The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-05-07
State OF Europc-Protection to American
Commerce.


Commerce.
We are pleased to see that movement has
been made by Congress, having for its object
an addition to our navy, with the view OF az
fording protection TO our widely extended COM
merce, in case of general European war succeed
ing the recent revolution in France, of which, ac-
cording TO present appearances there Is much like
lihood. In proportion to the magnitude OF our
commercial interests, there is no country in the
world that possesses SO small navy the United
States. For the purpose of protecting the CON-
mercial interests of the country, even if all our
force could be applied to that purpose, in case of
war with any of the great European countries, II
would be entirely inadequate; but in such an event,
large proportion of it should of necessity be re-
tanned at home, to protect our cities on the
seaboard But independent of that there is
every indication that an European war OF
great magnitude, and probably of long dura-
ton, is now on the taps; and although we
were to remain neutral as between the belligerents
commerce in that part Of the world would, in
all probability, suffer much it did in the wars
which followed the first French revolution, unless
II be properly and adequately protected. Weakness
would again invite aggression; and unless there was
to intimidate all who might otherwise commit
aggressions on our commerce, and capable OF
promptly furnishing the aggressors, the same out
RACES will be again committed the interests of our
citizens will be tried with, and long train of ne
gotiations, and adjustments, and concessions will
follow, all Of which may be avoided BY the presence
of an efficient armed force.
We are glad, therefore, to see that bill was re-
ported in the House ofRepresentaves, on the twen-
ty-eventh OF last month, by Mr.. King, of Georgia,
providing Tor the construction of twenty sloop-of
war briggs, of four hundred and fry tons burden,
and capable of carrying suitable armament of
long guns. One of the features of this bill is most
excellent one-that for the purpose oftesting the skill
Of the architects employed in building merchants
vessels these twenty additional vessels are direct.
ed to be built by contract without any government
interference with regard to the msdel. There can
be little doubt that our experienced ship-buiders
can construct vessels much better than the govern
ment can, and that they will turn out vessels as
strongly built, and that will accommodate and
berth their officers and crews as comfortably, and
carry as heavy an armament, as vessels of equal
tonnage built in the navy yards. This is most
excellent feature and knowing SO well the capa-
blltieS OF our snip builders, we nave always main
tanned the doctrine that the government ought to
have the naval vessels built by contract.
When these vessels shall have been completed,
they will form large addition TO our navy and
in respect to sailing will, doubt the proposed
bill requires be capable of sailing faster than YES
sells of war in this or any other navy. They will
present a very imposing force too but we main
tain, as we have done on a former occasion, that
in the present crisis Of affairs in Europe we are in
sad need Of force of steam ships of war; We
want force of this description that would enable
us to render efficient protection to our commercial
marine, on the first ntlmation of danger We do
not want our great commercial marine to be de-
pending on fair winds to watt our vessels of war
TO their protection. We want steam ships that,
irrespective of the wind, can, at a moments warn
ing, proceed TO the of aggression, and afford
ample protection TO those who need it.
Under these circumstances, therefore, we hope
that Congress will yet give some attention to this
subject, and provide for the construction of a
number of steam ships of war; of suitable size
and strength. In the meantime, however, we
should like TO the bill for the twenty soop of
war brigs passed, and the work of constructing
them commenced by our skilful ship-builders.