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fort, and power, in proportion as the raw material is pro- not denied that the petitioners had just cause for complaint. duced more abundantly, more cheaply, and more perfectly. It was admitted that they were entitled to be put, in our That nation which is practically acquainted with the ma- own markets, on the same footing as the foreign manufac nufacture, properties, and uses of iron, more than any turer, and that this could only be done by establishing "a other, is the most civilized, the wisest, the most powerful, just proportion between the duties upon bar iron and and enjoys more of the comforts of human existence than those upon hardware;" yet, because a reduction of the any other, other advantages being equal." Indeed, when duty on the raw material was the remedy suggested by we consider all the diversified and important uses to which the petitioners, no attempt was made to afford them relief. iron is applied in the various pursuits of life; its almost Under all these discouragements, the committee cannot miraculous influence in enlarging the bounds of science, but admire the manly spirit which has induced the peti extending the powers and promoting the happiness of the tioners once more to come before Congress, with a comhuman race, endowing man with an almost supreme do- plete vindication of themselves from all the imputations minion over the elements, and enabling him to compel which have been attempted to be thrown upon them, with them to minister to his wants and his comforts, we are almost a clear and satisfactory statement of their grievances, and tempted to believe that it is the mighty instrument, put a full and conclusive refutation of all the arguments which into our hands by a wise and merciful Providence, to con- have heretofore been urged against their claims. Regard vert the primeval curse into the greatest of blessings. ing this petition as one of the ablest and most valuable doWith this brief view of the importance of the subject, cuments which has of late been issued from the American the committee will proceed to the consideration of the case press, the committee would specially invite the attention of the petitioners. It appears that, in March, 1828, while of the Senate to it, as a complete and satisfactory exposi the tariff of that year was before Congress, the black- tion of the whole merits of the question. Indulging in no smiths of Philadelphia presented their petition, setting speculations, building up no new theories, the petitioners forth the oppressive and unequal operation of the then ex- have, as practical men, brought the maxims of sound comisting duties upon iron, and pointing out the injurious ef- mon sense and the lessons of experience to the chicidation fects that would necessarily result from the proposed in- of the case before them, and have deduced conclusions crease of those duties. They even then complained "that which, in the opinion of the committee, are absolutely they found themselves completely shut out of our own irresistible. market by laws which they were told were made for their It appears from the petition, (which is fully supported protection," that they were "precluded from participat- by the statement of John Sarchet, one of the petitioners,) ing in the supply of the West Indian and South American that English common iron, the material used almost exmarkets, which they could supply in many articles, if they clusively in the manufacture of hardware, was selling in could obtain iron at a reasonable price;" that "their busi-England, at the latest advices, at £5 5s. sterling, equal to ness was more depressed than most, if not all others;" and, $23 33 per ton, the duty on which, at $37 per ton, is tracing these evils to the abandonment of the principle equal to 159 per cent.; that the price of smaller sizes of that the duty on the raw material should never exceed the same iron (such as half inch and under) was £6 58. that on the manufactured article," they earnestly prayed sterling, equal to $27 75 per ton, the duty on which, at "that the duty on all descriptions of iron manufactured $78 40 per ton, amounts to 2823 per cent.

