Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
Free Trade
By Levi Woodbury (17891851)T
It is always a narrow view of commercial as well as moral policy, to seek profit to ourselves by beggaring others. Nothing is gained durably by overtaxing or overreaching others. On the contrary, the wealth of all nations is promoted by the prosperity of all; and the great social principle, as well as sound political wisdom, requires us to be humane and just to all, liberal to all, and to confer benefits on all rather than seek undue advantages. If less wealth were attendant on such a course of free trade, which is not the case generally, there would be more liberty, and hence more satisfaction. Only a crust and liberty are often preferred to splendid bondage. Mankind are willing, when intelligent, to possess less property, if they can, at the same time, enjoy greater freedom,—freedom in action as well as opinion,—extending of course to both government and conscience; and even these are no more gratifying than freedom in employment and business, in pleasure and locomotion of all kinds. We sigh often to have, as did our great progenitor, the whole earth before us where to choose, and Providence our guide. Any climate or soil, any profession or employment, will, as it should, thus become open to the enterprising. They can select where to dwell, where to trade, or to visit, or labor, as inclination or judgment may prompt; and besides being, in this kind of free intercourse, enabled to buy where cheapest and sell where dearest, the fancy and health can be pursued, and happiness in all ways be promoted. Were it otherwise, our nature revolts at restraint. We object to have even wealth forced upon us. We would fain do nothing by compulsion; like Falstaff not even give reasons in that way. People are willing to be taxed higher, if they are allowed a free voice in imposing and expending the revenue so as to insure more equality. But the consequence of such a free voice is to stimulate industry, enterprise, and trade, and gradually to lessen those burdens which would otherwise increase, and which, unchecked, tend to break down society by impoverishing all who produce and pay, and driving them in the end to repudiation, insurrection, or revolution.