The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-05-13 00:00:00

THE BRITISH PRESS.

seat hilt a century. and so deranged all the laws of commerce and
-teenier.. and threw Europe into such a condition. that it was in
um to ?elk of whet was the navigation system aner 1792. All
ens connected with navigation, the war,
Amera manner. ens.
'64lw-it It en true, during thee war. the icans, being
:Irma the only—he might say. the only neatest power—their
es. very meth enerturaged. It was elm true, that this
by its naval imperinvity, was able to protect on corn.
en ear.
ma Cal meanie. Mit the navigation of almost all other cnuntries
mime except that their Nags were lent to cover the ships
ei England from some other belligerent power. It was therefore
enreceesery to dwell upon the state of the law between 1792 and
'KR By the return of the general. peace, and by thine Powers,
teem riming the war hue envied to seta int thernetives upon the
ewe being free again, there was a check to the twee of the United
,I.elea, lad in Isoms degree also to this country because England
eel porcine! her crennial en mmerce, by having compacted many
„wee, with which during the war she had an exclusive
mire but which, on die return of peace, she
rr orgy, could not coedit.*
lint in this interval of the war many other things
bee interfered ends the eammercial marine of this country. The
kg( was the suppression of the African slave trade in 1111111.
.on the close of the war there was another circumstance which neces-
ly created a geesedentowien in the employment of shipping.
The nomher of venal* that were employed during that war in the
;sabre service, and which were hired for the purpose of transports,
be frond 'relented. immediately after the war, to not len than
LOS atensperte, amounting to 2711,303 tons, and navigated by
yen nearly 16,0 en seamen. That was • number equal to the
Mole that were employed in the navy of this country
st the Co nmeneement of the war. And he phould show pre-
toady that the amount of the tonnage wan equal to about one.
tenth of what was the whole commercial trade of this country,
Der Welting out of the war in 179 e. la addition to this num•
of vessels *lnch they had to discharge, and which had to find
employ in the commercial trade of this country, they had also
entries yawls belonging to the state, which were no longer
wanteil, and which were consequently said, subject (in many in-
rancea) is the condienn of their being broken up; but there were
vessels from lee to 4eo toss, that were fit for merchants. the num.
bee
attic which was not less thee 333. and the tonnage 91,600. 83
thtually the shins that were dinharged. including those that
were hired, "and the ship. mid out from the Cog's service lit to be
employed, and which were seen into competition with the then trade
or the country, amounted t 0344.900 tons ofshipping.being consider.
ably shove one.fourth of the sh I ppi ng at thecommencement of the war.
He would not be hsruding much if lie were to say that two-thirds
of the shipping would perform the RAM service in time of peace
as what would be required in time of war. There was also another
incident which nattered at the close of the war, which was the
change that took place in the corn trade. From the year 1813. with
the ea
le of the year of scarcity, there had been very incon.
siderable employment in the corn trade, and what there had been
had almost all been confined to foreign stripping. This, therefore,
diminished the employment of British shipping. The House
would allow him to state what was the situation of this country, in
respect to shipping, in the year which immediately preceded the
war of the Revolution, which broke out in 1792. In that year
there were In.ono registered vessels. The amount of our shipping
at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, in which we were
*Mel upon to make such unparalleled efforts, was 1.340.143 tone,
set: the number of ships 16,079. In the year ending 21st Dec.
last, the amount of the shipping had increased to 24.174, and the
tonnage to 2.442.000. Thus we had ineremed 2.3ths in that period.
The shipping employed lest year was found by no means sufficient
to carry on the trade of the country ; hut he would carry the corn.
parkin one point further, bemuse he knew that the complaints foe
tire men part had reference to the trade of the Eastern countries of
Europe. and to the shipping of Russia and the Baltic. The num-
ber of Premien vessels whr.h had entered the poet of Landon in
1824, were 682: in 1823, 887. But in the same years the number
et British vessels engaged in the same trade, which entered our
port were in 18'24, 470; in 1823. 912: so that the number of Bei.
nth ships in that trade had doubled,while that of the Prussians had
increased by less than one-fourth; and yet that was the country for
which, he had reason to believe, the greatest jealousy was felt, for
reasons which he might afterwards assign. But he was anxious to
sift the matter in all its bearingmanti to examine it in every possible
light, nor did there appear to him any mode of ascertaining
the chant/rein the situation of this and otter countries, with respect
to the Baltic trade, so satisfactory as by coesidnieg the number of
vessels which passed the Sound in a series of years. Fortunately
he had found papers in the State Paper Ocffie, which would
enable him to make a statement; he had sought to ann.
pare ten yens prior to 1792 with the ten years last past and
he had the details of all those years with the exception of 1789.
