The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-10-18
DEL-iTOR.
From the AvRoRA.
INFLUENCE OF BRITAIN.
No. ".

HAVING, in the antccedent numbers, tra-
ccd the progressive increase OF the commerce
OF the United States since the revolution, and
shewn that IL was supported chiefly either by
British capital or British credit, which ne
ccsxtily created a partiality III favour of
Great Britsin--we come now to an ara when
we shall perceive how greatly that influence
was augmented, In consequence Of the resi-
denee of English and Scotch merchants in
this country. rs -,
The great profits which the British manu-
facturers had derived from supplying us with
dry goods, naturally excited an inclination to
extend their business. Agents were there
fore sent here with pattern cards, to solicit or
ders for goods. The profits of ourtrade held
forth temptation for our merchants to launch
out beyond the ability ct their capitals, and
the British manufacturers began to make
shipments on their own account. The mar
kets became overstocked-goods went to the
hammer, and the consequence was that the
American importers were disabled from max
ing payments with their accustomed punctu-
ality. The British agents were seized with
the prevalent commercial mania, and in many
instances, instead Of remitting to their prinCi-
pals the monies which they had collected for
them, appropriated it to speculations on their
own account. Fresh, agents were therefore
sent after them, to bring the old ones to their
books, who, in their turns. were called to ac
count by newer ba;ch---thus increasing the
importation of agents, ad infnitum
EngishDen formed commercial establish.
ments in this country, nor only. In the dry
goods trade, but also in the shipping business,
and actually became owners of vessels, with
one or more of the partners in the firm, resi-
dents in Manchestcr, London, &c. Nay, on
the trial for speculation, of Mr.. Valentine
Jones, British commissary in the West In
dies, before the Court OF Kings Bench, a
few months ago, it appeared in evidence, that
he was partner in a commercial establish
ment in the city of Philadelphia, at the same
period in the exercise of his Official agen-
cy. ~ ~9ae
The influx of colonial produce kept pace
with the extension of our commerce, and the
hecessties of our merchants encreased in
proportion to the multiplication of their i'm
prudent commercial expeditions--so that as
soon as their returns arrived, they were un-
der the necessity of forcing them into the
market at a considerable loss.
From this disadvantage, however, they
soon found relief, by British houses making
them ADVANCES on receiving orders for in
surancc, and having the property consigned
to their addrcss--thc vessels to touch at an
English port for their orders to proceed to a
market, and although the property was either
ordered into British port for sale, or sent to
partners on the continent, or to houses who
agreed to &C snacks with them in the profits,
(Which system proved ruinous to almos, every
one who received it, it was nevertheless con-
stantly resorted to, and it furnished most
powerful mean for encreasing the influence
of Britain in the United States.
When we have gone through the principal
causes which tended to create British inilu-
cnce, we shall take view Of the effects which
| that influence has produced on society.
II IvIIIG.