ABSTRACT

When the Government passed out of the hands of Washington into those of John Adams, as President, it had already experienced the benefits which, on all hands, were recognized as having been produced by the protective policy. Agriculture had become more extensive and prosperous. Commerce was increasing with wonderful rapidity. The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness. The genius, character, and habits of the people are highly commercial. Mr. Adams very distinctly shows that he attributed the increased and increasing development of people's resources to the legislation of Congress - that is, mainly to the tariff act of the first Congress, which levied duties upon imports so as to encourage domestic industry, and thereby increase the demand for agricultural products at home, and extend commerce.