what I have here observed, you must pay attention to him in this respect, and see that he does not wear his clothes improperly or extravagantly. To GEORGE S. WASHINGTON, March 23, 1789. 9 Sparks, 481. 34. AMERICAN MANUFACTURES NOT THE RESULT OF A PROTECTIVE TARIFF. HOUGH I would not force the introduction of manufactures, by extravagant encouragements, and to the prejudice of agriculture, yet I conceive much might be done in that way by women, children, and others, without taking one really necessary hand from tilling the earth. Certain it is, great savings are already made in many articles of apparel, furniture, and consumption. Equally certain it is that no diminution in agriculture has taken place, at the time when greater and more substantial improvements in manufactures were making than were ever before known in America. In Pennsylvania they have attended particularly to the fabrication of cotton cloths, hats, and all articles in leather. In Massachusetts they are establishing factories of duck, cordage, glass, and several other extensive and useful branches. The number of shoes made in one town, and nails in another, is incredible. In that State and Connecticut are also factories of superfine and other broadcloths. I have been writing to our friend General Knox this day to procure me homespun broadcloth of the Hartford fabric, to make a suit of clothes for myself. I hope it will not be a great while before it will be unfashionable for a gentleman to appear in any other dress. Indeed, we have already been too long subject to British prejudices. I use no porter or cheese in my family but such as is made in America. Both those articles may now be purchased of an excellent quality. To the MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE, January 29, 1789. 9 Sparks, 462. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 1. VIRTUE AND HAPPINESS. HERE is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists, in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity. Inaugural Speech to both Houses of Congress, April 30, 1789. 12 Sparks, 4. 2. IMPORTANCE OF OUR EXPERIMENT IN GOVERN MENT. HE preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of the American people. To the same, same date. 12 Sparks, 4. |