1830.] REPORT ON AGRICULTURE. 411 markets. The sugar of Louisiana and Florida, superior to those of even tropical climes, will soon be equal to our entire consumption, and the day cannot be distant when the vine, the olive, and the mulberry, will reward the labors of the American husbandmen, and swell the amount of American exports. than the first plantation of the mulberry, formed in the person, he does not feel the restraints of Government. royal garden of the Tuilleries, at the commencement of The fertility and cheapness of the land invite the hand the 17th century, by the command of Henry IV. From of industry navigable rivers, penetrating far into the this great nursery the mulberry was quickly propagat-interior, aided by canals and artificial roads, formed and ed over the entire kingdom; ample subsistence was pro-forming by the enterprise of the people, present facilivided for the silk-worm; edifices were erected for their ties, never surpassed for bearing the production of the propagation; persons competent to instruct his subjects soil to distant markets; the varieties of soil and climate in the art of rearing worms and manufacturing the mato be found upon her ample surface not only favor the terial which they furnished, were sought for and em- cultivation of native products, but encourage the adopThe American cotton has ployed; success crowned his efforts; established habits tion of esteemed exotics. were overcome; prejudice yielded to the force of dem-long maintained an uncontested superiority in foreign onstration; national industry was directed into a new and profitable channel; millions, which before were sent abroad, were retained at home; and a rich material was provided for the manufacturers of France, not liable to the contingencies of foreign wars, and which could not be cut off by foreign rivalry. The value of the mulberry, thus wisely introduced, may be inferred from the statements of a writer, of established credit, who estimates the raw silk, annually raised in France, at upwards of four millions of dollars, and the value of the manufactures which it produces, at more than treble The example of the great Henry has not been lost to his successors; agricultural societies have been formed and supported by Governments; through their influence rewards are offered for improvements; valuable information is collected and dispensed; the advances of one department, impelled by science, or sug gested by experience, are communicated to another; works of established celebrity have been published by the direction and at the expense of Government; and the contributions of genius and science have been called into requisition, for the purpose of giving to agricultural labors a skilful and profitable direction. that amount. Nor is Great Britain behind her powerful rival in her solicitude to foster her agricultural industry. By her bounty on wheat and barley exported, she has encouraged production. Her duties on these articles, when imported, amount to a prohibition, except in years when prices rise to the standard which indicates scarcity or famine. Although more dependent than France on commerce and manufactures, and limited in the products of the soil by her insular position, her attention has never been diverted from the primary objects of her legislation-the monopoly of supply to her own agriculturists; and she therefore excludes the products even of her dependencies from rival competition. The Government of Russia is also vigilantly employed in drawing forth the agricultural riches of her vast dominions; and although less is known of the internal economy of this vast empire, it is apparent, from the amount of valuable staples she exports, that her enterprise and industry are skilfully exerted. While the nations of Europe are engaged in protecting their domestic industry, increasing the products of the soil, and affording the means of cheap subsistence, or of an extended commerce, the statesmen of our land cannot be indifferent to the interests of those who constitute a great major ity of the community, and to whose successful ef forts our country is mainly indebted, under a beneficent Providence, for her unprecedented growth and unrivalled prosperity. If it be true that the physical characteristics of a country, the spirit of the people, and the peculiar circumstances in which they are placed, should be consulted by the Government that wishes to give encouragement or direction to national industry, it must be obvious to the most cursory observer, that, in the United States, agriculture must long remain the predominating interest; and that no country, of which history furnishes a memorial, has presented a more noble theatre for her highest efforts. In no part of our republic is the landlord borne down with feudal tenures, vexatious tithes, oppressive taxes, or exhausting poor rates. Man every where walks forth in almost native independence, and is encouraged to exert his utmost energies while his land is free from burdensome impositions; his acquisitions are protected