be encouraged. A drawback of the whole

(1) The Society referred to was that incorporated by the Legislature of New

Jersey, and which commenced operations at the Falls of the Passaic, near Patterson.

or part of the duty on imported white cottons, would be a powerful encouragement until such time as there was a domestic supply. The duty of seven and a half per cent. on certain kinds of cottons, if extended to all goods of cotton, or principally cotton, would probably counterbalance the effect of the proposed drawback on the fabrication.

"Manufactures of cotton goods not long since established at Beverly, in Massachusetts, and at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, and conducted with a perseverance corresponding with the patriotic motives which began them, seem to have overcome the first obstacles to success; producing corduroys, velverets, fustians and jeans, and other similar articles, of a quality which would bear a comparison with the like articles brought from Manchester. The one at Providence had the merit of being the first to introduce into the United States the celebrated cotton-mill, which not only furnishes materials for that manufactory itself, but for the supply of private families for household manufacture."

Other manufactures of the same material, as regular businesses, had also been begun at different places in the State of Connecticut, but all upon a smaller scale than those above mentioned. Some essays were also making in the printing and staining of cotton goods. There were several small establishments of this kind already on foot.

9. WOOL. In a climate like ours, the woolen branch could not be regarded as inferior to any which relates to the clothing of the inhabitants. Household manufactures of this material were carried on to a very interesting extent. But the only branch which could be said to have acquired maturity, was the making of hats. Hats of wool, and of wool and fur, were made in large quantities in different States, and materials only were wanting to render the manufacture equal to the demand.

"A promising essay toward the fabrication of cloths, cassimeres, and other woolen goods, is likewise going on at Hartford, in Connecticut. Specimens of the different kinds which are made, in the possession of the Secretary, evince that these fabrics have attained a very considerable degree of perfection. Their quality certainly surpasses any thing that could have been looked for in so short a time, and under so great disadvantages; and conspires with the scantiness of the means which have been at the commamd of the directors, to form the eulogium of that public spirit, perseverance and judgment, which have been able to accomplish so much."

To promote an abundant supply of wool, would probably best serve to cherish and promote this precious embryo. To encourage the raising and improving the breed of sheep for this end would be the most desirable expedient, but might not be sufficient, as it was yet doubtful whether our wool was capable of being rendered fit for the finer fabrics. Premiums

would best promote the domestic, and bounties the foreign supply. The first might be accomplished by an institution to be hereafter submitted. The last required specific legislation. A fund for the purpose of duties could be derived from an addition of two and a half per cent. to the present rate of duty on carpets and carpeting, which might encourage some beginnings already made toward their manufacture at home.

10. SILK-IS produced with great facility in the United States. Some pleasing essays were made in Connecticut. Stockings, handkerchiefs, ribbons and buttons were made, though as yet in small quantities. A manufactory of lace on a scale not very extensive, had been long memorable at Ipswich, in Massachusetts. An exception of the materials from the present duty on importation, and premiums upon the production, to be dispensed under the direction of the institution before alluded to, seem to be the only encouragement advisable at so early a stage.

11. GLASS.-The materials of glass are everywhere found. In the United States, there was no deficiency. The sauds and stones called tarso, which include flinty and crystalline substances generally, and the salts of various plants, particularly of the sea-weed Kali, or Kelp, were the essential ingredients. Fuel was abundant for such manufactures. They however required large capitals and much manual labor. Different manufactures of glass were on foot in the United States, and received considerable encouragement in the duty of two and a half per cent. If more was given, a bounty on window-glass and black bottles would be the most proper. Bottles were an important item in breweries, and a deficiency was complained of.

12. GUNPOWDER.-No small progress had been made of late in the manufacture of this important article. It ought to be considered as already established, but its high importance renders its extension desirable. Its present encouragement was a duty of ten per cent. on the rival article, and the free admission of saltpetre. It would be proper also to exempt sulphur from duty, as little had been as yet produced from internal sources. Its use in finishing the bottoms of ships was a farther reason. To regulate its inspection would also have a favorable tendency.

13. PAPER.-Manufactures of paper were among those which had arrived at the greatest maturity and were most adequate to national supply. Profitable progress had been made in Paper hangings. This branch was adequately protected by the duty on imported articles, in the list of which shooting and cartridge paper were however omitted, and being simple manufactures necessary to military supply, and in shipbuilding, were equally entitled to encouragement with other kinds.

