DEFINITION OF FREE TRADE"
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The following extract is from a speech
Of Mr.. Clay. delivered in the Senate in
1882, In defence of the American System
Ii very clearly defines free trade, according
to the theory ofthe Southern politicians !:


When gentlemen have succeeded IN their
design of an immediate or gradual destruc-
ton Of the American System, what is their
substitute Free Trade Free Tr adel-
The call for free trade is as unavailing as
the cry of a spoiled chilled, in its nurse 5
arms, for he moon or stars that glitter in
the armament of heaven. Ii never has ex-
listed, il never will exist. Trade implies at
least two parties. To be free, it should be
fair, equal, and reciprocal But If we
throw our ports wide open to the admission
Of foreign productions, free Of all duty, what
ports OK any foreign nation shall we find O.
pen to the free admission of our surplus pro-
duce2 We may break down all barriers
to free trade on our part. but the work will
not be complete until foreign powers shall
remove theirs. There would be freedom
on one side, and restrictions, prohibitions
and exclusions on the other. The bolts and
the bars. and the chains OF all other nations
wIll remain undisturbed. 1t is indeed pos
sble, that our industry and commerce would
accommodate themselves 10 the unequal and
unjust stote of things for such is the aexi-
biIty of our nature, that 1t binds itselfto all
circumstances. The wretched prisoner IN
carcerated ia Jail. after a long time
becomes Ieconciled to his solitude, and reg
ulary no;ches down the passing days Of his
confinement


"Gentlemen deceive themselves; it is not


Free Trade that they are recommending to


your acceptance. Ii is in effect, the British
\ colonial system that we are invited to adopt


and, if their policy prevail, it will lead sub


stantialIy to the rccolonizition of these
States into the commercial dominion OF
! Great Britain"