The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-01-04

Now York Snip BuiIdlng-lts Progress
During the Year l64e.
This important and very useful branch Of
mechanism, for which New York is 30
distinguished, we regret to perceive, from
an examination into the affairs OF the year, has
greatly fallen of, and the amount OF tonnage
constructed 10 much below the general average.
Among the causes which tended to produce
this effect the revuslons Europe stand the most
prominent; and while the termination of the war
with Mexico has benefited almost every other fea-
ture Of commerce and the country at large, ship.
building alone 10 excluded from enjoying the real
and expected advantages The large number OF
vessels employed by government, during the diff
culnes, as transports in the Gulf, having been
thrown suddenly on the market, with limited
trade TO Europe, produced the most disastrous
results, and for a time the shipping interests OF
the country were completely FRUSTRATED. A slight
improvement Is now, however, perceptible and
as affairs on the other side of the Atlantic grow
more settled, the more evident becomes the fact
that in short time the mercantile interest OF the
United States will assume Its natural vigorous po-
slton, and our worthy naval architects receive
that encouragement their skill SO eminently de-
serves.
Contracts for sailing vessels have been exceed.
iDgy limited, and form but very small per centage
OF the amount OF tonnage built during the year.
The steam marine continues to attract large and
increasing investments of New York capt. ilists,
who have devoted their attention OF late to this
branch almost exclusively 10 that of canvass;
yet there still exists a classof enterprising men,
composed principally of retired sea captains,
who cannot be induced to relinauish the slightest
portion of their confidence in favor Of the
old, well-tned, and servlceable system of pro-
puls0n; and while they last, wemay expect
to have numerous and frequent acquisitions to
the already powerful and superior fleet of sail
ing packets belonging to the United States.
To the exertions Of these generous and skill
u persons the nation owes much, for the aid they
have rendered. both capital and IN credit, in at
tanning the hi IN position 1t now holds among the
commercial countries Of the world. Their efforts,
although pot supported or encouraged by govern
ment, have been fully appreciated by the people,
and proper return made to all those Identified
with Its origin and progress. This is evident from
the fact that the shipping merchants and that class
interested marine affairs throughout the United
States, are the wealthiest and the most Influential
Of any in existence. They have purchased this
position through their energy aud perseverance,,
and the same spirit which carried them forward
will sustain them in their future useful under
takIngs
1t is much to be regretted that those who are
selected as members OF the different admnistra-
tions, are not men Of some practical and business
habits who, from their experience, would exercise
portion of that judicious liberallty which the au
thonties Of England extend to the merchant navy
of their country 1t was the helping hand OF gov
eminent that placed the British ste amers ia the
position they now occupy, without which, it is
doubtful If they could reach that state OF per.
lection for which they are 30 celebrated
The contest at the present moment between RI
val capitalists, in steam navgauon, Is very great;
and the desire evInced is SO keen the part OF
each to Oustrlp his COM eltOrs that every art ard
the utmost skill Of science is resorted to, in order
that the respective productions may attract the
largest share Of public favor So far, this spirit Of
competition has been productive Of much good
1t has brought into the field wealth and talent
operating, as it does, In the consummatl0n OF a
project In commerce which is destined TO be of
service to the credit and character OF the country
In giving the statement OF the work done through
the various yards in the city, we have placed the
amount Of tonnugu constructed by each builder
opposite his name, and also the number OF tons in
course Of completion.
The annexed table shows the amount Of work
done since January LIST, and that now In progress,