The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-13
IN SENATE OF THE U. STATES.
MONDAY. MARCH l2, isl9.
Mr.. WEBSTER offered the following resoluti

Mr. WEBSTER offered the following resolution
Resoped That the President OF the United States be re-
suesled ii his judgment ralibe with the pub
tic interests, TO transmit TO the Senate any instruction.
which may have been given the Minister Of the United
States London Offering further extension OF reciprocity
and equality in the laws and especially suc
instructions fanny contemplate the opening OF the coast
ing trade Of the United States to the ships and vessels Oh
other nations.
Mr.. WEBSTER This resolution, sir, is offered in
consequence of information received by the very latest
arrival from England find il stated sir in the advces
by the last steamer al Halifax, and transmitted thence by
the telegraph, that NJ Labouchere,' who is the Pres
dent of the Board OF Trade in England, has again brought
forward the government proposition for the modhcahon
of the navigation laws; and Mr.. Bancroft the United
States minister, states that to whatever extent IN bera
ty the British Parliament may be disposed to legslae IN
his matter, he is ready and willing to sign conve non
immediately based upon The most complete reciprocity
to open the entire coastng trade OF the two countries
to the vessels of both nations"
NV object, sir for the present. is only an inquiry |
suppose if il be the pleasure OF the Senate TO adopt the
resolution this morning, II may be answered before we
finally adjourn But there be not an opportunity to re-
ceve answer at this session of the Senate one part OF
my purpose will at least be accomplished; which is, 10
draw the attention of the country to this most important
subject mean to pronounce no particular OPINION al
present. All must agree that the subject is vastly I'M
portant And confess little startled to Ind That
the American minister, who is remaining IN Eng
land has, al the present moment, and under existing cr-
cumsances, offered to act Immediately in proposition
for convention to throw open the whole coasting trade
of the United States freely and without discrimination
to British vessels.
have only two things TO suggest for the present con.
sderaon of the Senate and the county One 49, that II
enter into this reciprocity with Great Britain and open
her ships and vessels the whole coasng trade OF the
United States, bound of to do the same
thing TO the powers of the north of Europe and to admit
the ships and vessels of Bremen and other OF the chei
navigating States and countries OF that part OF the world
to the same privileges .
Before this question is to be decided, would be well
for to be broeght to consideration OF the experience
which have had since opened the trade between
ourselves and certain powers of Europe and certain powers
Of America to the ships and vessels of third parties And
it will become to how far the interference of the
ships and vessels OF the northern part OF Europe IN the
trade between the United States and Brazil Tor example
has essened increased the interests OF ship owners IN
the United States and all those concerned in navigation
Another thing be considered is this how infinitely
small is the coastng trade proper between the ports OF
Eng and her European dominons compared with the
ing trade of the United States employs the greater part OF
all the tonnage of the United States. And that trade as
it is, and is to be hereafter, will employ our shipping
in voyages some of which will be the longest voy-
ages prosecuted on the globe. They will be voyages
from the Atlantic cities, on the north and northeastern
coast, around Cape Horn, to California and Oregon
tany such pTopospn as seems mas oeen S ns
States, will follow that all the products or manu-.
features of the United States may be freely carried IN
British or other foreign ships, from Boston and New
York not only to New Orleans, but around the Capes &c
ports the Pacific, as freely as they may be
carried in our own vessels.
repeat is not my purpose TO discuss the great
and grave question connected with this subject, but &c
ascertain whether it be true, suggested that ou
minister in England is authorized to enter into conven
ton which will uproot, substantially; the principles OF
navigation laws they have stcd for sixty years
The subject, repeat, well deserves the attention OF the
country.
If the Senate have no objection to pass the resolution
to day, | hope it may be passed but hany gentleman
desires that it should not be acted on to-day 1t may Inc
over until tomorrow.
| The resolution was agreed TO.
| On motion by Mr. MASON,
Ordered That Mrs. Ann Chase have leave to withdraw
her memorial and papers.
MIR. JONES asked to be excused from further service
on the Committee OF Claims which was agreed to-
| On motion by Mr.. BRIGHT,
Ordered That the vacancy in the Committee of Claims
be filled by appontmentby the Chair.
Several messages in writing were received from The
President of the United States by the hands of Colone
Bliss
| On motion by Mr.. MILLER, the Senate then wen
executive session. and after some time spent therein
the doors were rcopened, and
| The Senate ad journed.