by equitable laws, and in his It is in While these physical characteristics invite the successful prosecution of agriculture, the spirit of the Ameri can people equally prompts to rural pursuits. these that they can train up a vigorous offspring; and in these that they can cherish their love of liberty; it is in these, too, do they find full scope for mental and corWith such considerations before bim, poreal energy. no American statesman can, for a moment, hesitate in giving to the cultivators of the soil all the encourage. ment and protection that laws can impart. forth in the memorial, that a just degree of protection What then is the foundation of the supposition set has been withheld from agricultural pursuits? And what are the means within the reach of the general government, by which the interest of agriculture can be best promoted? It is true, as represented, that some articles, which are raised in abundance in our country,have been imported from abroad. A portion of these, however, may have been imported with a view of exportation, and not being consumed within the United States, cannot be liable to the objection which has been made against them. The following statement, taken from the latest official returns of the commerce of the U. States, comprehending most of the articles referred to by the memorialists, will exhibit the imports and exports of foreign products for one year, and show the extent of the injury of which the memorialists complain. Imports of certain articles, the growth or produce of For: eign Countries, for the year 1828. ARTICLE. Hemp,. VALUE. 48,609 Hides and Skins, raw....... ...274,099 Of these articles, some, like the hemp from Russia, may possibly be regarded as of indispensable necessity; and if any duty can prevent its importation, the one now imposed will effect that object; others, like bristles, hides, and skins, may not be supplied in sufficient abundance from our own resources, or may be deemed essential to our infant manufactures. Others, like beef, pork, butter, wheat and oats, are either not imported in sufficient quantities to require legislative prohibition, or do not yet enter materially into the consumption of the country. Still, however, there are a few, such as wines, silks, spirits, beer and ale, the importation of which, drawing from the country a great annual expenditure, might, perhaps, be discouraged by additional duties, or more effectually prevented by the awakened enterprise of our citizens. The memorialists have referred to the duties on the importation of foreign agricultural imple. ments, which have been imposed for the purpose of encouraging our own manufactures. But while they admit that the price of the implements has not been thereby advanced; that, on the other hand, their manufactory has been brought, by the protection afforded, to a high state of perfection, they in effect concede that the agricultural interest has received no injury from these protecting duties. While then your committee can perceive so little in the general provisions of our laws of which the memori alists can justly complain, an important inquiry remains to be considered. What are the means, within the legitimate sphere of the General Government, by which The agricultural interest can be best promoted? Among the means for the encouragement of agricultural industry, few can be considered more advantageous than the introduction of staples best adapted to the soil, and yielding the greatest returns for capital and labor. The selection of those staples may, in general, be left to the prudence and enterprise of the cultivator of the soil.Self interest, if not the strongest, is the most universal principle of action, and this principle will ultimately lead to the cultivation of those agricultural products which shall most contribute to the prosperity of individuals, and the welfare of a State. Still, however, an enlightened government, surveying the wants and resources of a whole community, may co-operate beneficially with individual enterprize, and thus facilitate the march of agricultural improvements. In directing their attention to those productions, the cultivation of which might be advantageously encouraged by the Government of the Union, as well as by the authorities of the States, none, in the opinion of your committee, can claim preeminence over the vine and mulberry. No one can advert to the variety of soil and climate to be found within the United States, or to the success which has already attended the cultivation of our native grapes, without being convinced that time, experience, and enterprize, are alone wanting to introduce the extensive and profitable cultivation of this valuable plant. Its immense product, wherever successfully cultivated, may be seen by adverting to its rich returns in a country not more favorable to its growth by nature than our own. Chaptal, in his valuable work upon the industry of France, pub. lished in 1819, furnishes the following results: The lands of France applied to the cultivation of the grape are