As the election of 1832 drew near, the advocates of the two systems ranged themselves in two great parties precisely as to-day: the advocates of the protective or American system with internal improvements as an outlet for accumulations of revenue on the one side; on the other the advocates of free trade.

Between his desire for the advantages of the one with its attendant disadvantages of government interference in its prosecution, and the freedom of commerce from undue restrictions, Mr.Gallatin did not hesitate.

He threw the whole force of his experience and character into the free trade cause, and became the leader of its friends.
On September 30, 1831, a convention of the advocates of free trade, without distinction of party, met at the Musical Fund Hall in Philadelphia.

Two hundred and twelve delegates appeared.

Among them were Theodore Sedgwick, George Peabody, and John L.Gardner from Massachusetts; Preserved Fish, John Constable, John A.Stevens, Jonathan Goodhue, James Boorman, Jacob Lorillard, and Albert Gallatin from New York; C.C.Biddle, George Emlen, Isaac W.Norris from Pennsylvania; Langdon Cheves, Henry Middleton, Joseph W.Allston, and William C.
Preston from South Carolina; and men of equal distinction, bankers, merchants, statesmen, and political economists from other States.