He held in his hand the statements of vessels which had passed
the Sound each year (with the exception before.mentioned), be-
tween 1782 and 1792, and also between 1816 and 18211, being
petite!. of ten years subsequent to the two wan; and he hoped it
would be satisfactory to the House to find that there was a
continual increase of British 'hipping. The number of British
shim which paned the Sound last year was not only greater than
had ever passed be:ore, but was sleet increased in a mach greaser
eropertion than the skipping of all other nations. Ile would not
detain the House by going into the particulars of all the
,rears;
be would merely read the statements of the last five years.
The number of vessels passing the Sound were as fidlows :—lu
11P11, British, 2,816—n1 all other countries. 9,199; in 1822. British,
3.eoo—of all other countries. 9.000; in 1023, British, 3 000—raf all
other countries, 9,000 and a Nona; in 1824, British,.3 303--other
countries, 10,600; in 1823, British, B,lBB—of all other onintries,
1390111: ant besides the positive increase of our shipping which
navigated the Baltic last year, the proportion of the increase, taking
into consideration our whole commerce, was one-third greater than
it hid ever been before• from the mune which lie had before
enumerated, the shipping interest hall felt a considerable de.
preesion after the liar, a circumstance which met the attention
of the Legislature, and a COMliliare was appointed to inquire
into the state of our navigation and the laws connected with it.
Ta the Members of that Committee the country was largely In.
doleed. It proposed several alterations and amendments in the
then existing code of commercial law, some of which were
adopted. One of those changes was, to allele a number of srecles
which previously could not be brought in, except in British ves-
sels, to be imported in vessels of the countries in which they were
produced. That change was rendered necessary by the circuns.
Raines in which the commercial interests of the country were
piseed. This was also intimately connected with a change in the
wateletneing system. Wine and oil erne among the articles in.
elirled in those regulations. It would be usel,sa to enumerate
them all : but the pre-existing system, which prevented the
importation of the productions of any country in their own ship.
ping caused much inconvenience, and operated rather as •
hindrance than as an' encouragement to navigation. When this
alteration was made it was confined to the permission to import
from the country where the goods or articles were praduced ; and
it was thought that the doubled .reights, anti other expenses ne-
cessarily attending any deviation from that course, would be a
sufficient guarantee that it could not give rise to any carrying
hide, and he believed that experience now justified that surmise.
With respect to the warelonsing system, it was necessary, in
enejunetion with the last measure, to monde some accommodation
for goods brought in foreign bottmns. But another alteratian had
been made: it was provided that Ireland should be put on a
feming of perfect equality. It was not, he thought, fair,
after the Union, that Ireland, in respect of bee shipping,
teaal,l remain in the none relation as a foreign country. All
tee hardship of inequality was therefore removed in that quarter.
But they were ohlieed to go • a ep further, and to make it a
tole not to be outdone in a liberal and conciliating spirit of c
om-
;neeeisl policy by the United States of America ; when, there.
fat, the Brazils became the seat of an imperial government, they
were itimiged to treat the Brazils like other independent countries ;
and the sane principles necessarily compelled them to adopt the
tame line of conduct towards other new States, which had since
rum to Independence. He was surprised to hear the lion. Member
far Branaber, on a former occasion, complain that those countries to
welch he hal last alluded, had been admitted to the commercial
rights of independent States ; but those States knew the principle
which they bad foend it necessary to adopt in other instances,
and 'meld have felt an injury done to them If they had been ex-
elirlei from a participation in them. They might easily have
been stimuleted to a jealousy of the great maritime superiority
of this country, and have born induced to enter into commercisl
relations with other clientele*, which would have treated them more
havoursely. It was necessary, then, to place ourselves on a friendly
fweirg wit% those countries which wanted nor productions and ma.
eitenteres, anti to set them on a footing M reciprocity. Ile was now
app-inching the grereenen of the charge which had been brought
Maim him. namely, the introduction of • taw which enabled the
Crown to da away with the dnerroinatiog prohibitory duties in
Leen of arse country which contented to abolish all similar
pro.iihitious in their ports. Such prohibitory duties, he would
maimain, were calculated to injure every country in proportion to
the extem of in marine. They might serve to create a mantle, as
had been the GM in this country ; bet the continustlen of them
wand create metinet in other countries, to the prejudice of ours,
which at present performs the greater share of the navigation of
the weld. IVA it was the situ:atm of this country ? We ex.