estimated at 35,358,890 hectares, each hec tare being equal to 100 acres. The average annual product from the vine is $122,000,000; and of this product $9,000,000 are exported into foreign countries. The committee have before alluded to the advantages which might result from the cultivation of the mulberry, or, perhaps, to speak more properly, from availing ourselves of the riches which the indigenous mul If, in addition to the mulberry and the vine, the olive should also be added to the products of our country; and if to these we also add the value of the sugar, which may be raised within the sugar district of Louisianadestined to yield, if the estimate of a judicious writer can be relied on, not less than one hundred and thirty millions of dollars annually-some idea may be formed of the immense resources which already invite the enterprize of individuals, and deserve the protection of an enlightened Government. Next in importance to the cultivation of profitable staples is the encouragement to be extended to agricultural industry. It is an admitted principle in political economy, that a flourishing agriculture depends not so much on either the fertility of the soil, or the numbers engaged in the business of production, as upon an adequate and certain demand for the superabundant products of the earth.— Prices are regulated by demand; and in the proportion that these prices present inducements for the exertions of industry and investment of capital, will agriculture prosper or decline. To afford then a certain and adequate demand for the remaining products of the soil, after supplying the wants of those engaged in the cultivation of the earth, becomes a leading object of every wise Government. Whence, then, this demand, upon which agriculture depends? It is created by the necessities of industrious consumers, inhabiting villages and cities, and must be found either in our own, or a foreign land. If it arises abroad, it is necessarily contingent and precarious; subject to the caprice or policy of those who wield the powers of a rival State. If it arises from consumption at home, it becomes more regular and certain. It is then free from the control of a foreign Government, and can be only greatly effected by the irregularity of the seasons. Hitherto the demand for the surplus products of American agriculture has principally arisen from abroad; and hitherto, therefore, it has fluctuated with capricious regulations and uncertain events. At one time, a nation threatened with scarcity, or appalled by famine, opens her ports to American industry; at another, a favourable season produces abundance, and her ports are closed with inflexible pertinacity. At one time, a European population withdrawn from the peacful labours of the field, and arrayed against each other in opposing armies, welcome the approach of American supplies. At another, the return of peace restores the husbandman to his neglected farm; the fountains of domestic supply are once more opened; the protection of domestic industry becomes the policy of the State, and prohibitory duties debar the entrance of American products. Exposed to 1830.] METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. these vicissitudes, the American agriculturist tills the earth in fearful uncertainty. He knows not by what standard to proportion efforts. At one time his profits are immense, and the influx of riches tempts him to indulge in extravagant expenditure: at another the whole returns from his estate scarcely repay the labor of cultivation. In one year, foreign demand and enhanced prices induce him to retain upon his hands barely sufficient for a scanty maintenance. In another, having enlarged his fields, expended his capital, and put forth efforts excited by success, the demand has ceased; the streams of commerce are arrested by arbitrary decrees, or capricious legislation, and he beholds his abundant harvest perishing on his hands. While the wars prevailed in Europe, the demand for agricultural products was more regular and certain; and the profits derived from agricultural industry quickened it into a rapid, and, perhaps, into an unnaturally expanded growth. But the restoration of peace has lessened the demand from abroad. The supply has exceeded the wants of the consumers. The consequence has been, that the hand of agricultural industry has relaxed; cultivated fields are turned into pasture; landed 413 must be based upon a judicious system which shall connect the interests of husbandry, navigation, commerce and manufactures; sectional jealousies must give way to, liberal views. Unjust and partial measures, which would elevate one interest by the depression of another,should be carefully avoided; and all must unite in promoting the prosperity of the whole by affording profitable employment for the industry of the nation. Your committee are of opinion that frequent alterations in our impost duties would be a very unwise policy to be adopted by the National Legislature. The tariff of 1828 has scarcely had its trial on the