Measures which serve to abridge the free competition of foreign Articles, have a tendency to occasion an enhancement of prices.
Interpretation
Regulating foreign competition can lead to higher prices for consumers.
This quote by Alexander Hamilton suggests that when measures are put in place to limit or control foreign competition in markets, it often results in increased prices for goods. This is because reduced competition can lead to a lack of alternatives for consumers, allowing sellers to raise prices without fear of losing customers to foreign providers.
In practice
In a discussion on international trade policies at a conference, this quote could illustrate the unintended consequences of protectionism.
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
If a financial institution has business operations in the United States, hires people in the United States, if they are clogged with illiquid assets, they have the same impact on the American people as any other institution.
I think there's a lot of merit in an international economy and global markets, but they're not sufficient because markets don't look after social needs.
What drags down our entire economy is when there's an ever-widening chasm between the ultra-rich and everybody else.
The unions might be good for the people who are in the unions but it doesn't do a thing for the people who are unemployed. Because the union keeps down the number of jobs, it doesn't do a thing for them.
History proves... that a smart central bank can protect the economy and the financial sector from the nastier side effects of a stock market collapse.
I've never been on Wall Street. And I care about Wall Street for one reason and one reason only because what happens on Wall Street matters to Main Street.
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