14. PRINTED BOOKS.-The great number of presses in the United States, was sufficient to render us independent of foreign countries for

the printing of the books used in the country. The business would be aided by a duty of ten per cent. instead of five, as now charged. The difference, it was conceived, would have no unfavorable tendency upon the supply of books to families, schools, and other seminaries of learning. With the wealthier classes of professional men, the difference of price would be little felt; but books imported for the use of particular seminaries and public libraries, should be totally exempted. A constant and universal demand for books in general family use, would stimulate to an adequate domestic supply, for which the means were ample, and ultimately would probably cheapen them. To encourage the printing of books would also encourage the manufacture of paper.

15. REFINED SUGAR AND CHOCOLATE-Were among the extensive and prosperous domestic manufactures. Drawbacks of the materials used in cases of exportation, would benefit the manufacturer and conform to the precedent, in the case of molasses, and distilled spirits. Cocoa paid a duty of one cent per pound, while chocolate, which was a prevailing and very simple manufacture, was rated at only five per cent. Two cents per pound on chocolate it was presumed would not be inconvenient.

In regard to the measures thus proposed, it was suggested that although bounties were difficult to manage and liable to frauds, these objections were more than countervailed by their advantages when rightly applied. They had been shown to be indispensable in some cases, particularly in the infancy of new enterprises. They should however be dispensed with great circumspection. They should be confined to regular manufactories and not to incidental or family manufactures. A diminution of revenue might be feared by the arrangements submitted. "But there is no truth which may be more firmly relied upon, than that the interests of the revenue are promoted by whatever promotes an increase of national industry and wealth." The measures proposed would probably for some time to come, rather augment than reduce the public revenue. The additional duties to be laid, should be appropriated in the first instance to replace all defalcations arising from an abolition or diminution of duties pledged for the public debt. The surplus would serve:

First. To constitute a fund for paying the bounties which shall have been decreed. Secondly. To constitute a fund for the operations of a board, to be established for promoting arts, agriculture, manufactures and commerce.

An outline of the plan of this institution, of which different intimations were given in the Report, was briefly as follows

To set apart an annual sum under the management of three or more commissioners, composed of certain officers of government and their suc

cessors.

The commissioners were to apply the fund to defray the expenses of the emigration of artists and manufacturers in particular branches of extraordinary importance; to promote by rewards the prosecution and introduction of useful discoveries, inventions, and improvements; to encourage by honorary and lucrative premiums, the exertions of individuals and classes in relation to objects they were charged with promoting; and to afford such other aids to those objects as may generally be designated by law.

The commissioners to render an annual account of transactions and disbursements. Monies unapplied at the end of three years, to revert to the treasury. They might be authorised to receive voluntary contribu tions for specific objects.

The government, it was conceived, might thus aid in supplying skillful workmen, the want of which, there was reason to believe, had retarded particular manufactures, and in importing and stimulating useful improvements, among which machinery was an important item.

The operation of premiums had been favorably illustrated in the case of certain public and private societies, of which the Pennsylvania Society for the promotion of manufactures and useful arts was an example, although its funds were too limited to produce more than a very small portion of the good to which its principles would have led.1 "It may be confidently affirmed, that there is scarcely any thing which has been devised, better calculated to excite a general spirit of improvement than institutions of this nature. They are truly invaluable."

"In countries where there is great private wealth, much may be effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals; but in a community situated like that of the United States, the public purse must supply the deficiency of private resources. In what can it be so useful as in promoting and improving the efforts of industry?"

The Report of the Secretary, so unequivocal in its principles, and so lucid and ample in its reasoning, created very general satisfaction among the friends of American industry. It infused new energy into many branches of manufactures, and induced the mechanical classes to enlarge and diversify their operations. A disposition too generally prevailed at the time, to ascribe undue influence to the measures of government in

(1) In our first volume we have several times adverted to the influence of this Society, as well as to that of one or two of a kindred character in this country. The premiums, honorary rewards, and other efforts of the London Society, are also fre

quently referred to, and unquestionably exerted much influence upon the progress of Agriculture, Chemistry, Mechanics, and other departments of the useful and fine arts in England and her colonies.