the one here assigned; and might rather be said to exist in spite of manufactures, than on account of them. In the mean time, the jealousy which has unhappily subsisted between the landed and trading interests has instigated one party to seize upon this too palpable and melancholy fact, and to construe it to suit their own convenience. But whoever would determine the proper and legitimate influence of these arts, and especially as prosecuted by the modern system of factory labor, should visit the Manchester of our own Country, Lowell. He will there find, if I am not deceived, a practical and conclusive refutation of the objection before us.

One of the most interesting and important questions connected with this subject, and one which I intended to have discussed at some length, must be omitted in this place. It is, by what means the growth and cultivation of these arts among a people can be best promoted; whether by the patronage and fostering care of the government, or by means simply of private enterprise. This question has been long and much agitated; the books of the political economists being on one side, and the almost invariable practice of civilized nations on the other. Reasons might be assigned for at least suspecting, that the far-famed speculations of Smith, McCulloch, and their distinguished followers, in defence of what they have invidiously termed free trade, are not altogether untainted by fallacy; and that the charge, especially, which they so often reiterate against the protecting policy, that it is essentially a monopoly, taxing one class for the benefit of another, is unfounded in fact. Reasons might be assigned for the opinion, that these speculations contemplate a state of things which nowhere exists, and that conclusions, drawn under such circumstances, and not according with the judgement or experience of practical men, should be received with much caution. But it may be well, that such discussions should be waived. However cogent may be the arguments in favor of a pro

tecting policy, unless they are likely to prevail with the people of our country, and to secure the firm and consistent administration of such a policy, they may well be spared. Frequent and great changes in the course of the government, on such a question, are much more injurious than entire neglect: and after the legislation of 1833, by which not only an end is to be put to discriminating duties, in 1842, but the power of all future legislatures to lay duties for the protection of domestic industry, or the countervailing of foreign restrictions, is negatived, and in view, too, of the sudden and capricious vicissitudes through which our protecting system has so often been compelled to pass, it may be wise, that the question should rest for a season.

But, if the career of industry, which we have commenced so auspiciously, and prosecuted so nobly, which has enabled us to compete with England, on her own favorite ground, and even to supersede her, in the making of coarse cottons, in the markets of her own Indies; if this career is still to be on the ascendant, it will need, to use the words already quoted, of Washington, the concurrence of virtuous individuals, and the combinations of economical societies, to rely, as much as possible, on the resources of our own country. It will need, that the patriotic determination to prefer American fabrics should become more general and cordial; that our dealers, instead of being compelled to give to domestic goods a British mark, in order to secure a sale, should find that an American stamp is one of the highest recommendations. It will need, that we require, in the products of our looms and workshops, not so much cheapness as excellence; that we encourage the highest order of workmanship, and show that we can appreciate that perfection, towards which all arts ought to aspire. It will be necessary, that we spread among our people juster views of the influence of manufactures; that we contribute, by means of exhibitions and premiums, to awaken emulation, and develope inventive genius; and that we train those, who are to follow these

pursuits, in the theory as well as in the practice of their art. And above all, will it be necessary, that our people become still more preeminent than they now are, for intelligence and morality. One of the greatest advantages which, it is admitted, we enjoy, as a manufacturing people, is in this superiority; in the greater sobriety and mental activity of our workmen. This

superiority we must not only maintain, but, above all, when our arts and manufactures are about to lose the protection of the government, we must be careful to advance it. We must remember, that it is mind, enlightened, refined, awakened, virtuous, mind, which must win the prize; and that, in the race of industry, as in every other, it is righteousness which exalteth a nation, while sin must at length prove the curse of any people.*

* See Appendix, XII.

APPENDIX.

I. PAGE 11.

NATURE AND OBJECTS OF TECHNOLOGY.

THE arts considered generally, in their theory and practice, as connected with moral, political, and physical, science, form the subject of Technology, which now ranks as one of the sciences.

Technology is variously divided; by some writers into higher and lower; by others, into universal and particular.

Higher technology, according to one class of authorities, relates to such arts only, as require a higher degree of knowledge and skill in those who practise them. Such are watchmaking, shipbuilding, &c. According to others, higher technology treats of the connexion of the arts and trades with the political condition of a nation, their influence on civilization, &c. &c.

Universal technology comprehends the principles which apply to all the arts; particular technology teaches the rationale and practical operations of particular arts. Particular technology is subdivided into, 1. The knowledge of raw materials; 2. Instruments and machines; 3. Processes, manipulations, &c.; 4. Manufactured articles, as to quality, &c.

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II. PAGE 11.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE ARTS.

THE arts are classified, sometimes according to the operating powers, or agents, as into mechanical and chemical arts; sometimes, according to the natural derivation of the raw materials, as into animal, vegetable, &c.; sometimes, according to the principal operations employed in them, as spinning, weaving; and sometimes, according to the relation of the products. One or another of these classifications will be found most convenient, according to the special object we have in view. Being more or less arbitrary, they are necessarily imperfect. Beckmann, long eminent as Professor of Technology in the University of Göttingen, founds his division, (as does also Hermbstadt, a German writer of authority,) on the last two principles mentioned above; that is, on operations and products. Poppe, Professor at Frankfort on the Maine, proposes a threefold division, 1. Mechanical arts; 2. Chemical, (wet ;) 3. Chemical, (dry ;) subdividing each into such arts as serve for, 1. Food; 2. Clothing; 3. Dwellings; 4. Comfort; 5. Pleasure. This arrangement was proposed, in order to avoid separating, unnaturally, those things which are nearly related.

I annex, for the satisfaction of the reader, a full classification, proposed by Dr. Ure, in his Philosophy of Manufactures.'

Manufactures are divisible into two great classes, according as they change the external form, or the internal constitution of their raw materials. Hence the distinction of mechanical and chemical arts. Each class may be subdivided into three families, according as it operates on mineral, vegetable, or animal, substances; thus presenting to the student three orders of manu