Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1843-07-01
FROM The OBSERVER AND REPORTER, JUNE 81.
RECIPROCITY TREATIES.

the public in forming correct opinion about il.
The reciprocity for which they stpulae relates to
The navigation of the country. They provide that
the American and the foreign vessel shall be placed
on footing of equality to all charges, duties,
&c. in the transportation of commodities, and they
abolish the foreign tonnage which had been pre-
viousy imposed in behalf Of American vessels.
Sometimes the reciprocity is limited, whilst in
other cases it is perfect and comprehensive. The
convention negotiated with England in lSl5-the
first in the series of treaties-is limited TO the Eu-
ropean territories Of Great Britain, the Government
of that country being unwilling to extend the prn-
cipe TO her colonial possessions. Between the Eu-
ropean territories of Great Britain and the United
States the navigation Of both countries is placed in
an exactly equal condition, no higher or other duties
being levied in their respective ports upon the,
sells of the one Power than what are levied upon
those of the other.
In the case Of the French treaty negotiated in
1922 some temporary determinations, favorable 10
French tonnage, were stipulated, but these have
ceased BY the lapse Of time.
IN other instances, with several of the Northern
Powers OF Europe, and most of the South Ameri-
can States, treaties with the United States have
been conclUded, which embrace the principle of re-
ciprocity a is greatest extent that is say, what
ever can be Imported into exported from the
united 8n)esin national vessel may be introduced
er e1fried out in foreign vessel, both paying
1c1y The same and other charges or duties; the
xa1pq priTaege being accorded to the American YES
5eL ~ ioreienk port Of the contracting party.
t4t4 stipulation navigation is not confined to
0l4 flo2ne(5on of the countries Of the contracting
a tn may transport the productions Of any
d<6er foreign countries.
bese treaties had their origin in acts of Con-
gress the first Of which was passed about the close
of the last war with Great Britain ; or rather the
law itself had its origin in the navigating interest of
the United States. That interest had suffered by
unequal burdens imposed upon il by the regulations
of foreign Powers. 1t naturally sought to cast off
these burdens. 1t contended that, in fair compe-
titon with foreign Powers, the enterprise of the
United States in building and equpping and pro-
vsioning ships, and the skill of their in ma
vgating them, were competent, equal terms, 10
cope with the vessels Of any foreign nation. This
the conviction under which the law passed, and
the sabsequent treaties were negotiated.
Tba1esign was to establish system of free and
eeqll sgation, and TO prevail upon all nations to
adopt II. The treaties actually concluded were
only parts of that system. The design originated
under Mr. Madisq6's administration, and was per-
severed 10 BY We Of Nj. Monroe, Mr.. Adams, and
81 <ns 9eekson{ Il was foreseen that, in carrying
sye&JIn, il would operate for the United
jhdvantageousIy with some Powers than
ibpwas hoped that If it bore hard
u 35GG Of the United States with some
a = Povsg2, they would End an ample indemnity
keir intercourse with others And accordingly,
n We are complaining or the operation of the
q 6eiple in our navigation with the Hanseatic towns,
ka6nce j complaining Of its injurious effects upon
her tonnage and has more than. once ntimated that
she aonn terminate the treaty.
Most Of these reciprocity treaties we're negotiated
bysor under Mr. Adams, as Minister abroad, as Sec
rotary Of State President of the United States
and the navigating interest has no better friend than
he is in The whole nation.
In Judging of the system Of free and equal navi-
cation II should be examined as a whole, and not
decided upon by its operation with this or that par
ticular Power. The example of the falling off Of
our tonnage in our commerce with the Hanseatic
towns, and the increase of theirs, is cited proof
OF the injury done to our Navigation. But, in the
rst place, II should be remarked that the vessels Of
these towns are not the carriers solely of their own
commerce. but that Of the greater part Of Germany,
and we believe that our commerce, since the gene
raj peace Of Europe, has greatly increased with
Germany Then examples of the opposite and
favorable operation OF the system in our intercourse
with other Powers, may be also cited Besides IFS
effect with France, already noticed in our trade
with some OF the new Powers on this continent, we
almost entirely engross the transportation? And If
II be desirable to make the system general with all
commercial States, would it not add strength 10 our
plea and manifest liberalitv by showing some
instances IN which It's operation unfavorabe TO
@uss Or can we reasonably expect to profit in all
the treaties we make 10 the disadvantage of foreign
States
Taken as an entire system, and regarding its
general operation upon our navigating interest, we
believe il has not been injurious. Our tonnage, in
the aggregate, foreign and domestic, has been con
stanty increasing. The navigating interest has I'M
doubtedly not always escaped the depression and
suffering which have afflicted all our great national
Snterests but il believed generally to have -four
ished more and suffered less than any Of them.
IL is worthy Of observation too, that f the equal
s~competiton with the navigation Of certain foreign
Powers, stipulated in the reciprocity treaties has
4 had the effect Of lowering fregbts, the commerce OF
All the country, in both its import and export drec.
VIZ tons, has derived the benefit Of this reduction.
Before the system Of reciprocity is abandoned il
be. well 10 inquire what the substitute is to be
ne are we TO got" II is proposed that W.
~ 20 legislation, and attempt by its agency
onr own ports greater advantages thar
Jay be allowed to foreign vessels; il
fevve The foreign tonnage But
legislation. o
49, - ~