Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-02-14
From TIE New. York american.
WAREHOUSINI SYSTEM.


teration and amendments in our revenue laws
as will put us in condition 10 retain and pro
secute with increased advantages the beneficial
intercourse now carried on between the United
States and the other nations of this continent
We have on more than one previous occasion
expressed our views ofthe importance of a
doping in its fullest extent the warehousine
system, which Spain virtually, and Great Bri
tain by positive enactments have established il
the West India ports. The Havana is in fac
a free port, where cargoes of every assortment
may be had, and thence be carried to any Other
ports. AT this moment, indeed, vessels cannot
clear for what are called the insurgent colonies
but this is rather technical than zeal diff
Guilty. Kingston, in the island Of Jamaica, SO
contiguous to the Main, has, as is stated in the
annexed memorial, recently been declared a
free port, and il is not 10 be doubted, that un-
less means are taken on our part to counterfeit
by affording still greater facilities the designs
of the British government, much OF the lucra'
tive commerce carried on with the ports on
both sides of the American continent will de-
part from US. 1t must be obvious, under our
more salubrious sky, with all the comforts, and
conveniences, and aids Of populous, enterpri-
sing and wealthy cities, that other things being
equal, we not only are able ourselves to carry
on with greater benefit this trade to South A
merica, but that other flags will seek in our
ports those assorted cargoes, which if not to
be obtained here, they must venture for amid
pirates and pestilence in the West Indies.
The subject is one of much interest both to
the commerce, navigation and finances of the
country, and will we are persuaded, meet with
the attentive consideration Of Congress.
MEMORIAL.
To the Hon. the Senate and House Of Repre-
sentati,es Of the United States in Congress
assembled:
The memorial of the New.York Chamber of Commerce
respectfully represents
That the trade which has for some years past
and is now, carried on from different parts of
the United States to the Spanish ports in North
and South America, especially on this side Of
the Continent, is of INN ,nse importance 10 the
commerce, navigation, manufactures, and rerenue
of the Union; and that it moreover has the
happy tendency to promote feelings Of friend
ship and good understanding between nations
who have emancipated themselves from Euro
pean subsection, who have adopted free insti-
tutions of government, and who, have in some
This trade is carried on to considerable ex-
tent with assorted cargoes, composed partly Of
articles which are imported from foreign coun-
tries into this country, and which our laws per-
nit to be exported with the benefit Of drawback,
partly Of goods manufactured in the U. States,
and partly ofthe growth Of our soil and the pro-
duction Of our fisheries. 1t appears 10 be es-
sen,ia to the existence Of this trade, that ship
ments to Spanish ports on the eastern side OF
the Continent, should consist OF great variety
of articles; the absence of almost every kind Of
mandatory there, the location of their settle
ments, and the nature Of their country demand
it Those ports which border on the sea are
principally low and unhealthy; the large cities,
and the great mass Of population are to be
found in the interior, and can be approached
only by roads leading over high mountains, ard
which rarely admit the use OF carriages, their
supDlies are therefore 10 considerable degree
TRANSPORTED on the backs of mules, and in small
and light packages. The vicinity of some Of
these countries to the United States, and the
facilities afforded by our export laws, have to-
gether with the activity and enterprise OF our
merchants, hitherto given us decided advan-
tage in this important branch of commerce
The distance is less, smaller and cheaper YES
sells can he used and would answer for direct
trade with Europe, and cargoes may easily be
made up in our ports adapted 10 the wants OF
the Spanish inhabitants, and sold 10 them on
moderate terms, as the import duties are prin-
cipaIly returned on goods exported TO foreign
countries
The advantages which have been derived
from our export laws, and our vicinity to many
of the Spanish ports in the prosecution OF this
great branch Of Americas trade, have not es'
caped the notice of other nations; they seem
particularly to have attracted the attention OF
the British Government, and the very able and
saeacious ministers who now compose its adj
ministraton, appear not only to have formed a
high estimate Of the value Of this commerce,
and strong desire to participate in il more
fully than they have hitherto done, but even a
hope to withdraw it from US, and cause it to
centre in their own hands
During the last session Of the British Parlia-
ment law was passed "To regulate the trade 81
the British possessions abroad" materially alter
ing the colonial system so long established, and
so tenaeiously adhered to by that Government
Ii is not necessary to the object Of your memo
rialists to notice any part Of that law or its nu
merous provisions, excepting those parts which
appear calculated to affect the American trade
10 Spanish ports; and they do not notice these
with spirit Of enmity or censure, that nation
has an undoubtec right to alter its commerce a
regulations at its pleasure, and to invite to Its
ports trade which has been enjoyed by others