Star.
London, England, 1822-09-14 00:00:00

TRADE WITH COLUMBIA.

The following interesting Petition and Answer will
be read with much satisfaction, by persons connected
with mercantile transactions:

TO THE RIGHT MT. TUT LORDS

Or Mt AIMINALTV.

M T
The Petition of the undersigned British Merchant humbly re-
presents to your Lordships, -
'Phut the lanufacturing Interest of these Realms was, within
a very few years past, in as alarming state of depression.
That this depression arose from a want of demand from neigh-
bouring countries, which now manufacture their own goods, and
many of which are making efforts to become exporters of the
articles which they formerly received from us.
That the manufacturers have only been relieved from the ap-
prehensions which were lately so appalling, by an unexpected
and increased demand, arising mainly from a new trade with the
lock peLdent States of South America, and with our possessions
in the FAA Indies.

'►chat the profits of the manufacturers are now very small, cal-
culating the current prices of goods in England.
That the low prices are necessary to the cJotintiznce of their
present prosperity ; successfully to compete with foreign pro-
duce, and to induce a growing consumpria in new countries.
That evetything which tends to prevent the free egress of ma
nufactures, to remove confidence in the security of enterprise,
or to increase the expenses of shipments, must operate to render
more distant thist period of prosperity which will serve to in-
crease demand, and which manufacturers look forward to in the
New World.

That the exports of the manufactures to Jamaica and the West
Indian Islands have of late years been important.
That the goods so exported were chicly sold to the main land.
That the idea of a regular and established commerce direct to
the main laud, enabling manufacturers and merchants to avoid
the expenses of intermediate ports, prevents shipments to Jamaica.
That the shipments to the main land are prevented by insecu-
rity for our ships, arising from the extensive Oepredations com-
mitted by pirates in the Western Seas.
That be-sides the spoliation of property, the atrocious barba-
rities committed on unarmed and helpless individuals are so
frightful as to create alarm, and to prevent men from under-
taking the voyage.
'l'hat if it be possible for men, calculating the profits of enter-
prise, to be excited by humanity, repugnance must be felt at
being instrumental in exposing men to such barbarity, rapacious-
ness, and even death.

That the Assurers demand ten guineas for a risk to the main
land, which, under ordinary circumstances, ought to be dove at
from two to three guineas per cent.
That it is even difficult to insure at this enormous premium.
That although shippers may be induced in a limited degree to
submit to such a burden, they du not fed that undertakings
which are made with so much risk and so much doubt as to their
arriving at their destination, can fairly be considered as operations
resting on such security as merchants ought to look for.
That the protection given by America to her commerce with
the New World, ensures to her subjects a precedence in mar-
kets which we shall lose, and the efforts to suppress a race of
marauders, formidable as a Power in a state of warfare, wilt en-
sure to them advantages which are still within our reach.
That a continuance of the difficulties which now exist must
tomd to make the ships of other nations the carriers to Columbia,
and injure in some degree the Shipping Interest.
Your Petitioner humbly adds, that he is strongly interested
in the commerce to the main land.

That he has already chartered one ship, the Mary, for Mara-
caybo, and another, for the same destination, is about to pro-
ceed ; and although in his humble rapacity as an individual, he
claim little at your Lordships' hands, yet, as speaking for the
interests of a large community, be would humbly hope that your
Lordships will take into your serious consideration the best means
to give security to a trade which promises to become a source tit
wealth to our country, and to give animation to that spirit of in-
dustry which has made England, what she is, and which is, in
truth, the basis of bet zloty and pre-eminence.
Your Petitioner does not presume to know what steps may
have been taken to alleviate these complaints, but British mer-
chants repose a confidence in his 3lajesty's Government, that no
measure will be neglected which can Increase the nation's pro-
sperity, or justify that confidence; but your Petitioner would
humbly beg that publicity might be given to every measure,
which, consistently with the nation's welfare, could be made
known, tending to remove the difficulties which your Petitioner
humbly, but imperfectly sets forth, and to alleviate the fears so
commonly entertained. lie would presume to suggest to your
Lordships that much good would be don:: fox securing the trade
with Columbia, by appointing a station for convoy from an island
to windward,such as Barbadoes or St. Vincent; Cuenca would
be still better if the measure be not inconsistent with the policy
or views of the Dutch Government. This seems so necessary,
that he woulll implore your Lordships to reflect on it, and to
give to it efficiency without delay, if, in your Lordships' judg-
ment, you should deem it expedient.
Your Petitioner is aware that convoys are granted at Ja-
maica, but he would humbly state that this station answers well
for the florts of Santa Martha, Carthagena, and the parts in the
Gulf of Mexico, bet it is too much to leeward to answer the
purpose for vessels bound to the important ports of Laguira
and Maracaybo.
Your Petitioner would desire likewise humbly to represent
that, from the comparatively little intercourse which has existed
with Columbia and the main land, the Assurers have many doubts
as to the knowledge of navigators of the coast ; and it is highly
desirable that your Lordships would take such steps on this sub-
ject as your Lordships may deem fit ; and your Petitioner, in
thus presuming to petition your Lordships, begs leave to express
his confidence, that although he does so as au bumble individual,
there would exist no difficulty in obtaining to the sense of his
Petition a multiplicity of signatures; he relies not the less on
your Lordships' judgment and operative measures; and be would
. humbly beg your Lordships would give bins such-an early noti-
fication of what year Lordships may thuk fit to do, as will re-
lieve him from the difficulties he is under in effecting insurance
on the cargo and ship which is about to sail.
Your Petititiner has the honest to Se, your Lordships' humble
and obedient ses-vast, (Signed) J 0 :41 LOWS,
Sept. 10, 11121. 27, New broad-street.
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