ported manufen red grmils, which could be compressed into a
small compass; they occupied little room, and other countries
would
seek them elsewhere, if we threw any obstacle in
time way of mutual Intercourse. But on the other hand, we
draw from onm c tunnies the raw material. altich was in-
dist:tensible for our building.,, our marine, and our manufactures;
is fact, our expert regeirni comparatively small tonnage. while our
imports &mended a very great tonnage. Ile wits aware that this
e teeny had always, previous to the A mericen revolution, regarded
the emeibitury discriminating duties as an essential part of the
ravigation laws. Before that epoch many things of importance in
commercial policy had paned unobserved; but the revolution of
America hail maid the foundation of many changes which hid taken
plsce, and of many changes which were yet to take place in Jimmie.
It made the nations of Europe consider navigation with more inte-
rest and attentinmexcited by the great and rapid growth of the navy
of the United States. They would not now succumb to the dictation
of any oomuierciel state ; they would retaliate by discriminating du-
ties, and it would then become with us • matter of serious deli.
bemire, whether we should make with them such an arrangement
as we had made with the United SUMS of America, or else engage
in a war of commercial homility, and, after the experience of its
injurious dream to make, what no country ought ever to make, a
wily and humiliating cancoiulon. But whether the system were
stead or bad In itself, we ought to examine it in reference to other
countrineand the situation in which we were placed. He held in his
hand a document which would explain In some measure tho diffi-
culties of that situation. It was a letter from h,. If ,j*./ y' msill at
Dantzle. In 1822, wW:h seeed tne intentian of the Prussian Om
verement to increase the porn duties on the shipping of those
countries which did not treat the Prussian shipping as their
Ova and that the object of the regulation was to induce

other countries, and particularly England, to crime to some arrange.
ment more favourable to the navigation of Prussia. The Prussian
Government did it with • view of protecting their own
shipping, widen at that time was going to ruin. In consequence
of this; step, he (Mr. Iluvkisson) was mailed in 1823 With me-
morials and pritions from all quarters, complaining that it was in).
possible to carry on trade in the Baltic under the heavy pert
duties. Ile then tomninnicatted wiih the Prussian 51 teister on
the subject, but what amid he sty? Mean hear.) Ile said,
"14 e would have you con,ider your own system : so far is my
master from having imitated you completely, that the duty hes
been torn Heed to the shipping; hut next year he will lay it on the
goodsimported in fereign vessels, because you do an." That
measure would have produced genet commerciel evil; it would
hats caused the embarrassment of our meetteicturers, for such
measures were not to be considered merely es they affeced the
interest of the shipping, but also as they coneetned the consumers
and the manufacturers. (Hear, hear.) In comimplence an arrange-
meet was made with the Prussian Illovernmeet, on the basis of a
mutual repeal of prohibitory duties; and after that arrangement
was completed, similar motives led to an extension of the same
policy to Sweden, and it was afterwards extended to the Ilan.
'cane Republics. He should have thought it unworthy of this
country, if, after exteniing • liberal system of policy toother nations,
those small states had been exchided from its advantages—states to
which we owed so many of the first principle,' of commerce, and to
whichnn consequence, Europe was indebted fur so much of
zanon. He considered it sound policy to uphold the small states. It
meght to be the policy of this country to maintain the little states in
independence, nor was there any change in the state of Europe which
he so much deplored as that which affected Mettle. which from being
a free town, and possessing a free commerce, had become dependent
on • great military power. Had Dantxic remained a free town, the
demands of the Prussians might not be complied with, as Dantsic
might have become the emporium of the trade which had previously
been carried on with Prussian parts. When, in considering this
question, it was seen how greatly our maritime force had increased,
it was sufficiently obvious that it could prove no injury to us
to allow the email states, which could never become great
maritime powers, to share in the common advantages of trade.
