for her manufactures are now too firmly established to be injured by any importations of manufactured articles from England or elsewhere; they are full of strength and vitality, and may set their competitors at defiance. Besides, it is a self evident fact, admitting of no evasion, of no argument, of no denial, that America can afford to be a Free Trader better than any nation of the earth; because her natural produce exceeds her consumption ; and, therefore, she must of necessity be the gainer.

But, in addition to the above incontrovertible reason, there are many others, equally important and convincing; and,

Firstly, The Southern States of America contain, to the exclusion of all other countries, the staple of the whole manufacturing world. The Planters of Cotton regulate, in a great measure, the internal peace of England; and they form the basis of all the manufacturing prosperity of America. The Southern States are the "thews and sinews" of the New England States ; and they have the right, as well as the power (if they chose to exert it) of compelling a reduction in the Tariff; for where would be those boasted factories, without the commodity to be manufactured? These powerful controllers of the manufacturing interests require to send their surplus cotton and corn to England; and they

therefore demand that England shall be induced to receive these productions, by the permission to exchange for them, on fair terms, her manufactured articles. This exchange is obviously less fav ourable to England than to the cotton growing States; because, the first cost of natural produce is less than the first cost of manufactured articles; consequently, the latent profit must be greater on the former than on the latter.

Secondly, The Manufactures of the United States can now stand alone, independently of their foster nurse, the high Tariff. They are old enough, and strong enough, to derive more benefit from competition, than from a superfluous and unprofitable guardianship.

Thirdly, Because now is the appointed time. England has opened her ports; let America hasten to pursue the advantages offered by this measure of sound policy. In the wise allotments of nature, it will be found that she has distributed her good gifts equally, though variously, throughout the earth; leaving it to Man's mutual goodwill and usefulness so to interchange them that all collectively may share in those blessings which she has bestowed on each severally. And it is a fact admitting of mathematical demonstration, that the annual average production of food on the earth is in exact proportion to the wants of the aggregate number of the inhabitants

thereof. The capabilities of America to furnish bread stuffs are exhaustless; those of England are limited. Let England, therefore, cease to torture her soil into the production of grain, which her climate refuses to ripen, and let her import it from the granaries of the West. Let her arable lands again become pasture fields, their legitimate and natural state; let her farmers return to the dairy and the feeding of cattle, and let her labouring classes partake of pure butter and cheese, and fresh and invigorating beef and mutton. Of all articles of consumption, grain sustains the least injury from transportation, and animal food the most.

Fourthly, The inland or domestic trade of the United States is far more extensive and more profitable than her foreign trade because it is wholly unrestricted. Let foreign trade, therefore, be allowed the same encourage

ment.

Fifthly,―There is yet another consequence attendant upon Free Trade, and one which may be regarded as a recommendation in all countries, but especially where a republican government prevails. This is the equalization of commercial profits. The oligarchical influence will in a great measure be destroyed, and a greater number will become moderate partakers in those benefits

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which have hitherto accrued, in such vast disproportion, to the few holders of extensive capital.

To conclude, the Principles of Free Trade emanate alike from the Laws of Nature, and from the conclusions deduced by Philosophy from those laws; and, moreover, they can be clearly and immediately traced to the Ordinations of Providence. The advocate of these principles legislates not for the partial, but for the universal benefit of mankind: he would dispense, through the medium of commerce, "the great Civilizer," the blessings of Religion, Morality, Abundance, and Peace throughout ages yet to come. If any measure of political wisdom can perpetuate the present prosperity of America; if any effort of human legislation can renew the energies of England, it is the emancipation of commerce from the barbarism and bondage of the false and injurious system of Protective Duties.

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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN OREGON.

The following statistics of the Catholic Church of Oregon will be read with interest :—

VICARIATE OF OREGON.

This territory was erected into an Apostolic Vicariate, by his Holiness Gregory XVI, on the 1st of December, 1843, and Rev. F. N. Blanchet, missionary in that country, was appointed Vicar Apostolic. His consecration took place at Montreal, about the middle of last year.

There are fourteen Chapels, viz.: two in the Willamette Valley; one at Vancouver; one at Cowlitz; one at Whitbay; two in New Caledonia; four among the Flat Head Indians-St. Mary's, St. Joseph's, St. Peter's, St. Michael's; one at Oregon city; one at Yamhill, and one at Twalaté. The three last are for the accommodation of settlers from the United States, many of whom are Catholics, and others disposed to embrace the faith. These various missions are served by the following clergymen :

Right Rev. F. N. Blanchet, D.D. Vicar Apostolic.