It is of this

by rolling should be twenty-five per centum ad valorem, latter description of iron that hardware is chiefly mant the same as the duty on hardware." Regardless, how-factured; and the petitioners declare themselves unable ever, of these remonstrances, the tariff of 1828 became a to conceive what could have led the framers of the law; and it is certainly worthy of remark, that, while the law, by this discrimination, to give such a decided monoprotection of American industry was the known and avow-poly to the manufacturers of hardware and ironmongery at ed object of that law, not a single provision was introduced Sheffield and Birmingham." An answer to the question may in favor of the blacksmiths, justly claiming to be consider-probably be found in the suggestion contained in the report ed "as the most useful mechanics in the world;" but, on of the Committee on Manufactures, that "there are rolling the contrary, new and still more onerous burdens were mills which have been in operation for several years in the imposed upon them, by adding seven dollars a ton to the county of Morris, in the State of New Jersey, and else already exorbitant duty upon bar iron, while the duty on where, where common bar iron may be converted into hardware was suffered to remain at twenty-five per cen- bars and bolts of the smaller size, at a small expense." It tum ad valorem. In the year 1830, the petitioners, hav-is stated by the blacksmiths, however, that some of them ing, by the further experience of two years, realized more have actually paid to the American manufacturers 25 dolfully the grievous operation of this system upon their em- lars a ton for rolling iron of one inch and under into fiveployments, came again to Congress with another humble eighths of an inch, and from the same sizes into half an inch petition, setting forth the cruel operation of these laws 30 dollars a ton; while the whole cost of the former to upon their industry; complaining that they had been treat- the manufacturer of hardware in Great Britain is only ed with the most cruel injustice, and as "if they were $23 33 per ton, and of the latter $27 77, whereby the not members of the same political family;" pointing out British manufacturer is enabled to import the same into the manifest inequality of a specific duty amounting to the United States, in the form of hardware, (duty includ from one hundred and forty to two hundred and fifty per ed,) at from $28 83 to $55 39 per ton, "the discrimina cent. on that kind of iron out of which hardware is made, ting duty in favor of the British manufacturers being, on while an ad valorem duty of only twenty-five per cent. was all sizes of iron over half an inch, $31 50, and on half-inch imposed upon the manufactured article--thus operating $70 77," the duties on hardware manufactured of the against them as a double lever, from the duty on hardware smaller sizes of iron being only one-cleventh of what they rising and falling with the price of iron, while that on iron are on iron as a raw material, and on hardware made of was specific and stationary;" and concluding with an ear- larger sizes about one-sixth. In illustration of the practi nest prayer "that they might be put on the same footing, cal effect of these unequal duties, several cases are stated in our own markets, with the foreign manufacturer, by a by the petitioners, and specimens of the various descripreduction of the duty on the raw material to an equality tions of hardware, as well as of the material of which they with that upon the hardware." This petition met the were severally made, have been exhibited to the commit same fate as that which had preceded it. The case of the tee. From these statements it appears that, under the expetitioners was indeed examined by the Committee on isting rate of duties, a ton of hammers and sledges can be Manufactures; and, in a report made to the Senate, it was imported, (nay, it appears from the last Treasury report

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that they have actually been imported,) "for the use of have regarded the mechanics no more than if they were the American manufacturer of those very articles," at a nonentities." It would, indeed, seem as if the tariff had less cost than the bar iron of which they are made. Wheel been framed by a combination of interests, from whose tire has actually been imported in a finished state for about counsels the hard working, honest, and industrious me$47 17, while bar iron, suitable for this purpose, is selling chanics had been entirely excluded. It would almost apat about 90 dollars a ton, more than double the price of pear that the joint stock companies, the large capitalists, what it costs when imported in a manufactured state. the owners of woollen and cotton factories, ("those lords Frying and dripping pans, both in part and in whole ma- of the spindle and the loom,") and the wealthy iron masters, nufactured, are now, and ever have been, imported, duties (all ably represented in the national councils,) have been and all other charges included, at a less price than the looking only to their own interests, while the mechanic cost of sheet iron. Tea trays, of large sizes, made of deu- and the laboring man have been overlooked and disreble rolled sheet iron, with one coat of paint or japan, can garded. It has, no doubt, often happened, that honest be imported, duties and all other charges included, at $83 72 and hard working men (unskilled in "the mysterious a ton, while the iron required for the same purposes is trade" of enriching themselves at the expense of others) selling at double the price, say 160 to 170 dollars a ton. have found themselves pressed down by this system of Wire, No. 18, is imported, which cost (duty included at indirect taxation, though unable to discover the secret 10 cents a pound) 389 dollars a ton, while a ton of knit-springs of that grand machine (miscalled the American ting needles, of the same material, costs (duty included) system) by which all their efforts are paralyzed-a system only $246 37, being $143 63 a ton less than the cost in the artfully contrived "to make the rich richer," while it United States of the material of which they are made, humbles in the very dust the best hopes of those whose whereby a protection to that amount is given to the fo-hard hands and honest hearts" entitle them to the reign manufacturer of knitting needles. Hammered nails, grateful consideration of their country. which now pay the exorbitant duty of five cents per pound,' Mr. Sarchet tells us that he has been engaged for thirtyare, nevertheless, almost exclusively imported, on ac-five years in the blacksmith's business; that he has travelcount of the enormous duty on nail rods, whereby a dif- led extensively, and seen much of the world; but “that ference in point of cost is created between the English he has never seen any blacksmiths so poor, or carrying on and American raw material for the manufacture of nails, of a less prosperous business, than those in the United States $1 20 in every 100 pounds. Hoops, for water and other at this time; which is owing, as he believes, to the high descriptions of casks, can be imported, duties and charges duty which they are compelled to pay on iron." included, at $57 a ton, being $21 40 less than the duty on The committee forbear from making any further rethe raw material of which they are made. marks on the manifest inequality and injustice of the

