Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political

SALT AND IRON.

In case of war or non-intercourse, the supply of these articles, of extensive and indispensible necessity, ought to be provided for by every means, which prudence and foresight can bring into operation. The former has attracted the notice of the general legislature. As it cannot be produced in sufficient abundance at present, by domestic industry and capital, the stern system of embargo will probably be relaxed in order to obtain it; though we are sensible that the intention to renew a duty so productive as that upon salt, must conspire to extort this amelioration from the hard hearts of the majority in congress.

No external gift of heaven to man, exceeds iron in usefulness. It is the instrument for producing most of his comforts and his luxuries. Without it, he could not be formidable in war, nor respectable in peace for the numerous arts, which distinguish civilized society. His sagacity could not, if he was destitute of iron, completely subject to his dominion and render subservient to his use all inferior animals. It may be considered as the ponderous arm, and the delicate hand, by which he moves, modifies, penetrates, and shapes into forms the most useful or the most exquisite, the immense kingdom of inanimate matter.

Yet for this article in its crude or more imperfectly manufactured state we are in some measure indebted to foreign nations. It therefore behoves the state legislatures to encourage its production and manufacture in those sections of our country, where the mineral is to be found, and only awaits the approach of enterprize, to yield an abundant supply.