national prosperity. Your committee are sanguine in the belief that it will be found to be beneficial, and, therefore, believe it would be unwise at this time to recommend any alteration of its provisions. They therefore offer the following resolution: That the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. METEOROLOGICAL TABLE. According to Fahrenheit, in the shade, the temperaestates have greatly fallen; and the enterprising hus-ture of the weather at Mauch Chunk was as follows, dubandman is seen, every where, directing his attention ring the time specified. to other pursuits for the profitable investment of acquired capital. And If, then, it is desired to give impulse to American in. dustry, it becomes an indispensable duty to create at home a body of profitable consumers. Instead of relying upon the workshop of Europe we should exert the means which we posses to plant them here. Instead of swelling the number of foreign manufactures, whose government will not permit them to derive subsistance from us except in years of scarcity and famine, we should bend every effort to increase our own. when the villages and cities of our land, drawing from the country its superfluous population, shall be filled with industrious artizans and intelligent manufacturers-who, beside, relieving us from dependence upon foreign countries, shall consume the products of our soil, and add, by their industry, to the riches of the State-then, and not before, will American agriculture be raised from its present state of languor and depres sion. The combined operations of agriculture and manufactures will furnish the materials for an extended and profitable commerce; the energies of an intelligent and free population will be called into action by the strongest stimulus; and then will it be found that the prosperity of the farmer is inseparably connected with the prosperity of the country. Your committee have dwelt the longer upon the benefits which agriculture will derive from affording protection to our manufacturing industry, thereby creating in our own land a body of industrious consumers, in consequence of the earnestness with which this policy has been frequently assailed, and their firm conviction that it is closely interwoven with the permanent welfare of the country. Connected with the great object of providing an adequate and constant demand for agricultural products is the adoption of a system of internal improvements, by which these products can be conveyed to market at the least expense. Roads and canals are important to all classes of society, but more especially to the farmer: for in proportion as they diminish the expense of transpor ting his products, they enhance his profits, and enable him whem commerce is unrestricted, to compete successfully with foreign producers in foreign markets. Experience teaches that in all countries roads and canals have either been encouraged by the enterprize, effected by the wealth, of cities; and hence, while the enriching streams of commerce and manufacturing industry are ultimately spread over the whole surface of the country, it becomes the interest of agriculture to feed the fountains from whence they are supplied. If American agriculture is destined to advance, it FOR Snow. Snow. Depth of rain. inches Sunset. Noon. Between 6&8. 22688 34 31 4.50 .45 20 31 28 2.40 .18 24 39 33 .55 .05 16 48 37 48 36 33 53 44 .11 7 39 43 46 .12 8 EXPENDITURES OF THE JUDICIARY DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, FROM 1791 TO 1829, (INCLUSIVE.) Compiled from the Auditor General's Reports. GUSTAVUS CONYNGHAM. The following was received after the first form was in type-but in order to preserve the whole in the same volume, we insert it here. Additional papers [See pages 401, 402 and 403,] relating to Captain Gustavus Conyngham. In Congress, July 17, 1779. "A letter from Anne Conyngham was read, of the 17th, and a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Philadelphia was also read, representing that Captain Gustavus Conyngham, now a prisoner, is closely confined by the enemy and ordered to be sent to England and praying that measurs may be taken for the security of his life and restoration of his liberty." Ordered, That the same be referred to a committee of three. "The members chosen were Mr.Morris, Mr. Dickerson, and Mr. Whipple"" The committee to whom was referred the letter and petition respecting Captain Gustavus Conyngham bro't a report whereon Resolved, "That the following letter from the Secretary of Congress be written to the Admiral or other commanding officer of the Fleet or ships of his Britannick Majesty lying in the harbour of N. Y. and that if a satisfactory and proper answer thereto, be not forth. with given, the proper officers be directed to confine to close imprisonment, as many of the British Marine officers (now on parole) as our committee may think fit." Philadelphia, July 17th, 1779. 