Now, the duty of the statesman is to elevate himself above these petty conflicts; calmly to survey all the various interests, and deliberately to proportion the measures of protection to each according to its nature and the general wants of society.  It is quite possible that, in the degree of protection which has been afforded to the various workers in iron, there may be some error committed, although I have lately read an argument of much ability, proving that no injustice has really been done to them.  If there be, it ought to be remedied.

The next article to which I would call the attention of the Senate, is that of cotton fabrics.  The success of our manufacture of coarse cottons is generally admitted.  It is demonstrated by the fact that they meet the cotton fabrics of other countries in foreign markets, and maintain a successful competition with them.  There has been a gradual increase of the exports of this article, which is sent to Mexico and the South American republics, to the Mediterranean, and even to Asia. * * *

I hold in my hand a statement, derived from the most authentic source, showing that the identical description of cotton cloth, which sold in 1817 at twenty-nine cents per yard, was sold in 1819 at twenty-one cents, in 1821 at nine-teen and a half cents, in 1823 at seventeen cents, in 1825 at fourteen and a half cents, in 1827 at thirteen cents, in 1829 at nine cents, in 1830 at nine and a half cents, and in 1831 at from ten and a half to eleven.  Such is the wonderful effect of protection, competition, and improvement in skill, combined.  The year 1829 was one of some suffering to this branch of industry, probably owing to the principle of competition being pushed too far.  Hence we observe a small rise of the article of the next two years.  The introduction of calico-printing into the United States, constitutes an important era in our manufacturing industry.  It commenced about the year 1825, and has since made such astonishing advances, that the whole quantity now annually printed is but little short of forty millions of yards—­about two thirds of our whole consumption. * * *

In respect to woollens, every gentleman’s own observation and experience will enable him to judge of the great reduction of price which has taken place in most of these articles since the tariff of 1824.  It would have been still greater, but for the high duty on raw material, imposed for the particular benefit of the farming interest.  But, without going into particular details, I shall limit myself to inviting the attention of the Senate to a single article of general and necessary use.  The protection given to flannels in 1828 was fully adequate.  It has enabled the American manufacturer to obtain complete possession of the American market; and now, let us look at the effect.  I have before me a statement from a highly respectable mercantile house, showing the price of four descriptions of flannels during six years.  The average price of them, in 1826,