In the petition of the journeymen blacksmiths, it is fur-existing duties, and they do this the more readily, since, ther stated, "that, previous to the additional duty on bar whatever difference of opinion may prevail as to the preiron by the act of 1828, and the fall on iron in Great cise extent of the evil complained of, there is and can be Britain, about the same time, they were enabled to sup-none as to its existence, or as to the just claims of the peport their families decently and comfortably, with a pros-titioners to redress. The petitioners have insisted that it pect of giving some education to their children; but the is absolutely necessary that a "due proportion" should be causes above mentioned have nearly driven the produce of observed between the duties on the raw material and the their own industry out of the market." The means by which manufactured article; and as the Committee on Manufacthis result has been produced are clearly set forth and ex-tures, in their report made last year to the Senate, have plained in their petition, and fully illustrated by Mr. recognised the correctness of this principle, it only reSarchet in his statement, (to both of which the committee mains to be considered by what means this due proportion beg leave to refer,) from which it manifestly appears can be obtained. The petitioners insist that this can only that a ton of chain cables can now be imported into this be accomplished by a reduction of the existing duty on country at a less cost than the rods out of which they are the raw material, while the Committee on Manufactures made, whereby the petitioners, who have been for many contend that it can be best effected by a corresponding years employed in the manufacture of chain cables, have increase of the duties on hardware. In proceeding to the been brought to the very brink of ruin. examination of this question, the committee cannot refrain from the expression of their admiration of the enlightened and liberal views which seem to have governed the petitioners on this occasion. With a magnanimity worthy of all praise, they have scorned to relieve themselves from unjust and unequal burdens, by attempting to throw them upon the shoulders of others, and have firmly and manfully resisted all the temptations held out to them "to ask" that their industry should be protected by the imposition upon others of the same exorbitant duties of which they have so justly complained.*

From these and many other examples, it appears, that, whether we have reference to bar iron paying a duty of thirty-seven dollars a ton, or sheet and hoop iron, nail rods, and round or square iron of half an inch and under, all paying a duty of seventy-eight dollars and forty cents per ton, or wire paying from six to ten cents per pound, the result in each particular case will be the same, making it, consequently, always cheaper to import the above descriptions of iron in a manufactured than in a raw state," thus, of course, depriving the American artisans of employment, which result is produced, not from the The committee could not forbear from doing this justice duty upon hardware being too low, (for these duties ave- to the wisdom and the virtue which have enabled the petirage about thirty-five per cent.) but from the exorbitant tioners to discern the true policy of the country, and to duty on iron, averaging from one hundred and fifty-nine rise superior to all temptation. In the examination which to two hundred and eighty-two and three-fourths per cent. they have made of this subject, the committee have been The case, when thus plainly stated, carries with it its forcibly struck with the sound and conclusive reasons own best commentary, and renders argument unnecessary. which the petitioners have adduced in support of the Well might the petitioners inquire how it has happened position, that a low duty on the raw material is the only that a law so oppressive, unequal, and unjust, could have just and effectual means by which American manufactures found its way into our statute book, or been suffered to can receive a wholesome encouragement; that the "due remain there one moment after its true character had been