415 the superintendant of prisoners, to cause three British Marine officers, in Philadelphia to be confined in a common gaol, denied all converse but with the gaoler and the use of pen, ink and paper. These resolves and proceedings were transmitted from Philadelphia to Sir George Collier at New-York with the names of the British officers confined. Congress afterwards received intelligence that Captain Conyngham was taken from New York to Falmouth on board the Sandwich packet chained to the deck and kept in irons the whole passage. On his arrival he was sent to Pendennis Castle still ironed; afterwards additional irons were put on him, and ultimately, he was removed to Mill Prison, from whence providentially he made his escape by undermining the walls of the prison. Extract of a Letter from Dunkirk, June 26, 1777. "This morning, between 8 and 9 o'clock, Capt. Conyngham and Capt. Roberts sailed from this place in two ships, built, armed, and manned here. These ships belong to some person in M. de S-'s favour, and are to cruize against the English and Portuguese ships, chiefly as it is represented, to stop the packets with the Mails. Conyngham pledged his honour to his employers, on sailing, that they should soon hear of him. The ship in which he is, is the best sailer known; and his crew, like himself, are of the most desperate fellows, that such a blessed port as Dunkirk could procure." July 7th, 1777.-The English Court humbugged. Truth has now come out. The Harwich Packet was consequence of any demand made by our Ambassador; not given up in complaisance to our Court, no, or in but purely because somebody bought her, somebody paid for her; no matter who; Mr. Conyngham received the value. The credulous people of England were told the Packet was restored and Conyngham and his piratical farce. The people of England have been shamefully ducrew in prison. The imprisonment was an impudent ped. France has been too cunning for us. Let the Min Sir-I am directed by the Congress of the United With all due respect, I have the honor to be Sec'y of Congress. To Sir GEORGE COLLIER, Commander- To Lord Stormount, A word to the wise." PARIS, 3d of April, 1777. My Lord-In answer to a letter which concerns some of the most material interests of humanity, and of the two nations Great Britain and the U. States of America now at war, we received the inclosed indecent paper as coming from your Lordship, which we return for your Lordship's more mature consideration. B. FRANKLIN, S. DEANE. N.B. The words of the paper referred to were "The King's Ambassador receives no application from Rebels, unless they come to implore his Majesty's mercy." LONDON, Nov. 10th, 1777. expense of the King of France. Copy of a letter from Lord Stormount, 2d January, 1776. It will be recollected that Mr. Hodge* was placed in Raisonable, off New York, July 21, the Bastile at the request of Lord Stormount, for fitting Sir-I have the honor to inform you by direction of out Captain Conyngham. He has been released, and Sir George Collier, Commodore and Commander-in-chief says that while in the Bastile he was treated with the of his Majesty's Ships in America, that he has received greatest kindness and civility, and was entertained evethe letter you wrote him by order of the Congress res-ry day in the most elegant and sumptuous manner at the pecting Gustavus Conyngham, and I have it in command from the Commodore to say that not holding himself accountable for his conduct to any of his Majesty's subjects in this country, he is still less inclined to answer demands when they are made in the uncivil way they appear to him in your letter of the 17th instant.He, however, is pleased to bid me inform you that no prisoners are ever treated (to his knowledge) by the King's officers contrary to the dictates of humanity,and as it is the practice of civilized nations to punish criminals in the usual course of justice, Gustavus Conyngham whom you enquire after stands in this predicament and is therefore sent to England to receive that punishment from his injured country, which his crimes shall be found to deserve. I am Sir, Your humble servant TO CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y. JOHN MARR, Sec'y. The Committee of Congress having read the answer from Sir George Collier, the Congress gave orders to He re My Lords-I have to inform you, that, there was at Dunkirk an American vessel, called the 'Charming Peggy,' commanded by Capt. Gustavus Conyngham, designed to carry gunpowder to America. I requested the Commissary of Marine to inquire into the fact. ported to me that the vessel came from Londonderry, and was going to load brandy for England. I was not satisfied; and I caused the English Commissary to board him at night; but nothing was found on board but ballast and provisions, though they examined the ballast from one end to another, with rods of iron. Yet from all I can learn the whole object of Conyngham was to convey gunpowder to America. Your's &c. STORMOUNT, Extract of a letter from Valentine Morris, Esq. Governor of the Isle of St. Vincent, to Lord George Germain, duted January 3d, 1779. *William and not Andrew, as sated in 1st form. [En. |