Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-02-21

leu c'dteS, ~ Is eSiItnd'eu, SuppOSiilS Tie
same proportion exists in the exports, !
that American vessels are used in the |
transportation annually of 2,l77 924 dol !
lars worth of merchandise, and British !
vessels IL ,322. 076 dollars worth of the
most bulky articles of commerce, one
halt of which are of the growth, produc-
ton or manufacture of the United States.
This inequality in the advantages of this
commerce, 10 the injury of the navigating
interest OF this country, arises from the
rigorous enforcement of the colonial sys-
TEN of Great Britain, as 10 the u. States,
while il is relaxed TO all other nations who
are friendly to the British empire, and
have colonial possessions. The portion
Of the commerce which is carried on in
American vessels, arises from accidental
and temporary suspensions of the system
which the governors of the islands, &c
are permitted, under the pressure of dire
necessity, to direct-an employment for
our seamen and vessels, precarious and
momentary, rather irritating and tanta-
lIzing than profitable. This intercourse
appears to the committee in the worst
possible state, as II regards the naviga-
ton OF the United States, while it is in the
best for that of Great Britain. Justice
and policy require, on the part of every
wise government, It's best exertions 10 Sc
cure to its own citizens perfect equality
in the transportation of merchandise, with
the people OF every nation respectively,
with whom II has commercial intercourse.
Some governments ar governed by po-
licy more contracted, desiring 10 give TO
their ndvigators the exclusive transporta-
ton of their native products, while they
desire TO participate IN carrying the pro-
ductions of other countries. The com
miitee are satisfied that the United States
will never be governed by the selfish
views of the latter class, but trust that il
has not beer, nor Will it ever be, regard
less ct the Just motives of the former: So
far II is Il duty to protect the navigating
interest. This duty can he performed in
relation to The suniect of this report, by d
conventions slIpulaiion with Great bri-
tan, tor'ned upOn the basis of reciproci-
ty, ar by legislative acts, operating exeiu-
sNely against Tue British navigator en-
gagged III rIIs TRACE. With the first mode
tins t1oGSe has no fart, er concern, than
TO know that Tie other branch of the gov
eminent has performed lis duly. Re
peated and hitherto uIavaiiing applica-
tons have been made TO the British gov
eminent. Ii Is not, however, surprising,
that they have been unsuccessful, since
no adequate motive al present exists, to
| induce Great Britain 10 arrange this in
| tercourse by c0nvemiIoB. The offer con-
tame IN the articles annexed TO this re-
| pert, the most rational and reciprocaliy
advantageous OF any ever nIaue, may be
considered as dictated by spr; of ac-
commodation, which, under tie pressure
OF adequate motives, mlgbt be iostered
| mo a determination TO rant all that we
could reasonably ask or they he expected
to yield. The three first articles, with
some practicable notifications, would,
by The adaptation OF our commercial laws
TO the stipulation contained in them, con-
inning the commerce strictly TO those arti-
cles winch Americans were permitted To
carry, wonid place the trade upon as ia
vorable grounds as could be expected
1t would, no doubt, in short time, be
followed by a complete abandonment of
The residue of the present jealous system
OF exclusion. Tile committee cannot,
however, but approve the prompt rejec-
ton OF tins proposition, since these arti-
Giles are connected with another altoge-
Their inadmissible, without departure
from what they deem the settled policy
OF this country, Ia relation TO the trade
with the Indians within IFS jurisdiction.
The British ministry, having assured this
government that these articles were all
that could be granted, consistent with
| their opinions of the best interest Of the
British empire, there is no longer any
hope of effecting this desirable object by
negotiation. 1t remains for Congress TO
determine what course is TO be pursued
1t IT were possible to separate the interest
OF one class of the community from that
OF another, IT must be obvious that, how
ever fatal TO the navigator, the preseat
state of things is not Injurious 10 the cul-
tivator of the soil. The productions of
his labor are carried with facility to rea-
dy market, and he receives in return all
those articles which taste and habit have
| rendered necessary TO his comfort. But
this separation Is impossible, aud the ne
| cessary cOnnexion between the two inte-
rests IS apparent, when il is remembered,
thai the competition of American with TO-
reign navigation is essential to keep down
The expense of transportation, always
paid by the cultiVator and consumer. If
this injury is moi now apparent. il will ul-
tlmately be felt when the total ruin of the
navigating interest will deprive us of the
power TO remedy the evil. The commit
tee fOrbear to press those important con-
| siderations of preparation for national de-
fence so lnseparably connected with this
enquiry. They feel that there is on this
point bat one sentiment among the repre-
| senlaiives OF the people aud in the nation.
Experience, prudence, gratitude for the
| glory shed upon our country and the con
hdent and delightful anticipation of flu
ture renown, all cOnspire To ensure the ne
cessary sacrifices for the preservation
| interest OF the seamen OF the u. States
| lhIs object so far "a II may be promoted
| by participation IN the commercial in
| teTcOurse with the British American colo