Pennsylvania Iron Memorial [pp. 1-22]

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SOITTliERN ThARTERM REVIEW.
JULY, MDCCCLII.
VoL. VL NEW SERIES. No. XI.
WllOLE NUMBER XLIII.
ART. I.-PLNNSYLVANIA IRON MEMoRL4L.
Pennsylvania Iron Memorial. 1850.
Tuis memorial to the Congress of the United States, by
those interested in the manniacture of iron in the State of
Pennsylvania, is intended, they say, "to lessen, if we cannot wholly remove, the prejudice which exists in the minds
of many, against the government giving any attention to
the grievances of manuf~cturers." "We cannot [say the
memorialists3 ask any legislation for our advantage, unless it be, 2f not equai4ijfor tlte benefit, at least not injurio?is,
to t1~e ~`est of tiie community. On this ground we are willing to base our present application for relief. We come
wiThont distinclThn of party, and ask to be heard upon
strictly national considerat~ns, that if any enactment is
consequent upon our petition, it may be regarded as permanent and not partial legislation. We ask not for relief
which may be withdrawn to-morrow, but for a settled
polic~."
This, so far, seems a fair and liberal invitation, on the
part of the memorialists, for a thorough investigation into
the wisdom, justice, and impartiality of the measures they
seek; and, at the same time, a pledge on their part, that if
it should not prove wise, just, and impartial, they would
cease to desire it: and still less would they desire it, if it
is not to be the permanent, settled policy of the country.
Now, for a measure to become permanent and settled, in
a free country, like this, all parties and interests must be
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