it on its own merits,
without any reference to its being incident to revenue. The New England
Federalists, on the other hand, coming from exclusively commercial
communities, were in principle free-traders. They regarded with disfavor
the doctrine that protection was a good thing in itself, and desired it, if
at all, only in the most limited form and purely as an incident to raising
revenue. With these opinions Mr. Webster was in full sympathy, and he took
occasion when Mr. Calhoun, in 1814, spoke in favor of the existing double
duties as a protective measure, and also in favor of manufactures, during
the debate on the repeal of the embargo, to define his position on this
important question. A few brief extracts will show his views, which were
expressed very clearly and with his wonted ability and force.

"I consider," he said, "the imposition of double duties as a mere
financial measure. Its great object was to raise revenue, not to
foster manufactures.... I do not say the double duties ought to be
continued. I think they ought not. But what I particularly object
to is the holding out of delusive expectations to those concerned
in manufactures.... In respect to manufactures it is necessary to
speak with some precision. I am not, generally speaking, their
enemy. I am their friend; but I am not for rearing them or any
other interest in hot-beds. I would not legislate precipitately,
even in favor of them; above all, I would not profess intentions in
relation to them which I did not purpose to execute. I feel no
desire to push capital into extensive manufactures faster than the
general progress of our wealth and population propels it.

"I am not in haste to see Sheffields and Birminghams in America.
Until the population of the country shall be greater in proportion
to its extent, such establishments would be impracticable if
attempted, and if practicable they would be unwise."

He then pointed out the inferiority and the perils of manufactures as an
occupation in comparison with agriculture, and concluded as follows:--

"I am not anxious to accelerate the approach of the period when the
great mass of American labor shall not find its employment in the
field; when the young men of the country shall be obliged to shut
their eyes upon external nature, upon the heavens and the earth,
and immerse themselves in close a