The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-28
Navigation La ws.

British Premier, and demonstrated against the proposed
repeal of the navigation laws of the empire. This APP
pears to us 10 be important fact The English mer
chants may well claim to be as intelligent and saga
cious those OF any portion OF the globe, and 10 be
well informed too of their interests They, it
seems are convinced that the proposed changes will not
be productive of advantage to Them and the inference is
very strong that they believe that other nations will be
benefited by The proposed by the ministry We
do not know what instructions Mr. Bancroft has re-
ceved from government touching this subject; nor
do know the terms upon which England is will
ling TO open her carrying trade to the competition OF
other nations 1t seems, however to be the general
opinion that the administration has taken, or will
take measures to prevent Mr. Bancroft from entering
into any arrangement of the character inmaed in the
remarks of Mr. Labouchere in the British Parliament
The wisdom of such course may well be doubted
although not in the possession OF facts sufficient
to warrant opinion to the concessions we should
make TO induce England TO alter repeal her laws
have yet any Data from which to conclude that any
alterations will be made in favor Of American vessels,
unless be done the principle OF reciprocity No one
doubt but That the repeal of the navigation laws OF
England would be in the history of commerce which
would be vastly beneficial in some respects to the in
erests of the United States. The permission for
our shipbuilders to sell to British subjects vessels
be used in the carrying trade of her Majesys domin
ions on the same terms with those constructed at English
dock yards would be matter of great importance.
There can be but little doubt that vessels of every descp
ton used for commercial purposes can be furnished in
the United States on cheaper and better terms than
in England They could be built to great advantage in
New England and on the western waters, and at other
points; and if ii were profitable 10 us to sell to Great
Britain any other species Of manufacture, why not that
great machine, ship We strongly incline, too to the
opinion that merchant marine compete success
fully on the high seas with that of any naon-even of
England In fact, such is confidence in the marine
skill and enterprise of our countrymen, that would mol
dread any competition with any maritime power in the
world. The measure proposed by the British ministry
does not if understand it, propose TO open the carry
ing trade between the ports in the British islands alone
1t extends to the ports of all the colonies and pos
sessions of that government, scattered they are in
every quarter of the globe Much of this, and espe-
cially in the West Indies, lies nearer TO our own
doors than to those OF the mother country. Our
merchant marine is the source from which our
national Defence willing to see our commerce so
and the national interests be neglected But those great
principles of free trade which advocate apply to our
merchant vessels well to our imports The question
OF great Importance, and il should be examined care.
fully before any opinion expressed or any action taken
with regard toit Mr. Webster has already taken ground
against the supposed negotiations Of Mr. Bancroft and
we have doubt but that important information will be
soon laid before the public We should hope that our
,lu,., hal;
measures in opposition, but will calmly wait for all the
information which Mr.. Bancroft will convey to them
and then act with great consideration and wisdom.
Panic prejudice and haste are but bad awgivers In
the time, we lay before our readers the following
communication, which appeared in the Boston Advertiser
and ask for it whatever consideration ii merits
THE NAVIGATION LAws.-4The abrogation of the Eng
fish navigation laws is no longer a doubtful question
The last link in the chain OF protection which has i'm
peded the onward movement of reform will be speedily
broken. The mighty barrier which has restricted the
Of the world fades before the voice of public
opinion Whilst IN weaker monarchles republics spring
up like mushrooms in the night, Old England, nothing
daunted bends to the blast and rising again keel
trims her sails to meet the storm, and bids the world def
ance.
1t is not to be supposed that change so great can take
place without affecting the interests OF New England
either for the better orfor the worse, very sensiby.
A writer in the Atlas, without giving any information
OF the Dill so 10 anu VINO
ignorant of its details reported TO the House of Com
MONS has already sounded the alarm note. Though the
writer OF this has been amrer OF the political
career of minister to England yet if to him be the
credit due of suggesting, aiding, abeng this change
for he will eyer regard his with PRIDE assoca
ted as it will be with the accomplishment OF the
brilliant act of siaesmanship-he beneficial 10 his
native STATE that has been passed for series OF years
Cape Cod will glisten with golden sands, and San
Franchises spring up as were by magic along the bleak
shores of Maine.
carving trade is be opened us, free and unre-
scted, BY "A nation whose possessions the never
sets-the magnitude of whose commerce scarce be |
credited computed by view of that which passes
the Atlantic.
Prior TO the enactment of the navigation laws near two
hundred years since, Eng land had commercial marine
of importance and the foreign trade of the world was d
ved between the Spaniad and the Dutch True to this
policy when established, the effect has been to give
her the supremacy of the with rival or
competitor, until of late years, when this country has de-
yeloped herself and her resources. What will be its ef-
feet the shipping interests OF England. is iearully
dreaded by those concerned Since the project was FIRST
remonsrance after remonstrance has poured
upon the minister's entreatng, implorng, threatening
them not carry into effect their mad measures, Last
March most formidable demonstration made in |
London by those opposed 10 the project powerful that
al that time the did not dare to press the subject
further But, with its effect England we have little
10 do
This resolves itself into mercantile transaction n mat
Ter of bargain and il ~ for this side OF the Atlantic
10 see which party will reap the greatest benefit The
States of the Union that the most interested the
England States and here the question should be
met and the examination made The carving trade will
hen devove itself upon those who can carry best and
cheapest that do this is evident from the fact
hat British ship owners dread the competition; from the
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