fully exposed. It will be for the country to say whether In the report of the Committee on Manufactures, it is stated "that the true answer has not been given by Mr. Sarchet, when the committee are of opinion that there should be a just proportion be he says, "that, in the duties heretofore imposed on iron,tween the duties upon bar iron and those upon hardware, but that this proportion can be most properly attained by increasing the duty upon the iron masters have only considered themselves, and hardware, &c. But this it seems the petitioners do not ask or wish."

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proportion" which all admit ought to be preserved be- equal, it is believed, on an average, to forty dollars on tween the duty on the raw material and that on the manu- every hundred dollars' worth of iron which he consumes. factured article, can, in this instance, only be attained An abundant supply of cheap iron, while it would give a by a reduction of the duty on the former; and that such a new impulse to the industry of our mechanics, would supmeasure, whilst it would duly encourage the American ply the wants of all other classes of our fellow-citizens, by mechanics, and lessen the tax upon consumers, would not furnishing a better article, and at a cheaper rate. The be injurious to the owners of the rich and valuable iron foreign, added to the domestic competition, would bring mines of the United States; and, so far from diminishing down the prices of bar iron, as well as of hardware, to the resources of the country, that such a measure would the lowest rate at which they could be furnished. Iron add greatly to the comforts of the people, and promote would be much more generally used, and every man in their prosperity in peace, and security in war. Nothing the country would be relieved from a portion of the taxes can be more obvious than the position assumed by the pe- which he now bears. And why, let us ask, should this titioners, that, to preserve this "due proportion," the blessing not be bestowed upon the people? Because it is same protection must be afforded to their industry that is feared that the profits of the iron masters would be lesextended to the iron masters: but as the latter has been sened; that, possibly, a few iron mines would be thrown shown (according to the statement of the blacksmiths) to out of use, and the supply of American iron be diminishbe equal to from one hundred and fifty-nine to two hun-ed. That a diminution in the price of iron might cause a dred and eighty-two per cent., it follows that the duties few worn out and worthless mines (forced into existence, upon hardware must be augmented to an amount which and sustained by the bounty) to be given up, and might, would not only be manifestly unjust, but altogether im- in some instances, lessen the profits of the iron masters, practicable.

is not improbable; but that the rich mines of Pennsylva The committee believe, with the petitioners, that if such nia, or of the Western country, would be abandoned, the exorbitant duties could be imposed upon hardware, so committee cannot bring themselves to believe. Most of far from benefiting any class of the community, it would these mines, it has been shown, are out of the reach of tend to introduce smuggling and evasions of the revenue, foreign competition. They were profitably worked beand lead extensively to the substitution of hemp, leather, fore the revolution, and flourished under a protecting duty wood, and other cheap materials, for the iron which is now of only five per cent. The fresh impulse that would be used. It is the interest of every nation to introduce iron given to the industry of the country, the increase in the as extensively as possible into the consumption of the consumption of iron, and the consequent enlargement of people, because it is, of all known materials, the strongest, the demand, would, it is most confidently believed, prothe most durable, and capable of being applied to the duce a corresponding increase in the production of our greatest variety of uses. All experience has shown that mines; while the great addition to the number, and conseexactly in proportion to the low rate of duty, and consequent improvement in the skill, of our artisans and mequent cheapness of the raw material, is the general use of chanics, would enlarge, in an equal degree, the resources this article. In this respect the present condition of of the country in peace and in war. In every view of the England and France furnishes an admirable commentary subject, therefore, the committee is satisfied that the relief on the impolicy of the protecting system, when applied to prayed for by the petitioners, while it is essential to save an article of such primary necessity, and which contributes them from impending ruin, can be afforded not only withso essentially to the comfort, prosperity, and improvement out injury to others, but with entire safety to the country, of the people. It is stated, that, in consequence of the and to the great and lasting benefit of the whole commumoderate duty and low price of iron in England, the con-nity. Under this strong conviction, the committee would sumption of iron in that country, in comparison with that not hesitate to report a bill for the relief of the petitionof France, (where the protecting system has been carried crs, but that the few days which now remain of the ses to the utmost extent,) is (in proportion to population) as sion must preclude all hope of such a measure being acted thirteen to one; and we learn from the most authentic on at this time. They content themselves, therefore, sources, that the consequence is every where to be traced with submitting the whole subject to the favorable conin the more highly improved state of agriculture and the sideration of Congress, with a distinct expression of the mechanic arts throughout Great Britain, while in France approbation of the committee of the general views of the the eye is every where offended by the rude machinery petitioners, and the hope that the blacksmiths and workers and coarse implements of husbandry which the people are in iron throughout the United States will not be discou constrained by the impolicy of their laws to use. In Eng-raged by their repeated failures to obtain justice; but that land, the low duty has greatly enlarged the consumption of iron, and increased the production of their mines, while in France the high duties have produced directly the contrary results.

