Whatever fluctuations have occurred, it is now pretty clear that
several foreign nations have settled down to cultivate and extend their
manufactures, and we are brought face to face with the fact--which has
now been for some years growing to its present importance--that many
articles which in years gone by we thought it to be our especial
province to supply, are now produced in the very countries requiring
them. Even Spain is awakening to the advantage of producing hematite
iron from her own excellent ores, with English and Welsh coke carried
out in the same ships that bring Spanish ores to this country.
Now with regard to the possibility of any foreign nation eclipsing us in
our manufactures, he would say at once that any such successful rivalry
on their part is far worse than the effect of any duties, even if they
be prohibitive; for it means rivalry in the markets of the world, and
possibly in our own markets here at home. Therefore it behooves us
to put our house in order, and see in what way we may be enabled to
manufacture better and with greater economy. Mechanical engineering is
of such extreme importance in advancing civilization, that it is most
essential that its progress should be rapid and unimpeded.
Perhaps the very large increase in steam shipping, and the change from
sailing ships and paddle steamers to screw steamers, has been one of the
greatest improvements of recent times, and it is none the less real
or important from having been gradual, while the result to this
neighborhood has been most beneficial.
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