Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-05-03

ties, for many of them would be little
else, would be most beneficial to trade
and commerce, as well as to the reve-
nue.. All experience had proved as
much; and the repeal or alteration of
them had been resisted by some imagi-
nary or peculiar interests. He trusted
that the groundlessness of alarm on
such points was now evident The
changes might occasion the introduce
ton of some foreign articles, but even
tuallv, they would only lead to improve
ments in our own trade * manufactures.
The silk trade had so increased now,
that it was the practice to accommo-
date the empire of fashion, to manu-
facture in England "French" articles,
to be sent down to the coast of Sussex
to be 'smuggled back" (Alaugh)-As
there would be considerable alarm "a
monest the manufacturers, he should
propose various reductions in articles
used in dyeing; also in oils from rape
seed, sc. used largely in the manufac-
lures of wool. The articles were very
numerous. He proposed to revert to
our ancient system regarding f1aX, ftax
cakes, SC. He also intended to pro-
pose the duty on wool imported to be
reduced from one penny to a halpenny
on wool under one shilling per 10. His
next three heads of relief were, TO be-
ncft shipping in particular. First, all
quarantine charges to be borne by the
public, instead of being imposed on
ships; second, to abolish all fees on all
commerce to the colonies; and thirdly,
to abolish transport fees, and stamp du-
ty on transfer of property or shares on
ships. He should next apply himself
to our Consular Establishments, which
appeared to be guided by no principles
In some instances, the consular fees
were on the goods, in others on ships.
At Rotterdam the Consul had no sala-
nv but fees; at Antwerp there were sa-
larry and fees; he thought our Consuls
ought to have fixed salaries. The sum
already voted would not be sufficient;
however, some small fees would be re-
tanned. He had only one other point
to mention-that was the state OF our
trade in the Levant, under the Levant
Company, established in the reign of
James l., who had the power OF APP
pointing Consuls, which they had ex-
ercised with discretion, but it was pro-
per that Consuls, who might be called
on to act politically, should be appoint
ed by the Crown. 1t was proper that
they should be considered by foreign
powers as the servants Of the Govern
ment, and not the servants OF a COM
mcrcial company. The company had
offered voluntary surrender OF their
power to appoint Consuls, which had
been accepted by the Crown, and
bill would be brought in for the future
regulation Of the appointments. He
was ashamed Of having detained the
Committee so long, but was anxious
fully to state the views Of the Govern
ment on the subject of trade, before the
recess, and he hoped it would be con-
sidered by gentlemen, during that pc
riod, that the house might be prepared |
to act on it before the termination Of
the present session.
The rage for joint stock companies
seems to be ananiversal malady; or at
least one that affects all speaking the
English language In the House of
Lords, on the occasion Of some petit
ton against the Equitable Loan Bill,
Lord Lauderdale, in commenting upon
the danger to the country "from the
rash spirit of speculation" in case Of
war, or any commercial check, stated
that "there were at present placed
at the command of the directors and
other managers OF the joint stock COM
panies, more than i2oo,ooo,ooo"-
nine hundred millions Of dollars. four
times as much, he added, as any mi
mister had raised by loan at once du-
ring the war.
Lord Liverpool in deprecating with
Lord Laederdale so wild spirit, took
the opportunity to declare, that though
in times of pressure and calamity, the
government had heretofore on appli-
cation of bankers and merchants, issued
exchequer bills for their relief, he
would never consent to, nay, he would
strcnuously oppose under all circum-
stances, any such issue in favor OF
these Joint stock companies.
The bankrupt laws it is known are
very severe in France. In the course
of the last month person was con-
demned at Bordeaux, to five years i'm
in irons, for having few
days before his bankruptcy purchased
goods upon credit, and re-sold them at
a lower price. This same practice is,
we lament to say, not unknown in our
commercial annals-but our laws are
silent as to its punishment.
The late DR.. Parr, left precise direc-
tons for his funeral, and ordered the
following TO be inscribed upon his mo-
"What doth the Lord, thy
God, require of thee, but to do justice,