Every dictate of justice, and every consideration of sound policy, therefore, combine in bringing the committee to the conclusion that the petitioners are entitled to relief; and they are convinced that this relief can only be afforded by reducing the duty on raw iron, as prayed for in the petition-a measure which, they are satisfied, would be attended with the happiest consequences to the whole community. By reducing the duty on raw iron, this material, and every article of hardware, could be furnished to the consumers at a more moderate price. By the law as it now stands, every farmer in the country pays a tax

It appears from the statement of Mr. Sarchet, that while there are one hundred thousand mechanics and workers in iron in the Unite

ed States, there are probably not more than eleven thousand persons in all, employed in preparing and making bar iron, and that this in cludes wood choppers, coal burners, &c. &c., and that of this number three-fifths are employed in the country, out of the reach of competi tion. Mr. Sarchet supposes that not more than three thousand of this number are mechanics; and, to give them employment, one hundred thousand blacksmiths are oppressed, and the addition of fifty thousand to the number prevented. From an ciaborate statement and calcula tion, contained in the petition, (to which the commitice beg kace to the United States is 116,344 tons; that, of this quantity, 81,344 to refer,) it also appears, that the whole annual consumption of iron in of foreign, and 35,000 tons of American iron; that of these 55,000 tons, only 17,000 reach the seaboard. Frem this statement, it also appears, that, of rolled iron, ten-elevenths were imported in the manu factured, and only onc-eleventh in the raw state; that the American manufactured bar iron, which comes to the seaboard, compared with the foreign, is in the proportion of one to nine-10,000 tons (according to the report of the Committee on Manufactures, made to the House of Representatives in 1828,) being the whole amount, including every de scription of iron which is brought from the interior to the seabeard. And it is (say the petitioners) for the protection of this inconsidera ble quantity of American iron," that the duties complained of have

* Mr. Sarchet states, "that, if he could get his iron free of duty, he would contract to furnish cut nails at 34 cents per pound: they now sell for 54 cents. He would make wrought nails at an amount less by the duty, that is to say, at 5 cents less than the present price." Similar reductions in price would probably be produced in most descrip- been imposed. tions of hardware. Mr. Sarchet estimates that, of "the 47,000 tons In support of this statement, Mr. Sarchet refers to the testimony of hardware now annually imported, 35,000 tons would be manufac- of the iron masters, taken before the Committee on Manufactures tured in this country." the House of Representatives, in 1828.

Workers in Iron.

they will again bring forward their claims before Congress at their next session, in a shape calculated to command the attention of that body, and to ensure the blacksmiths a "happy issue” out of all their difficulties.

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT.

