New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-07-07
The World United by Steamships, &c.

During the political revulsions in Europe and
The earnest desire the part OF people to watch
the progress Of liberal principles throughout the world
,bjects Of vast importance connected with the com
oercisl relations Of the country fear may not be
efficiently considered.
That innunerable benefits would be conferred upon
the country in every particular from steady and re-
sable com nuncaton with the Southern seacoast towns
,appot be doubted but the manner Of rendering the
benefits available 20 flow from the establishment Of such
Intercourse is subject that may well occupy attention
in connecton with the importance of iraernizing the
people Of every portion of vast and fruitful cont
rent Unbroken lines of communication either by water
ar railroads are 10 be sought fer We have now the
Portland and Bangor line through the Eastern States,
coming the line on the Sound, terminating at this City,
which forms link 10 a continuous line South. There
IL A line of Railroad from Portland in Maine through
this State extending 10 North Carolina with the excep
nop Of a few miles south of Washington City There
il canal and railroad from the most remote Western
mart of our State SO that from the most extreme
Northern and Northwestern portions OF tho Union we
have already nearly perfected the varied facilities of land
and water communication "a far South New Orleans
by steamboats, railroads and canals, beside the cleo
inc telegraph The only steady communication that
can now be looked for beyond that point to be derived
from Ocean Steamers. The question as to how far
Government shall facilitate private enterprse-regula
ing carriage of mails &c will be considered in subse
quent article connected with this subject.
We have now nearly two thousand ships on the ocean
Amid all the contingencies which Government Is
liable it would be well have protecting arm over
that vast Commerce and when contemplating the con
diton of our present Naval armament, which counts
about one hundred vesses-large and small-includng
ten ships OF the line carrying about 900 guns less we
believe than onethrd the extent of the Naval armament
Of Great Britain seek for strength other than
that which arises from the mere force power of the
Navy We have many forts that are useless, and It
would be far better If they appropriated to the
lief of disabled seamen and many vessels that could
easily be dispensed with that sustained at great eX
pense and are of practicable service. One Railroad
stretched across populated country, terminating at
seaport town providing facilities for concentrating
body of men at any given point is more needtul than
numerous forts floating batteries and gun-shps all Of
which are kept existence at enormous expense yield
ing no revenue and may Gas is most likely be
brought to any whatever.
During the last Summer there have been no less than
thirteen large steam ships averaging rs large as 900
tons burden and many new steamboats, OF various
dimensions building at dock yards. Those vessels
all extend our commercial transactions the fruits
Of private enterprise and would be more seryiceablc
as naval protection, If required than the unweldly
vessels belonging the Government and built for the
service" There will always be schemes the part Of
individuals for apprOpriating the Government revenue
10 their uses under plausible prctence Of promot
ing the public interests therefore becomes our prov.
ince TO scrutnze the claims Of all petitioners for such
avors 50 far regards the patronage, that should be
given TO private enterprise.