Baton-Rouge gazette. [volume] (Baton-Rouge, La.) 1819-1856, 1841-11-13
l7.757,OOO

1t may be here observed as an interest.
ing feature OF modern times, the tendency
to form extensive sovcrcignties. Either
of the five governments named rule over
u surface far exceeding in extent, and two,
China and Great Britain over populations
much more numerous than was ever COM
pr,sed in the empire Of Rome at any period
of existence. But in comparative sta
tistics mere extent of territory is only one
of the elements necessary TO be brought
into view. The facilities to supcrinducc
and sustain population depend on climate,
soil, and means of INSTRUMENTATION
Ofthe four sovereigngies mentioned in the
preceding tabular view: The geogrH phical
position of the Rusdlan territories, and
that of the greatest part of the n. Amerl-
can territories, of Great Britain being too
far northward to afford any satisfactory
contrast. British India, and Oceania, for
opposite reasons, cannot be brought for
ward to illustrate the capabilities Of the
United States; and the Brazils are still
less admissible fron their exclusive tropls
cal position.
OF all the very large political sections
Of the earth, those whose physical features
have most in common, are comprised In
the United States and China. So great
is the general resemblance in Mlativc po-
sition as regards the respective continents,
between the two countries, that to deter.
mine what China has produced in the
vegetable kingdoms, is to determine what
may be produced In the United States.
A single glance on a general map of the
earth exhibits the relative and compare
tive positions Of those two regions.
Ii is, however, in respect to their gene
raj positions, and the range of their south
eastern coasts, that the resemblances are
most striking between the United States
and China. Their individual internal
features differ in many respects, but it IS
the relative position and range of coast,
which not simply influences but produces
and modifes climate, and in respect to
the coasts the entire range of physical &C.
ography does not afford another more GU
rious or important fact:
By actual calculation theAsia-
tic coast from the Point OF
Cambodia to the mouth Of
Amur river, bears N. SO II.
North American coast from the
Point oil Florida to the Straits
of BelleisIe, bears n. So 81.
Difference, 90 30.
The territory Of the Il. States posses.
SEES one characteristic which is unique; ii
comprises a continental zone from the At
lantic to the Pacific Ocean, and OF course
embraces the eontrasfed climates of ChiEa
and Western Europe.
IL we examine Europe and tsia taken
together, we find two great arabic slopes,
separated from each other by mountains
and widespread deserts. These slopes
comprise to the southeastWard, Mandshu.
ria, China, Chin India, Indostan and ada
cent Islands to the noFthwestward, north.
western and northern Africa, WesterT
Asia, and all Europe. Naturally, political
w, and nationally and morally separa!ed
the great nations Of Africa, Euro.5e AM
Asia, never have, nor ever can unite evel
SO far as to enjoy the benefits OF . sys
tenn Of policy.
The North American conc Oh the con
| trary, to the POSSESSION of The advantage
J Of diversity OF climate and soil, has no III