Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-01-15

From me ". f0Th Dduy .loreyttST'
AMERICAN COMMERCE WITH FRANCE.
We translate the following remarks
from a Paris paper Of Oct. slst. The
editor, in advocating the convention Of
June gath, 1922, replies to several OBJ
iections which have been raised against
it, as being unfayorabie to French mer-
chants, and then proceeds thus:
1t is not vet forgotten what an abso-
lutte stagnation followed the rupture OF
our direct relations with the U. States;
and the same state of things would in
fallibly return, if we were blind enough
TO our true interests to recur to the mar
row and shutting system to which we
then resorted, and which is as well able
TO introduce rude reprisals now, as in
1920. The distress of which our ma
ratme commerce complains would be
much increased, instead OF being d.
minished, and France would, In great
measure, lose that great commercial ac-
,ivity which proves so advantageous,
and which, whether it is performed in
French or American vessels, is no less
precious to this country: for the best
channels of export are thereby secured
to her productions, and the best modes
of import for the materials required by
her manufactures.
Instead Of seeking to exclude the
American flag from our ports, as the
means Of introducing a hurtful compe-
tition, our merchants ought rather to
study out the causes which render it
prejudicial to our trade; to search out
the means by which that nation, so re-
Gently entered on career which is o.
pen to all, has been able to extend its
relations to every place accessible to
commerce; to rival the English in Chi
ma, and even in India; and to take upon
itself to furnish the markets Of St. Do
mingo and South America with articles
of the first necessity. Finally, it will
be important to examine why France
has never adopted the principle of re
ciprocity now received by all other
commercial countries-a principle so
conformed to social rights and justice,
and so favorable to the union of nations,
and the progress of civilization.
The only cause of the preference
given 10 American navigation in our
ports, in spite of all the duties imposed
upon it, is the economy which they
have lately introduced in the fitting out
and the sailing Of their ships. Every
vessel is manned with as small num-
Der Of sailors as possible; the rapid inn
proyements in the art of navigation,
have permitted them to dispense with
many expensive precautions agains,
the dangers Of the seas; and finally, their
maratime law, respecting the right OF
free bargains. does not interfere to i'm
pose embarrassing conditions either
upon the merchant or the sailor
Things are not established on this sys
tenn in France. Our maratime trade
is shaekled with petty regulations
which increase its expenses and confne
Its motions. The ship master mus,
take his sailors in such place or no
where; The law prescribes the number
he must take to work his vessel and to
supply a loss; and he is not allowed to
take any man as an officer, who has not
proved before the proper tribunal tina,
he has passed through the regular
course OF an apprenticeship.
All these regulations are as old as
the 18th Century. They are contem.
porary with those which were placed
by the government on our manufac.
lures, when they were considered iniu.
rious to our interests. Those laws
which prescribed the number of work.
men permitted to each branch Of ma.
nufacture, and the quantity and length
ofthe thread which was to enter into
every fabric, have been abolished in our
day. Private interest has been recog-
missed as the best Judge in the case; and
why is not the same allowed to the
merchants! They want liberty in their
movements, as the president OF the
board OF commerce remarks, and that
would give them the activity and ad-
yantages so much desired.
his Most Christian Mgesty's Consulate
General 2.