From those states we recruited our naval force it) time of war; so
that, in fact, we divided the navigation of Europe with states which
might be useful in time of war, but which never could be formidable
to as; for we never could entertain any apprehensions front Prussia
and the email States en the shores of the Baltic. But those com-
plaints respecting the Baltic trade were not new ; similar com-
plaints had been made in 1788, and since that time. The cheap.
netts of the Baltic ships built for that trade, and which were good
for melting else, proved injurious to our ship-building. In 17afi,
complaints were made of the increase of foreign tonnage employed
in that trade, and it was recommended that the alien duties should
be doubled In 17117, and increased in 1788 to three times their
original amount. But even in those days the Board of Trade
were unwilling to sanction a measure so repugnant to the
first principles of commerce. The duties remained as they
were, therefore, and the trade of England, nevertheless, went
on increasing. The statements which he had gone through held
oat sufficient proof, he thought, that the interests of British
shipping were in no jeopardy. Seeing. during the last Session, the
necessity of making the law emigre with the practice, Government
had invited all countries to join in the measure of abolishing all
discriminating duties, leaving no duties but such as were required
either as a moderate benefit to the State, or as a protection to our
own manufactures. He would now pass to the Colonial statement.
After the peace with America in 1782, we found it a difficult anti
haserdous thing to call on our Wen Indian Colonies to draw all
their supplies from this country; but what was the expedient
resorted to We passed Orders in Council from time to time,
allowing the Colonies to draw supplies from the United
States ; and Ministers applied from time to time for bills of
indemnity. In consequence of those infractions of the law. But
they afterwards took courage, and permitted the Colonies to trade
directly for supplies with the United States. But the United
States said, shortly after, if you want supplies from us., and want
us to export them in our own shipping, we will refuse them to you
altogether. On this, the British Government tried another eva-
sion, and Turk's Island was pitched upon as a place where the
Americans might carry supplies to be bought by the colonists ;
but the tioremment of the UMW State.; interfered again to sup-
press this mode of dealing. At last, in 1822. the Colonies were
thrown open to the American trade. It would not then be com-
mon sense to allow a State, which was growing a great maritime
power, to engross the Colonial trade, Instead of sharing it with as
many as possible, such as Prussia and Hamburgh. He had no jea-
lousy of the United States ; but yet he thought it more politic to
create it as many partners as possible in every branch of commerce.
Last Session the House had thrown open the trade of the colonies
to all nations, but had limited the importation of each commodity
to the shipping of the country which produced it. and confined
the carriage of British goods to British vessels. Whether we re-
garded the interest of the colonies, the feeling of the colonists, or
the ultimate benefit of navigation, this system was necessary to be
adopted, unless we should wish to hazard a repetition of those
mistartuncs which we had before experienced from too rigid an
adherence to the system of duties mai restrictions. Lest year the
shipping of this country was over-employed, freights were raised to
an inconvenient degree, anti even the coast matle was affected by
the demand for shipping. It was well known that all, not only British
but foreign, ships, wnich could be procured, were engaged; that was
solely iti consequence of that rage of speculation which pervaded the
whole country, which seemed to suppose that prices would never fall,
nor profits be affected by the extensive dealings carried on, and
which seemed to limit for a time all that coolness and caution, which
usually directs the conduct of commercial men in their mercantile
transactions. .He would produce some statements, to show how
very much all dealings were increased in the cattle of last year.
Ile "total compare the importaions of last year with those of 1822,
in a few articles :—The quantity of timber imported in 1822, was
110,00 e tons ; in 1823, it was 300.000 tons ; of Canada or mast
timber there was imported in 1822, 6.000 toes ; iu 11125, 14.1100 tons.
The Lit imported in 1322, was 499,000 cat.; in 1826, it was
1,1150,000 cwt.; of hemp there was imported in 1822, 1,940,000
cwt.; in 1825, 2M82.000 cwt.; the quentity of linseed imported
Was, In 1822, 1,94,,e00 bushels; in 1825, 2,002,080 bushels.
These statements were sufficient to show how greatly the com-
merce of the country was excited by the spirit of speculation;
that excitew.ent, indeed, was followed by a depression, but that
depression was not confined to tide country. There was an
equal stagnation in the commerce of every State in Europe. Ile
had received letters, particularly from the north of Europe,
which represented thing,' to be in a deplorable way, and complained
in particular, that the shipping interest was now out of employment.
lie hoped that the House would now permit him to call their atten-
dee to the point which had been the principal object of his address.l
ing them. There was no real ground for alarm, in respect of our
commercial marine, the source and nursery of our greatness.