[21st CoNG. 2d SESS.

only say that it is a censure which they are perfectly willing to share with the petitioners, and with the great mas ters of the science of political economy, whose labors have enlightened the world. The notion that "high duties reduce prices," and, at the same time, afford protection to the domestic manufacturer, involves a paradox too gross to be believed by any one not blinded by interest, or laborSince the above report was prepared by the committee, ing under what the committee must consider as a most a memorial has been referred to them, signed by a large extraordinary delusion. It is an idea resting, as far as the number of "the citizens of the city and county of Phila- committee can perceive, on no better foundation than the delphia, engaged in the manufacture of iron, and of those great reduction in prices which has taken place of late friendly to the production of it in this country;" and six years in all descriptions of manufactures--a reduction incopies of the same, signed by a number of the citizens of fluenced by other causes than the operation of a tariff of New Jersey, have also been referred to them. This me-protection, as is fully proved from the fact that it has exmorial, it appears, has been "got up" in opposition to tended indiscriminately to every part of the civilized world, the foregoing petition of the blacksmiths, the statements and has been produced in at least an equal degree upon and arguments of which it strongly controverts; and the articles which have received no protection. How it is memorialists conclude with "a deprecation of any reduc- possible that the high duty on iron should have reduced tion of the present rate of duties upon iron." The com- the prices, and be calculated to reduce them still further, mittee have bestowed on these memorials that respectful while it is asserted that "a removal of the duties would attention which is due to the representations of every be the entire destruction of every iron establishment in portion of their fellow-citizens. They have examined the the United States," is to the committee utterly incompreground assumed by the blacksmiths, and, having compared hensible. With respect to the sarcasms in which the petithe reasoning urged on both sides of the question, are tioners have indulged in reference to Mr. Sarchet, who is satisfied that there exist no such errors, either in the facts stigmatized as a “foreigner from the island of Guernsey, or arguments relied on by the blacksmiths, as to shake the laboring under the most violent of all prejudices-an confidence of the committee in the soundness of their English prejudice," the committee feel themselves, in views, or the correctness of their conclusions. Having justice to Mr. Sarchet, bound to declare that they have already occupied so much space in presenting their views never, in the whole course of their experience, come of this question, they will now only advert to a few topics across an individual possessed of more practical knowledge introduced into this memorial, which seem to require com- of the subject, of clearer or more liberal views, freer from ment. With regard to the surprise expressed by the prejudice of any description, or more entitled to implicit memorialists, that, after such "decisive acts of the last confidence. Though a native of the island of Guernsey, session of Congress," in relation to the claims of the he has resided for near thirty years in the United States, blacksmiths, an attempt should be again made, by the during the whole of which period he has been distinguishsame individuals, "to disturb the interests of the iron ed for his industry, intelligence, and probity. manufacturers," the committee feel themselves compelled But, whatever may be the demerits of Mr. Sarchet, it to declare, that, even if Congress had adopted the most will not be pretended that the three hundred American decisive acts in reference to these claims, it would furnish mechanics, who, by joining in the petition, have given no just ground, either of surprise or complaint, that Ame- their sanction to its contents, are not as much entitled to rican citizens, believing themselves to be aggrieved, should respect and confidence as the memorialists themselves; continue to urge their just claims while any hope of relief nor can the country fail to see the very different ground shall remain. The "decisive acts" alluded to, however, on which the parties to this controversy stand; the one consisted merely in a report of the Committee on Manu- claiming for their industry nothing but freedom from refactures, which never received the sanction of either straint, and the other asking for protection; the former branch of Congress. When it is asserted that the object seeking only relief from oppression, and the latter insistof the blacksmiths is "to withdraw the protection extend- ing on securing to themselves the fruits of that oppression. ed to the manufacturers of iron," to "build up a new There is a wide difference, too, in the reliance to be placed fabric on its ruins," and to deprive this country of the in their respective statements, (without intending to imonly mode by which a supply of cheap iron can be pro- peach the character of any of the parties.) The blackcured, it is manifest that the memorialists have not under-smiths, in pointing out the inequality of the existing duties stood either the true objects of the petitioners, or the upon raw and manufactured iron, speak from their own means by which it is proposed to attain them. It is impos- personal experience, and a thorough practical knowledge sible to conceive that the petitioners could have any other of the subject, while the memorialists have candidly acobject in view than that which they have avowed, viz. the knowledged that they are not sufficiently conversant securing an abundant supply of cheap iron: for it is by with the details of the subject to judge whether or not this, and this alone, that they can ever be enabled to enter there exists a just proportion between the duties upon into successful competition with British workmen "in the bar iron and those upon hardware." manufacture of the various articles of hardware;" and if The allusions to "English prejudices," &c. &c. which this be a "new business," it is one that cannot, in the run through the memorial, cannot be misunderstood. They opinion of the committee, be entered upon too soon, or are the appeals too often and too successfully made to that prosecuted too earnestly; and, whatever may be the views very prejudice which the memorialists affect to condemn. of the petitioners, the committee can hardly imagine an "American industry" is the delusive phrase artfully emobject of greater "national importance," than to raise up, ployed by those who choose to consider their own industry by the operation of a system of just and equal laws, which as exclusively American, and who attempt to conceal, unshall leave labor free to seek its own employment, a band der the mask of patriotism, an exclusive devotion to their of hardy and industrious mechanics and artisans, consti- own peculiar interests. The true American system, in the tuting, as they must, the strength and pride of their coun- estimation of the committee, consists in free trade and untry, and who, if they cannot present themselves with restricted industry; and they cannot bring themselves for "clean hands," will assuredly come with pure and honest one moment to believe that the capital and industry emhearts. If these men have justly incurred censure in sup- ployed in the fabrication of cotton and woollen cloths, or posing that cheap iron would be more certainly obtained in digging iron ore from the mines, are more strictly Ameby enlarging the field of competition, the committee can rican than that employed in raising cotton or wool, in

