Kentucky Gazette

KENTUCKY GAZETTE.

"True to his charge--

He comes, the Herald of a noisy world;

News from all nations lumb'ring at his back."

LEXINGTON. SATURDAY, OCT. 11,

MEETING OF THE "KENTUCKY SOCIETY For the Encouragement of Domestic Manufactures."

A stated meeting was held in town on Monday last. The President of the Society, the Chairman of the Corresponding Committee, and a number of the members, appeared in home-manufactured vestures, demonstrative, by their cheapness and elegance, of the policy, to individuals as well as to the nation, of using and fostering the fabrics of our own skill and workmanship, in preference to becoming the debtors of foreign countries for the very clothes which we wear. The society has already increased to sixty-five members; and if these should exert their influence, and adhere to the use of domestic wearing apparel, much good may be accomplished in a few years.

But considering the general disposition which prevails among the professional, farming, and mechanical interests, practically to discard the exclusive use of foreign fabrics, we have no doubt that the Society will rapidly add to its numbers, and that it is the foundation of an extensive though gradual revolution in the habits and trade of our state. We are sorry to perceive the mercantile interest generally so hostile to the encouragement of domestic manufactures. The country will always require as many merchants to vend and trade in its own manufactures, as if it were to purchase only foreign goods. The mercantile profit on the former will always be more certain than on the latter. Where are there more merchants, or where is the interest of this respectable class of mankind more promoted, than in England, the greatest manufacturing country in the world? The idea is fallacious, and is the result of a want of forecast, that the merchants will be essentially injured by the general use of home manufactures. It would, therefore, be sound policy and patriotism in these gentlemen to countenance and promote the spirit, which would cultivate and cherish our internal resources for the comforts of good clothing, and render us as independent of Europe for these, as we now are for the means of subsistence.

Mr. Barry, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported a constitution for the government of the Society. After discussion and amendment, it was unanimously concurred in.

Mr. Barry, from the Corresponding Committee, also made a neat report in support of the objects of the Society; which was recommitted to the same committee, for revision and publication, with instructions to prepare an address to the public, soliciting their co-operation in the promotion of our designs.

Robert Wickliffe, Esq. was re-elected President of the Society; General Bodley first Vice President; Captain B. Gaines second Vice President; John Norvell Secretary; Dr. Joseph Buchanan Vice-Secretary; W. Macbean Treasurer; and Mr. Barry, Mr. Macbean, Mr. Cowan, Dr. Buchanan, and John Norvell, Corresponding Committee.

The Society adjourned, to meet again on the first Monday in January next; when it is hoped that every member will appear in a dress of domestic manufacture.