But we ought to look at the state we were in at the breaking out of
the war; at that time the navy of France and of Spain were far
greater than they were at preset; indeed, at present, the navy of
Spain had no I xistence, and that of France was less than it was in
1792 ; if then it was found that our navy had increased in strength
soil in proportion as those of other nations declined, it was evident
we had no reason to complain. The comtnercial, as well as the
military marine of France, was deficient. its men, as well his in
that sort of feeling which constituted the great strength of a navy.
Ile could never forget the circumstances under which we assem-
bled one naval forces at the commencement of the war—he could
never forget the painful circumstances which attended the nume.
ideal superiority of the enemy in that war—he could never forget
that Gibraltar was relieved by stealth, and that it was attributed as
a great merit to the gallant Admiral who had relieved it, that he
had avoided an engagement with the combined forces of the enemy.
The shipping of the country had increased considerably since the
year 1791 It was tiro-fifths larger at the present time than at that
period ; and with respect to the navy, it was in a state of greater
readiness for duty, if there should be any occasion to call it into
service, than it ever was before. There never was a period at which
the country could look with greater triumph to the state of the
navy than at the present moment. By many it had been said
that the navy of the United States of America was in a more pros-
perous state. lie would take upon himself to say, that the com-
mercial navy of England had guttered since the last war a lesser
diminution than that of the United States. In that country
the decrease of tonnage was 188,000 tons, upon 700.000 em-
ployes! in foreign commerce; and without confining himself to
the United States of America, but looking at all the countries of
Europe, England had no reason to apprehend danger to her ship-
ping Interests from the competition of foreign shipping. It was
true that British shipping was exposed in some instances to greater
cluirgee than foreign vessels were exposed to ; but some of the charges
were cheaper in this country than others, and he would give as an
instance the article of iron, which was so material to the shipping
interest ; but the minim who had petitioned the House respecting
the state of the shipping intermit, complained that direct taxation
Was the ground of the disadvantages under which they laboured ;
and they called fur a du'y to protect them from the compe-
tition of foreign shipping. The very course which they recom-
mend would amount to a direct taxation. He was aware that many
attempts had been made to connect the present difficulties of the
country with the scheme of commercial policy which had been
pursued by this country, but he called upon those who maintained
such opinions to trace the progress of that policy, and if they could
to show the cennexion between it and the present distress. The
only faiour which he asked of those who cast those censures was to
point out by argument what had been the course by which that
effect had been produced. The alteration of duties was confined to
those articles the use of which contributed to the capital and pros-
perity of the country. It was true that the free trade had been car-
ried to excess by means of • paper cretlit, which gave a facility to
speculation ; to this source it was that he attributed the unfor-
tunate circumetancen in which a great portion of the community
were placed; and lie would continue to maintain, until convinced
by argument, that the country would find, in • liberal system of
commercial policy, the best security against a recurrence of those
difficulties. Be hoped the documents which he intended to
move for would prove the correctness of the view which he had
taken of the subject. The Right lion. Gentleman then moved for
a return of the number of ships built in the British dominions be-
tween the years 1814 and 1815, both inclusive, die inguishing the
number built in each year, and the amount of their tonnage.
Mr. BAILING Bald, he did nut intend to trouble the House but
with • very few observations, and although he did uot entirely con-
cur in the opinions of the Right lion. Gentleman, he could not but
express his thanks for the information which he had communi-
cated to the House ; such information was most valuable iii an in.
quiry Into the commercial law of the country. The commercial
policy of any country was of great importance, but that of this
wintry was pectriarly deserving of consideration. Ile had watched
the new system of free trade, and he was face to contens. that the
statement first made by the President of the Boar,: of 'Lade had
induced him to think the more favourably of that system.
Several monopolies must be abandoned. The Coos Laws should

be revised, or imrortant interests must be secraticed. The Co-
lonies must be preserved ; and there was no other way of preserv.
log some of cheat, but by extending to them the benefits of a libe-
ral commercial policy. IFltetever might be the views of this coun-
try respecting the Lettuce best to be penned., there was no power
of enforcing that policy in sane of the Coloniesi, extent by allow.
ing reelprocal advantages. In the West and Eau Colonies, this
country had the power of carrying her own speem Into effect ; but
that was not the cue in the North American settlements; there such
a course could not be pursued. It would alao be very important to
the interests of this country to preserve the island of Trinidad,
which was moet convenient and necessary to be preserved as a tie.
pot for British trade to South America. Although he felt grateful to
the Right lion. Gentleman for the statement which he ha,' made,
he millet be Aloud to differ with him respecting the effect *e-
duced relative to the silk trade, which lie ( Mr. Baring) contended
contributed to the present distress. In consequence of that measure,
many 04 the silk manufacturers were compelled to discharge their
weavers, and Met of course was a emse of diuresis. o;her amen.
tries having certain advantages over England, and this country los-
ing the benefit of protecting their', laboured underdiCicultiem which
it would take time to remove; but lie hoped the statement which had
been made that night would rend to remove many of the objections
and prejudices which prevailed among particular classes. respect.
ing any change in the ancient commercial system of the country.
