Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-02-08

we might refuse 10 theirs, of every deS-
cription, the carriage of the same pro-
ductiOns TO the same countries.
But as Justice and good neighbcr-
hood would dictate, that those who have
no part in imposing the restriction on
us, should not be the victims ofneasures
dopted 10 defeat its effect, it may be pro-
per TO coniine the restriction TO vessels
owned or navigated by any subjects OF
the same dominant power, other than the
inhabitants of the country, TO which the
said productions are TO be carried. And
to prevent all Inconvenience 10 the said
inhabitants, and 10 our own, by too sud
den Il check OH tie means OF transpOrtail-
on, we may continue To admit the vessels
marhedior future exclusion, on an adj
vanced tonnage, and for such length of
time only, as will be supposed necessa-
ry, to provide against such inconveni-
ence."
Such, Sir, were the opinions and views
of some of our most distinguished states
men, and such were the principles of pc
Icy recommended by them, for the adop-
ton of their country-equailya pplica bic
TO our present simultaneously necess-
AIRY now to be adopted. That they were
notcal!ed upon at an earlier period, the
convulsed state of Europe, from The com
mencement of the French revolution, in
1889, TO tile termination Of the late con
hlct IN Europe, furnishes sufficient rCa-
son. But, Sir, Congress ought before to
have acted upon this suhjeci-beiore the
termination of that conliict-before the
negotiation of the late commercial con-
vention of London. Great Britain did
tIiis-shc revised her navigation laws
formed u new tariff-or greatly altered
her icrmer-and adapted the whole 10 a
state of peace in Europe, and with Ameri-
ca. And although IN that convention, she
Processes to pal the direct trade between
The two countries upon perfect footing
OF reciprocity, yetshe had before secured
the principal advantages 10 her own ships
and subjects. In Il word, and IN the words
of MIR. jefiersOn's report, we did give
" her commerce and navigation in eX-
change, for restrictions and yeXations."
We admit all her productions, she reiu-
ses, or lays prohibiory duties on many
OF ours-ali our ports are open TO her
one third OF her ports are closed against
us. She told our commissioners, we had
nothing 10 offer in exchange for her colo
NAL pocis.-HaVe we not most extern
siVe and lucrative commerce 10 offer for
them, a commerce, If not essential 10 their
existence, at least necessary 10 their
growth and prosperity !-Sk2llit be said,
we have nothing TO offer Tor the trade Of
these colonies, when they now receive in
British bottoms three quarters OF their
supplies from us No, Sir, pass the laws
on your table, and at your next negocia-
ton, YOU will have III them stronger argu-
menis than any of your commissioners
had at the formation OF the late conyen-
ton, as il respects the colonial trade
In little more than two wears that conven-
ton will expire You will probably treat
again upon the subjects embraced by it
these laws will aid you iii obtaining true
reciprocity i'll commerce. All nations
disposed 10 act on high and honorable
principles will fluid America anxious TO do
tile same. If they are disposed to remove
all restrictions from commerce, America
will do The same Such is the language of
her Statesman quoted above-such the
language other Jaws. Unsolicited she
long since passed law offering TO all
commercial traders, TO abolish all discri-
minating duiies-tilat commerce, like the
ocean on which it floats, might iind lis
proper level-tiiat the ocean Night indeed
become the great, The common, and the
safe highway of nations where the CT
tizens and subjects might meet as friends
Permit me now, Sir, TO ask tile aiienti-
on of the committee TO the principal fca-
lures Of the British navigation act. 1t is
a wise and aged monitor il has existed
for more than one hundred and fifV
years; the most profitable and best coun-
sellor The British monarchy ever posses
sed. And sincerely hope, that our coun-
try will draw much profit and Instruction
from the same source. The following
account of that act, greatly abbreviated,
is taken from Chittl S Law Of Nations /;
some of the additional acis have res elved
modification since he wrote particularly
i'm relation 10 this country.
The great navigation act Gas il is called
OF Ghsai Britain passed before lie resto-
ration, viz 9th October, 1G5l, and was
intended g to cripple tie Dmch hude. -
The subssting act of navigation was pas
sed IL Charles, 2d, e. is. It's principal
provisions are three-fold
/. Relating to the coasting trade of O..
Britain.
2. Her trade with other independent
states.
3. The trade she carries on herself, or
permits other states to carry on, with lier
plantations and foreign possessions.
The first is confined solely TO British
botions--the master and three quarters
at least Of the scamen English-and IS
from one port or creek OF England, Ire
land, &c. 10 another port on creek III the
same.
The seconds restricted TO English YES.
sells, or vessels Of the country producing
the ariicle-tl ie master and three quarters