Page:Cambridge Modern History Volume 7.djvu/732

 700 Causes of industrial growth. [iseo- legislation. In the first place many industries, partially if not wholly dependent on the tariff, had been established before the occasion for re- adjustment came; and, these being once established, even the most conscientious members of the dominant party shrank from the responsi- bility of causing their downfall. Furthermore, the fact of rapid industrial expansion was patent to both the people and their legislators ; and, convinced as they were of the soundness of the principle of Pro- tection, it seemed wiser to leave well alone, than to run the risk of experimental changes. That the tariff was an influential factor in this development is beyond question. In some cases entirely new industries were established under its shelter, for example, the manufacture of silk, and the tin-plate industry, the most recent illustration of a new industry created outright by conscious effort. The initial costs necessary to the production of iron and steel on a large scale would have delayed the wonderful development in these lines, had it not been for the protected prices of the early period. On the other side, however, must be placed the increased costs to other manufactures, and the diminished purchasing power of the farmer. These are problems which need not be discussed here ; but it may be asserted with confidence that the power of the tariff, whether for good or evil, has been vastly overrated. It has not been that oppressive burden on the public that some critics maintain ; for many of its rates have been nominal and the home market has, ultimately and in the main, been adequately supplied with the home product. On the other hand, the main causes of industrial growth lie deeper than the regulations of commercial policy. These causes may now be briefly considered. The primary causes of industrial growth in the United States are to be found in the character of the people and the natural advantages of the country. It is not necessary to enlarge upon those general qualities of nervous energy, alert intelligence, directness in method, independent initiative, and daring enterprise, combined with an eager absorption in the pursuit of material success, which, partly inherited but largely acquired during a century's command of unlimited resources, have marked the people of the United States perhaps above all others. A special characteristic, however, of the American, which has had an important influence on the industrial advance of the country, is his ingenuity in invention, combined with a peculiar aptitude in the use of machinery. He possesses neither the laborious patience of the hand- labourer nor the aesthetic sense of the true artisan; but his practical sense finds full scope in the production of large quantities of uniform commodities by quick machine methods. A further characteristic of the aptness of the race in these respects is the promptness with which the inventions of others have been adopted and brought to greater perfection. The history of many typical American industries is the history of inventions first made by Europeans, which remained without