Virginia Argus

AMERICAN MANUFACTURES.

It is highly pleasing to observe the spirit prevailing in various parts of the U. States, to encourage our internal Manufactures. There is nothing more calculated to check the insolence of foreign Nations, especially England, than a vigorous exertion to furnish ourselves with such articles, as we have too long been in the habit of importing from them. The raw materials within our Country can be more beneficially used at home, than sent abroad to employ the People of other Nations: Our labor can be as useful to ourselves as to them.

The population of the United States, is adequate to all the purposes of Agriculture and Manufactures, if brought into proper operation. But the failure has been, that we have not apportioned the employment of our Citizens to those various branches; but have inconsiderately pursued a Commerce, which has taken so many from our Lands and Looms, that the number remaining has not been adequate to the purposes of carrying on Manufactures to the extent our demands require. In proportion to our population there are double the number within the U. States, engaged in Commerce, and in the common line of store-keeping, &c. : than in any part of Europe. Our seaports are filled with this kind of Traders, and every town in the Country has a large proportion of these retailers of foreign merchandize. Nearly an eighth part of the Citizens are employed, as mere agents to sell the Manufactures of other Nations.

This class of Citizens, it is supposed might pursue a business in the manufacturing branches vastly more lucrative, and equally honorable. A heavy robust man, to sit behind the counter from morning till night, just to attend a few Customers, cannot be profitably employed as if he turned his attention to some more active business in the manufacturing line.

If, instead of such an immense body of mere shopkeeping Traders, we had about a third of the number engaged in the various branches of Manufactures, there is no doubt they would obtain a much better living, than in buying and selling foreign articles.

The price of rents for shops and stores must greatly exceed the hire of large convenient places near the seaports; and by the erection of mills and the use of machines, in a few years, the persons would find themselves well rewarded for their undertaking.

The Cotton Manufactory has become a very extensive and profitable branch of business. The employment of women and children establishes a habit of industry; such children earn a handsome support for their parents, & place themselves in a situation above dependence; when they arrive to years of maturity. How much more beneficial is this employment, both for the children and parents, than to spend 4 or 5 years behind a counter, to learn how to retail articles which they might be able to manufacture themselves.

The spirit of manufacturing, which is spreading with rapidity through the states, has the most happy tendency to place this country in a honorable and independent situation. Those individuals, who have promoted it, are entitled to the thanks of the community. Among this number, none stands more highly deserving of our applause, than Col. Humphreys. This gentleman has done more service to his country, than thousands who presume to claim the patronage of the government for their services.

Such a man deserves the respectful attention of his fellow citizens; not in the mere pageantry of bacchanalian carousals, but in that honorable notice which can assist him in forwarding the great objects he contemplates. He is much more deserving of the veneration of his fellow citizens, than a man who endeavors to discourage the manufactures of his country, by a fantastic display of British foppery, in the full dress of St James!

If one quarter part of the money expended, in getting Governor Gore through the state had been appropriated in promoting Manufactures in the several counties thro' which he has passed it would have produced some lasting advantages : But a mere huzzah and cry about a Governor, who has not given one instance of his attachment to Manufactures, is but a poor empty show, unworthy the character of American freemen.-Boston Chronicle.