Out of the whole amount of manufactured articles imported into this country, which was stated in round numbers at fifteen millions, two hundred and ninety thousand dollars, Great Britain furnished thirteen millions, nine hundred and sixty thousand.

In the same period, in the year 1789-90, the articles which the United States received from France, a country which actually consumed more of their produce, amounted only to one hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars.

The balance of trade, at the same epoch, was greatly in favour of the United States with every other nation, and greatly against them with Britain.

Although it might happen in some cases, that other advantages might be derived from an intercourse with a particular nation, which might compensate for an unfavourable balance of trade, it was impossible that this could happen in the intercourse with Great Britain.

Other nations, however, viewed a balance of trade against them as a real evil; and Great Britain, in particular, was careful to prevent it.