Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-11-09

NY DAL "haLbfGE may DC me ICS~'e- -
cannot be expected that she is yet prepared
to open her ports to free trade. When
England shall raise the banner Of free
trade and admit the surplus productions of
our country on terms Of reciprocity, then
will there be thrill Of Joy throughout the
Union. 4 new impulse will be given TO
American industry, and " free trade and
equal rights" with proPriety become the
motto Of both nations. But there IS no rea-
sona6le hope that England, or any other
Of The commercial nations Of Europe, Will
very soon adopt the Princip of free trade
in practice, whatever the Pretences they
may hold out in theory.
MoNoPoLrEs.-The ruinous effects Of
monopoies, are fully demonstrated the
presen; year in the mana cement Of the
commercial interests Of the trade on the
lakes. The steam boat combination in the
carly part Of tae season, monopolized the
trade by buying of great proportion Of
the steam boats upon the lower lakes, and
laying them up for the season. The few
boats which were retained for business,
were leag8ed 10 the observance Of certain
rates Of charge thus effectualiy putting
all competition out OF the question. All
contracts or combinations entered into for
the purpose Of destroying free competi-
ton Of trade in the business transactions
OF the people, are contrary to the genius
Of our institutions and the spirit of our
laws. In some Of our eastern cities a
league among any Of the mechanical
trades, made with the view Of extorting
extrayagaut prices from their EMPLOYERS,
has been deemed an offence punishable bv
the laws Of the land. Ifthere be a shadow
Of justice in this, how should those be re-
gardcd who combine together to-obstruct
the free channels Of commerce and to
extort from the emigrant and the man Of
business, an unfair equivalent for services
rendered. Although there may be no
statutes adequate TO reach this species of
public swind.ing, yet The meritcd indigna-
ton Of the people will rest upon these Shy
locks, who trommel the commerce Of the
lakes.
Were the prevention Of competition in
in the carrying Of freight and passengers
the only evil resulting from the steamboat
combination, the public grievance would
not be SO insUpportable. But the effect
has been, to proven, the amount Of bust
ness being done which the public required.
Hundreds Of tons Of freight are now in
Buffalo, which were intended for South
port, Milwaukee, Racine, and other com
mercial towns in the west. And why has
this freight not been shipped according TO
order The reason is, there have not
been a sufficient number of steam boat.
and vessels running on the lakes. to do
the amount Of business required. Had
not the combination been the means Of
drawing off a large number Of STEAMBOATS,
during the past season Of navigation, il is
probable that all the freight destined TO
the different ports on the upper lakes,
would have in due time been rcceivcd.-
The large quantities Of wheat and -four
now in store in the market towns on Lake
Michigan. would also have been shipped
east long before this time, had all the boats
been called INTO requistion.
Every class Of persons therefore, in the
west, has suffered from the steam boat
monopoly. The emigrant has been disaD-
pointed IN the transportation Of his goods
and ctlects--the merchant does not receive
his goods, and a consequent arrangement
OF his business ioiIows-thc purchasers Of
wheat and flour in western markets. finds
his purchases remaining on his hands,
Ihls has tendency to render the ma rke, !
OF western produce dull and TO depress the
price. The purchaser is obliged 10 lower |
his prices, owing TO the increased charge
OF trelghts, and the uncertainty Of efIecting
shipments and the farmer suffers severe
loss by the depression Of the value of his
produce.
OUT AT LAsT.-The American is ont 3,
last in defence of the Post Master here.
AS some weeks have elapsed since tho an