ABSTRACT
The country was now approaching a time when it was destined to realize the fierceness and danger of sectional controversy. In the cotton-growing States the advocates of free trade, under the lead of politicians of South Carolina, had succeeded in forming a party, composed of most excitable materials, in opposition to the tariff. Manufactures have been established in which the funds of the capitalist find a profitable investment, and which give employment and subsistence to a numerous and increasing body of industrious and dexterous mechanics. He congratulated the country upon the prosperity of the manufacturing interests; upon the rapid construction of works of internal improvement, by which the wages of labor were increased, and upon the general evidences of the healthy condition of commerce, navigation and trade. With the realities of this flattering picture of national prosperity directly present to his mind, it was impossible for him to feel otherwise than exultant at the results produced by the protective policy.
