Reasons why the Present System of Auction ought to be Abolished

New York: Reasons why the Present System of Auction ought to be Abolished. New York: Printed by Alexander Ming, Jr., 1828. 8vo.  215 x 140 mm., [8 ½ x 5 ½ inches].  16 pp.  Stitched as issued in original printed wrappers; wrappers chipped at spine and a bit soiled.  Stamp of the New York State Library on wrapper and marked withdrawn on lower wrapper.  With faults a good copy. First edition.  A cry for protectionism against cheap English and French goods, dumped on the United States market and auctioned off at the lowest price.  New York business could not compete with the cost of goods and small manufacturing and industry were calling for tariffs and the elimination of the auction system.  This is a wonderful example of the rising sense of nationalism in America and the "Resolved, That the existing system of sales by auction is, in the opinion of this meeting, subversive of the rights and interests of the citizens generally, and highly injurious to the consumer . . . by monopolizing the sale of goods, and thereby defeating the industry, and rendering nugatory the talents and enterprise of our own citizens, by encouraging the importation of deceptive and worthless goods, by affording to foreign consigners of such goods great advantages over regular American merchants. . ." "At a large and respectable meeting of citizens, convened at Masonic Hall, on Friday evening, 2d inst. [May] for the purpose of taking into consideration the ruinous effects of the present auction system . . " Thomas H. Leggett served as chairman of the meeting. (Sabin) Shoemaker, R.H. Checklist of American Imprints, 34546.  (719).