Their avowed objects were to favour the navigation and the manufactures of the United States, and their probable operation on these objects ought to be considered.
It had been said that the American tonnage ought to bear the same proportion to the foreign tonnage employed in her trade, as exists between the bulk of her exports and imports.

But the correctness of this principle was not admitted.

The fact was otherwise, and it was not believed to be an evil.
Great Britain carries for other nations from necessity.

Her situation is calculated for navigation.

Her country is fully peopled, so full that the ground is not sufficient to furnish bread for the whole.
Instead, therefore, of ploughing the earth for subsistence, her subjects are obliged to plough the ocean.