There I/ 43 one great inconvenience arising out of the alteration in
the Navigation Laws which he would wish to be remedied. At
the present time nine tenths of the trade of Liverpool was carried
on in American weasels. The docks of that town contained so
many American vessels that they resembled an American seaport.
He was anxious to hear some suggestion to remedy so serious an
evil. Ile had no doubt but that some regulation might be made
to procure for this country a fair proportion of that trade. The
present system led considerably to the increase of the American
shipping. Before the war their shipping amounted to 1,500A0
tons, and at present the American tonnage amounted to sixteen or
seventeen hundred thousand. As he had heard an satisfactory a
statement from the Right lien. Gentleman at the head of the
Board of Trade, he hoped also to hear front him some suggestion
to secure to this country a fair share in the carrying trade from this
country to America.
Mr. ROBERTSON said that he differed from the Right lion.
°sideman (11r. Huekisson) an to the amount of tonnage 14 applied
to Foreign and British ships ; for, front the documents pruMuced,
it appeared that the amount of foreign tonnage was 200,000 more
then stated by the Right Honourable Gentleman. Ile had also
said, that et the commencement of the last war the French merchant
ships were compelled to go round the north coast of Scotland, In
order to reach their ports in safety, front the disparity that existed
in the naval force of the two countries. But what did he think of
the increasing tonnage of America. when he drew a comparison as
to the relative amount of British and foreign shipping, which
amounted to 1,600,000 tons, and which was equal nearly to
two-thirds of the tonnage of Great Britain. With respect to the
feeling of foreign powers, as to a reciprocity of interests,
what appeared the fact! The Right Honourable Gentleman
had himself admitted that America would not submit to the
regulations made by the Government of England. Prussia
did reciprocate with us, and France did so as far as she
pleued, but he could not help observing that. previous to the
last treaty with that country, the produce of the West Indies came
direct from thence to England, where it was warehoused and then
exported to France; but by the treaty he had mentioned France
lid been allowed to import directly, and the consequence was that
England, which had been the emporium for the supply of other
nations, was so no longer; that system which had been so favour-
able to the colonial and coasting trade, from which sources the navy
of the cotintry was to be drawn, had been thrown down. and the
warehousing system of the country had beet) annihilated by the act
of the President of the Board of Trade. He could not but object
to the short-sighted policy of the Right lion. Gentleman, which
went to open the eyes of foreign nations to their own interests,
which before England had in her own hands : he must protest
loudly against the power which had been conceded to America,
to trade with the West India colonists; and he must maintain that,
unless protection was given to shipping in the same way that it was
given to other brtnchen of the trade of the country,it would be impos-
sible for England to grapple with the navy of other countries so as to
afford protection to the trade of the country. With respect to the
competition of foreign countries with England, he would take the
article of * 01. France had so improved in the woollen manufac-
ture, that although there was a protecting duty of 10 per cent.,
woollen goods, of French man ifacture had been toed in England
at a profit. and in all probability would. tend greatly to the detri-
ment of the same goods manufactured in England. In cotton
they haul not made the same progress, but their advance and int-
provement in the manuftettire of that article was a matter of some
apprehension, as likely to supplant that of Great Britain. In what-
ever way the question was looked at, seeing how the country was
taxed, it w s necessary that England should act upon a prir.ciple
different from all other countries, because her situation was essen-
tially different, and that could oily be done by *Warding protection
to her trade in every department eft it.
