The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-05-14

STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH CHINA AND THE
SANDWICH IsI.ANDs.-We have received from the
Hon. I. B. King printed report on the above sub
ject, reported by him to the House of Representa-
tlves, from the Committee on Naval Affairs The
object OF this report Is, il says to propose line
of steamers to China, from some port on our Pa
cific seaboard. The report before us first goes into
an enquiry into the question, "what ports in
Oregon aud California are best suited for the fii-
ture rendezvous of our marine!' Ii next proceeds
before having settled this question: to give an ac-
count of our whaling trade on the long coast of the
Pacific II then refers to the trade with China
and gives some extracts from treaties entered into
with China, showing the position in which we
now stand with that country. 1t then gives an ac-
count Of the state of the British trade with China
compared with the American; and having discuss
ed this matter pretty fully, concludes it with the
following important remarks:-
1t is quite clear, therefore, that the great field for
American enterprise and skill in intercourse with
China lies in the adaptation Of fabrics
the wants and tastes of the Chinese
- We have seen that Great Britain supplies
China with cotton and cotton manufactures to
than twice the amount of the balauc of trade
against US in her favor This trade properly belongs
to the United States. and the dTcrc If exchange
between Canton aud London which operates as a Dis
eliminating duty or bounty of ut least six per
favor of American imports, is aiding manufactu-
British rivals. When the superiority of American
fabrics shall have been fully tested by the Chinese
there can be but little doubt that the deman nd
for them will increase to the full amount of her
exports from China whatever they may be- The
balance of trade against us shows opening for
an increased export to that country Of our pro-
duets and manufactures without disturbing the laws of
trade, to the amount Of six millions of dollars per
annum and further of more than $40 900 600
which cotton and cotton fabrics ought to supply
in place Of those Of Great Britain and India Ii not
to be supposed, however, that our commercial inter
w hat ppir. xr,l Iol ,tolt
troled by the present amount of exports it, As
we have said commerce with that country possess
e the elements Of indefinite expansion Our great
pie. cotton, in raw or manufactured state together
with lead ginseng and other commodities afford the
materials on our part for which China may exchange
her teas silk and infinite variety of articles of
taste and luxury. Certainty and rapidty of inter
course are now only wanted to bring these two great
nations nearer together TO give them perfect
knowledge Of each other develope their and
build up commerce more extensive than has probably
ever heretofore existed between two nations The I'M
proved condition of relations with country un
der the new treaties and the extension Of
possessions to the Pacific placed in our power
ultimately to communicate with China almost as ra
! pidly as we now do with Europe
| To accomplish this communication, the report
states that "we must extend Geographic wires
across the continent and establish line of steamers
from San Francisco or Monterey to Shanghai and
| Canton" We are from hence led to conclude that
these ports were decided upon as the proper rendez
vous, though the question taken up for inquiry
being dropped in the middle, and diversion made
TO Great Britain, China &c, we have been left in
the dark on the subject. The report then goes on
TO examine into the practicabty and utility Of
the two things which it before stated must be
done in order TO accomplish the communication
referred to-
Having for this purpose discussed the question
of the various routes the report concludes with
tour joint resolutions, intended to authorize by law
the proposed establishment of steamers communi
eating with China and the Sandwich Islands.
1t will be perceived that this report, which occu-
pies l6 octave pages, undertakes to touch upon sub
Jects many and so great, that to discuss them al
properly would fill 10 volumes. This may be called
"crowding," a fault which is very pcrncious,
both IN business and literature. An appendix is
added on the various. routes. On the whole, this
report on this interesting subject would be much
more effective if 1t had not attempted too much at
once. We are glad, however, of its recommenda-
tons, and hope the joint resolutions for the estab-
ishment of the steamers will be passed immediate.
ly, in spite of the diffuseness and confusion of the