Such being the restrictions on the commerce and navigation of
the United States; the question is, in what way they may best be
removed, modified or counteracted?
As to commerce, two methods occur. 1. By friendly arrangements
with the several nations with whom these restrictions exist; Or, 2.
By the separate act of our own legislatures for countervailing their
effects.
There can be no doubt but that of these two, friendly
arrangements is the most eligible. Instead of embarrassing commerce
under piles of regulating laws, duties, and prohibitions, could it be
relieved from all its shackles in all parts of the world, could every
country be employed in producing that which nature has best fitted it
to produce, and each be free to exchange with others mutual
surplusses for mutual wants, the greatest mass possible would then be
produced of those things which contribute to human life and human
happiness; the numbers of mankind would be increased, and their
condition bettered.
Would even a single nation begin with the United States this
system of free commerce, it would be advisable to begin it with that
nation; since it is one by one only that it can be extended to all.
Where the circumstances of either party render it expedient to levy a
revenue, by way of impost, on commerce, its freedom might be
modified, in that particular, by mutual and equivalent measures,
preserving it entire in all others.
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