Sir 11. W. RIDLE V observed, that he did not rise to detain
the House ; but as he had presented a petition from a great body
of his constituents, who felt deeply on the subject, he was
anxious to say a few words on the present occasion, and to enter
into a short statement of their case. In the first place, he would
draw the attention of the House to the extraordinsiy increase which
had taken place of foreign shipping into the port of London during
the years 1822, 1023, 1824, and 1825. That of Russia had doubled
itself during that period; Sweden had increased from 11.000 to
32,000 tons; Norway from 25,000 to 56.4104 tons ; Denmark,
which was the most extraordinary increase, was froni46o to 8,18.19
tons, and from Prussia, Germany, and Belgium, in the same pro-
portion. Such an increase could not but show that considerable
danger was to be apprehended from the increased aincent of foreign
tonnage admitted into the port of London. It was to be supposed
that the exports and imports should have borne some rela-
tion to each other • but such wan not the fact, for it appeared
that from December, 1021, to December, 1825, the amount of int.
ports from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Prussia, had increased
243,151/awhile the exports from Great Britain to these places had
decreased 290,0001. and he must say there was something not per-
fectly clear or convincing in that breech of the trade of the country.
If it was found that the imports had increased and the carrying
trade had tailed, it was impossible that the shipping interest could
be protected under the duties and difficulties under which they
laboured. lie would wish to see what was the cost of ship.
building in the different ports. and) he thought the House
would cease to wonder at the difficulties under which the British
shipping laboured. In Germany, Holland, and Deemer*, vessels
of the first class coat from seven to eight pounds a ton, while in
England the charge was from 16/. to 17/. In the charge of victu-
alling there was as extraordinary a contrast, and which was worthy
of the attention of the House. At Hambiugh the price of beef was
2d. per lb., and that of bread 15s. per cwt. At 31emel, beef was
3d. per lb. and and bread 15e. per cwt. At Rigs, beef wan 2d per
lb. and bread 12s. per cwt., while in England beef was no less than
6d. per lb. and bread o. per cwt., being more than double the
amount of the highest prices in the porta he had mentioned. In
the wages of smilers there was a still greater disproportion, for
while they varied in England last year from 41. 10s. to 31. 10e., and
were this year at 3/. 155., on the Continent, for the same period,
they had varied from 20s. to 12s. MI., and when to these came to
be added the extraordinary advance on all articles used in the pro.
tess of ship-building, it would at once be seen that it was impos.
sible for England to compete with foreign castes under such disad-
vantage. It was those circumstances, combined with others, that
had thrown the mitts upon the petitioners to whom he had alluded,
to call upon the House to interfere. He would not say that it
would be politic to lay on a protecting duty; indeed it might not be
practicable, but if that was the case, then the House ought to take
the question into its consideration, and see whether some means
could not he devised by which the British shipping might be re-
lieved. What those means might be he did not pretend to say, but
he feared, from the late period of the session, no measure could
now be brought forward. He frosted that the President of the Board
of Trade would look to the subject —not that lie accused Mtn of
having neglected it--and that they might look forward next session
to an inquiry ; for it it were longer delayed, the Government would
neglect the best interests of the country. Not only was England
losing the trade of other countries, but she was in the same predi.
cement with regard to the cowing trade. Ile could not help
informing the House of a remarkable fact which he had witnessed
only yesterday. lie happened to be present when a foreign mer-
chant was opening an account with a banker, the amount of which
was from 30,000/. to 35,11001., which was for a freight from Ham-
burgh to Newfoundland. The House would be nurpriseul to learn
that the provisions were going from Ilamburgli, the 816 p and
sailors were from Hamburgh--end not one articleof that investment
was from this country. That circumstance firmed conclusive
evidence as to the deep root which the evil had taken. A general
revision of the system was necessary, in order to enable England
to compete with foreigners, that by that revision they might en-
deavour to ascertain where the defect was, and to remedy it.
Mr. ELLICE said that he perfectly agreed with the Right Ilon.
Gentleman in many parts of the statement which he had just made
to the House. Ile mold not but observe that there was an im-
mense portion of British shipping unemployed at the conclusion of
the war, in consequence of the demand which had previously existed
for it, which shipping was only called into action by the events of
last year, but which, instead of having thine any good, had in-
volved the shipping interest in still further ttiltregn. Net only did
that distress extend to the shipping interest, and to every
branch of the trade and manufactures of the Empire, but it
had gone to effect a commercial revolution almost in every part of!
the globe. Gentlemen talked of over-trading, but he would main.l
tam that the Government had been cause of that over-trailing. It
was but necessary to look back to the years 1818 and,ll.lle, and at the
present, 11126, and it would be secs that the calamities which had
been so severely felt had been brought about by a sudden con.
