Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Amidst the irregularities that have for some time past ruffled the peace of Massachusetts, where there have been nearly as many legislators as conventions, who proceeded so far as to suspend the courts of justice, the genius of America seems to have recovered from the lethargy in which she has so long been fatally entranced. The governor, lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, sixty members of that body, and several other gentlemen, have entered into an agreement, and signed a resolution to prevent as far as possible, the importation of foreign, and encourage domestic manufactures.

From every appearance, there is strong ground to hope that associations of a like nature, will be generally adopted in that state. That they may become general, is all that is requisite to dispel the clouds that have so long overspread and obscured America's political horizon. For, as has been frequently observed, to her own impolicy and infatuation, is she indebted for her present (it is to be hoped, temporary) distress. Excessive importations have been the quick-sand whereon she has struck, and whereon her very existence is in danger. Excessive importations fostered luxury—fostered dissipation—fostered idleness. Excessive importations drained and still continue to drain away her specie.

The articles she has a real necessity to import from Europe, are very few, and form but a small counterbalance for her wheat—rice—Indian-corn—flour—meal—tobacco—indigo—lumber—skins &c. &c. which the West-Indies and Europe cannot dispense with, and which would always command a good market, and a favourable balance of trade.

Should the fortunate—the auspicious day arrive—when either federal policy, or the virtue of individual states, shall circumscribe the imports of America within the limits of real necessity, then would this country enjoy a degree of happiness and prosperity, as she now does of true liberty, for which the world has long wished—but of which it has never seen a parallel.

That federal policy should produce this salutary effect, is 'a consummation devoutly to be wished.' But it is rather to be wished and hoped for than expected at present. Public virtue then should exert itself. Let associations similar to the above mentioned be set on foot in every state. Let idleness, extravagance, and luxury, be discountenanced—Let premiums be offered for the advancement of such manufacturers as may stand in need of them—and let all ranks of people, inspired with the Amor Patriae, join in a manly—patriotic exertion to avert the impending difficulties of their country.