The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-12-15

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The history Of the commerce Of the world in all ages
will throw light upon the objects Of the Worlds
Fair" In respect 1t lie. indeed an extraordinary
dertakDg and that is. in the extent and cspacous
ture of the arrangements provided for the occasion.
These entirely eclipse all that have been seen in the
Old World the New from the days Of Solomon down to
those OF the great Mexican Fairs at San Juan The rea
that early led the establishment Of these fairs or
exhibitions have ceased 10 operate in the civilized por
tons OF the world in these days of railroads. steamboats,
and magnetic teegaphs The deserts and robbers OF the
East, the of modes Of communication. and the dan
gers from robbers. Also in the Spanish domnons this
continent forced the merchants to travel together in
vans or large bodies. and to carry their trade by
sembling in great numbers AT certain places at stated
periods, 10 exchange, to SELL and to buy their several
commodities Of silks and gums and spices. and precious
sones and gold Of Ophr, that then chiefly constituted the
commerce Of the world In modern times, except in the
interior Of Mexico Of semi-barbarous nations,
the whole system has changed, until revived by this great
London exhibition. Instead Of travelling in caravans
sailing in fleets under convoy. each merchant for himself.
in his own vessel land conveyance has repaired TO the
points which he deemed expedient for trade. and without
fear of Arabs Tarars prates has securely conducted
his own affairs in his quiet cautious way, far
probably him, and the people of his nation, than
was practicable under the old system Whatever be the
design Of those who have got up this wonderful exhibit
ton London Of its readily
dicted. To those who have goods commodities to SELL
exchange with strangers for the products OF their
own countries this obsolete plan Of collecting large
blages OF merchants and artists at given places wise
and advantageous one II creates competition gives
impulse to ambition and individual enterprise, and it
tends enlarge the circle Of acquaintance and business
The British merchants and manufacturers perfectly
aware Of this fact and preparing to avail themselves
Of these advantages the utmost extent Of their power
very intelligent friend from New York has shown
us circular addressed 10 merchants of this country by
large commission house in London, and another friend
has told that he has heard of several Of SINH
lar tenor, offering the services OF those houses to Amer
can dealers for the purchase of all of merchandise
and articles Of trade they may desire. and assuring them
that very liberal credit would be extended to them
These circulars take occasion to suggest the advantages
that will arise from this great London Fair. Some OF
them are, extension Of acquaintance and business
knowledge Of the products manufactures, and
commodities bought and sold, chiefly in each section of
this country as well Of Great Biain-and vast con-
sequent increase Of exports of finished manufactures and
articles OF general merchandise, and like augmentation
Of imports OF the material and of such products
that country cannot herself supply There is, doubt
much truth and business sagacity in these things The
British merchants know full well the natural inclination
Of men 10 plunge into trade and speculation, II the pros
pec of credit to enable them TO do SO be offered They
know equally well that class of in the world
so ready own American mercantile community to
seize these proered advantages There certainly
some prudent exceptions but the great Of
merca eager to grasp such chances OF extend
ing their capital and trade these British commission
houses present. and will be slow 10 grasp their offers
Ii would be doing them gross injustice to intimate that
they did not act in good faith and honestly intend to
fulfil all their engagements. Unqueshonably this is
their purpose and nothing but the overwhelming control
Of circumstances will prevent them from doing it, But
is there not some danger that many will engage in the
same schemes that they will overdo the business, and
eventually cripple il ruin each other friend begs
us to caution them to beware There is limit 10 the
public wants and the public in this country and
those who forget this will recollect il when they find
their bills falling due and large stock Of unsold goods
on their hands, for which there is market
Influenced by this liberal offer OF credit, is it highly
probable that large number Of persons, both in the
merca cities and in other places will engage in the mpor
taon OF foreign goods and manufactured The result
may be that during the six months following this London
Fair an immense importation OF goods Of all kinds will
take place into this country. Warehouses will be filed
and all the channels of trade will We shall then
have profound statesmen and learned economists specu-
latng on the cause Whether il be the tariff the influx
Of gold from California, the depression OF the Euro
pean markets, will then become questions OF absorbing
interest but the true may be found in the great
London Fair and the deusve credits held ont a induce
ments by the merchant princes of Great Britain. Few
men quick sighted, dexterous at clutching
specuations. saeacious in percevng, and indefa
gable in pursuing their interests. They have for
years subsidized the Parliamen they have monopolzed
the government OF their country; and they have carried
her and her flag into all parts OF the world to
defend their trade and to expe TO crush their rivals
Their enemy and their wisdom would have merited
cess il their honesty and magnanmiy had been equally
conspicuous. We make complaints. 0ur own mer.
chants can take OF themselves in conendng for the
trade OF the world
Immense advantages may arise from this grand exhibit
ton OF the arts, and materials and productions OF all
the civilized countries OF the world collected at
one great point Men from distant countries there
meet to exchange their ingenuity and its fruits
to stimulate each others inventive powers by example
to create generous competition for improving the
country OF each other; and trust that this favored
land Of freemen will be found able TO hold up her head