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building ships, carrying on commerce, or even converting smiths, and that, with regard to such as they have contrairon into hardware. Nor can they bring themselves to dicted, they have not succeeded in maintaining their believe that either of these interests is more entitled to positions. Take, for example, their estimate of the quanprotection than the others, or that any of them can have tity of iron now annually produced in the United States. the smallest claim upon the country, except that their By a conjectural estimate, founded on no satisfactory data, labor and capital should be left free to seek their own em- they have assumed that 120,000 tons of iron are now anployment, and to secure their own reward, without being nually produced in this country; but when the Committee burdened with unnecessary taxes. on Manufactures of the House of Representatives made a The complaint made against the repeated applications personal examination" of this subject in 1828, calling to Congress to reduce the duties, "as one of the devices before them experienced iron masters, they could not ob employed to impede the progress and extension of the tain information of more than 30,000 tons; and Mr. Sarchet manufacture of iron in this country," is so manifestly un- informs us that a gentleman, who not long since travelled founded and unjust, that the committee are only induced through the United States, for the express purpose of asto notice it as a manifestation of "the temper and spirit" certaining the truth on the subject, estimated the whole which animate the petitioners on this occasion. It is alto-production at only 35,000 tons; and yet the memorialists gether inconceivable that the mechanics and workers in have not hesitated to put down at a venture the quantity of iron could have the least desire, much less "employ de- iron made in the United States at 120,000 tons. The comvices" of any kind, to prevent the production of cheap mittee will not pretend to decide the question, but certainly iron in this country, since their own interest, as well as the weight of authority is against the memorialists. The the welfare of their country, is alike to be promoted by committee are sensible that they have already consumed obtaining the largest supplies of this material, and at the too much time on this subject, and they will therefore cheapest rates. It may be true that these repeated appli- conclude with the expression of a decided opinion that the cations "create alarm in those already concerned in the iron masters, and others concerned in these petitions, have iron mines," and it would no doubt be extensively grati-presented no new facts, and urged no arguments, that fying to them to be allowed to consider "the faith of the shake the positions assumed by the blacksmiths, or which Government" as so far "pledged" to this system of pro-go to show that a reduction of the duty on raw iron ought tection as not to suffer its stability ever to be questioned. not to take place. But the petitioners may be assured, that, so long as this system is felt by a large and respectable portion of their fellow-citizens as a burden unjustly imposed upon them for the benefit of the manufacturers of iron, so long will At a meeting of the select committee of the Senate, to the applications for its modification continue to be urged whom was referred the petition of certain citizens of Phiwith untiring energy and zeal. It may be worthy of their ladelphia, "mechanics employed in various branches of consideration, therefore, whether it would not be to their the manufacture of iron," praying for a reduction of the advantage to obtain that "security and permanence" for duty on the raw material used in the various branches of their establishments, which they consider as "essential to their manufacture, John Sarchet, one of the petitioners, their success," by consenting, at once, to such a reasona- was called before the committee, and, on his examination, ble reduction of the duty as would remove all just grounds said: That he is a chain and anchor manufacturer, and for future complaint; and it may be also worthy of their generally engaged in the ship-smithing business, in Philaconsideration, as patriotic citizens, whether they ought delphia, where he has carried on that business for the last not even to make some sacrifices to that spirit of discon- six years. He has been for thirty-five years engaged in tent which so extensively prevails throughout the United the blacksmith's business; has resided in Pennsylvania for States in reference to this system. The appeal which the the last fourteen years, and is well acquainted with the memorialists have made, in order to enlist other interests course of the iron business there.