traction of the currency of the country. That was the real
cause of the distress, and that was attributable to the conduct
of his Majesty's Government. It was true that last year there
were very large speculations in ship-building, not only in this
country but also in the Colonies. There had been ship-building
Companies instituted, for carrying on those operations in the
Colonies on a large scale ; but what had been die result ? The
ships were brought to Englaad and sold, but did not fetch half the
price. The same had taken place with respect to ships built at
home, and lie feared it was an evil that the Bight Hon. Gentleitimi
would nut be able to remedy. If employment could not be found
for the additional shipping there was bat one course to pursue;
that wan, to reduce every charge that by possibility affected
British shipping, before it c mad be placed on • level
itonwausienottil
with that of other countries. It was well knewn to the Right
ictonroutritlee
or Gentlemanfoue
c.Hiitnisi‘kisteohen)s,ubtiheact,
atten-
tion of the House, that ho (Mr. Ellice) succeeded in obtain-
of three four hundred tons burden
ing a partial relief, a ship
yea(rsMprr.
having up to 'diet time paid 300.. for fees. It was impossible

that England could have a free trade, and raise the amount of
taxation with which the country was burthened. In hit opinion,
anything was better than that vicious system of fever and ague
to which the country had h-cn lately subjected, and to which the
Government had lent its assistance. The trade of the c .entry had
been leered, upon the principle of an hot-house, to which his
Majesty's M ini otitis had supplied the fire, and when it hail arriv,d
at is highest excitement, they exposed it to a chilling frost.
In the present state of taxation, and the manufacturers exposed to
high prices for all ecominntlities, it was impossible for them to coin-
pete with foreigners; with such serious disadvantages tn maser-it
will, the trade of the country could not revive. Ile thought Mi.
niaters took upon themselves a responsibility which few would wish
to share with them. lie did not envy the responeability which the pre-
sent system threw upon the Admittistration ofthe country. lle had,
however, no doubt that the natural energy of the c: uotiy
would set the vessel right. Ile considered the exceptions tarn to
the Right Honourable Gentleman were unfounded. Ile ct u'd do
no more than lie had done. The enlarged policy which he had
adopted hail not injured the shipping interest. If it had suffered did
its difficulties not originem in the reciprocity system, but grew
out of other causes quite distinct and separate from it.
Mr. IRVING a nil he was glad the question had been brought
forward, as he considered it one of great importance. There could
be no doubt but foreign chips might be employed on cheaper terms
titan our own ships, in consequence of the cheapncseof the materials
of which ships were constructed being so much in favour of foreign-
ers he would not undertake to decide wheth r the policy hitherto
practised, of affording protection to particular interests, was a sound
system or not, he would, however, observe that tinder that system
the country had prospered, nor did he think that it hatl been
proved that with that system it was impossible fir the shipping in.
tersst of this country to compete with Oat of foreign countr es.
Mr T. WILSON said the protection given to the bubblrs and
wild specttlations of last year had contributed more to the present
state of trade than the commercial system which had been adopted.
Ile thought it was not a fair mole of viewing the awe of lilt
shipping interest of the country to refer to the rate of freightage, as
a criterion to judge of the prosiierity of that interest; and to con-
elude, because freights were high last year and low this year, that
therefore the shipping interest was in a state of prosperity. The
high freights of last year proceeded from the system of neet trading
which had been pursued, and which, in consequence, created a de-
mand for ships, to be carries of tile emmucserties which were spe-
culated so largely in.
Mr. HUAI did not think there was so match cause for congra-
tulation as the President of the Board of Trade supposed. He
(Mr. Hum') was of opinion that the distress of thecauntry arose
from excessive taxation.

Mr. P. GRANT thought it would be better to defer formina an
opinion on the subject until the papers were printed which the Pre.
sident of the Board of Trade had moved for. The object of the Rt.
Hon. Gent. was to show that the system which he had introduced
was not calculated to injure the maritime interests of the country.
He would not now say anything further ; in fact, his Right lion.
Friend had exhausted the question. His speech was calculated to
give great and general satisfaction. He must say his Right lion.
Friend had been placed in a most painful position. The complaints
circulated out of doors attributed every evil to the liberal policy
which had been pursued; and it was a subject for congratulation
that the present opportunity had been afforded for its justification.
In his (Mr. Grant's) opinion, the more nearly the measures of his
Right Hon. Friend were examined, the more they would be found
to recommend themselves. (Hear, hear.)
Tile return moved for by the Right lion. Gentleman was then
ordered.

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