John Sarchet's statement, January 31, 1831.

The effect of the adin their cause, by suggesting that the mechanics' petition ditional duty of $7 a ton, imposed by the tariff of 1828 on has been got up for the purpose of destroying the whole rolled iron, was most severely felt by the workers in iron. system of a protecting policy, and that it lays the axe to It amounted to an addition of twenty per cent. on some the root of the entire system," contains a clear develop-qualities of iron in which they worked: he alludes to Engment of the plan by which this system is maintained, which lish common iron. [The witness here produced spec all admit to be extremely imperfect, and, in many of its mens of several descriptions of iron manufactures, and parts, grossly oppressive and unjust. It is a system main- also of the raw material of which they were made. The tained by a combination, founded on the mutual support first consisted of two iron bars, the one punched for railof what is called an "entire system," but which is in fact roads, and the other plain, of the like quality; the next a a mere collection of exorbitant duties, indiscriminately chain, and a piece of the iron rod out of which it was imposed on raw materials and manufactured articles, with- made.] The witness then stated that the duty on the out any method or system whatever--a combination which bar, thus prepared for railroads, was, when laid, twentyresists all modification or improvement, which seeks to five per centum ad valorem; the cost of such iron in shut out inquiry, and would ever stifle complaint. As the England, at the cash cargo price, was £5 58.; and £5 10s. memorialists have quoted the opinion of the President of at six months. In Wales, Staffordshire iron was worth the United States on one branch of this subject, we will 108. a ton more. The expense of punching it was about quote, for their instruction, his opinion on the very point 25s. a ton; equal, at the usual rate of exchange, to $550. now under consideration. In his opening message to Con- The fair average price in this country, therefore, of this gress, the President specially warns us against that desire punched iron, would be about $50 a ton; while the cost of to sustain a general system," by "purchasing the sup- the plain bars, out of which it was made, would be about port of different interests;" and strongly denounces "those $70 a ton. The first cost being £5 58., and the duty $37 acts of majorities, founded not on an identity of convic- a ton, it followed, therefore, that railroad iron could be tion, but in a combination of small minorities, entered into for the purpose of mutual assistance in measures which, resting only on their own merits, could never be carried." The committee are inspired with fresh confidence in the correctness of the views they have taken on this subject, from the fact that the memorialists have not attempted to contradict any of the material facts stated by the black- a

imported at $20 a ton cheaper than the bar iron out of which it is made; and it is, therefore, impossible to prepare railroad iron in this country now.

Since the year 1828, there has been a fall in the price of iron in England, from £8 to £5 10s. a ton, which has operated to increase the duty, in consequence of its being specific duty. Hammered iron is made in England, and

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