The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-16

The OCEAN MAIL STEAMSHIP SysTEM.
are petitions and projects, now before the Congress
Of the United States for the establishment OF eight
different lines OF steamships, TO ply setween this
country and different ports in Europe, and dificr-
ent ports in Asia. Whether any of them will be
passed upon or not, during the present session. we
cannot say; but we are perfectly satisfied that il
the federal Legislature adj oum without giving the
subject due attention, and authorizing their con-
struction, the public at large will be much disap-
pointed. But if anything is 10 be done, it must be
done quickly. There remain but thirteen or four
teen working days of the present session. and if
members do not bestir, meet earlier and work
later not only this, but other important matters will
be laid over till the next meeting OF Congress.
Short sessions have been generally busy ones;
but the present is certainly an exception to the.
rule. But little real business has yet been trans
acted, although there has been an immense
amount of talking done; and column after column
OF the Washington papers has been filled with re-
ports ofspeeches of honorable me mbers.
The public mind of this country is unanimous on
not only the prosperity but the necessity of en-
larging and extending our steamship fleet. They
have seen the fact demonstrated that we can sue
cestfully compete with Great Britain, any other
nation in the old world, in models and machinery.
They have seen, in the Collins line, that in one
bound, as it were, the United States were placed
side by side with England-a country which has
had more experience in steam navigation than any
other in the world; and they argue, and very pro-
pery, that if we could do so much at one eff
fort, and without any experience, what are
we not capable of achieving, in the same
line, in a few years. Besides this consideration,
there are others of equal and greater importance.
Our commercial and naval interests absolutely re-
quire an extension of our steamship service. With
fleet Of six or eight steamships, like those of the
Collins line, on the Pacific, we would control the
greater portion of the valuable commerce between
Europe and Asia. Our geographical position would
ensure that. The ebony line, too, as it is called,
should be authorized, aud so should all the other
projects to form steamship lines now before Con-
gress. In word, we are in favor of extending our
ocean steam fleet to the greatest extent; and we
would be rejoiced if five millions Of dollars were
annually appropriated by Congress for that purpose.
The navy proper costs the country some ten mil
hons OF dollars year, to very little purpose. Half
of that sum expended in the encouragement of
steamship lines would give US, not oaly the maste
ny Of the seas, but the mastery of the commerce
merce is larger, by sixty seventy thousand TONS
than that of England With proper encourage.
ment we would, in few years, be UNNECESSARILY
ahead of all rivals. Ia this connection, we may
mention that the project, which was broached a
short time since, of constructing line of steam.
chips between Philadelphia and Antwerp, and be-
tween Norfolk and Antwerp, alternately, is in a
fair way of being carried out The citizens of the
Ia. 4 \. r.
necessary build fleet of four steamships and their
agent, nj. lie Hardy de Beaulieu, is now in this
country, stimulating our citizens to subscribe the
remaining half. We have doubt that he will
succeed in his mission, for they cannot but know
that it would be an exceedingly profitable invest
ment Antwerp is the natural outlet to the ocean
Of upwards of one hundred millions Of people, the
ma oriy OF whom are connected with the United
States by bonds of commerce and relationship,
for there but few amihes that part of Europe
who have not friends or relatives in the United
States.
Not only should Congress encourage and pro-
mote the establishment of additional lines Of
steamships, but they should sustain and encourage
those now in operation, and assis, them 10 case Of
their experiencing difficulty. The British govern
ment is determined that if all its money and in
HueICc Can prevent ~, TAG IHtel osdtcs Shall NOT
take the scep.re from her hands. Accordingly, we
see the Cunard line supported and encouraged in
every possible way, and money granted for the
purpose without stint We certainly cannot now
shrink from the friendly contest for naval supe-
riority in which the two countries engaged. II
the Enclish government, helps and assists the Gu
nard line to greater extent, than was al first
deemed necessary, in consequence OF the establish
ment of-the Collins line, Congress ough, in pro-
portion 10 help the Collins line, and enable il to
compete with our British rivals ladeed, we should
say that our government is commtiedro such a
policy. With the exception OF the detention Of
the Atlantic, ard in the Arctic and Baltic
not taking in coal enough, this line has given gene
raj satisfaction. In the one case, an accident, no
dopot, is tie cause OF The Atlantic's detention
which no foresight; can provide against experience
will correct the misc ale ulaton in regard TO the
quantity Of fuel necessary to be taken board for
q winter passage. This splendid line Of steam
ships has conferred credit on the United States
throughout The whole Of Europe, and, with few
exceptions, their performance his been highly
Satisfactory. II would be degradation and
shame for government not to support and en-
courage H.
We hope Congress will attend to this imoortan,
subject. Members have talked enough now let
them act for The brief remainder Of the session.
TIE REIIEF OF BRoADwAY.-vlooRors MovE-
VENTS OF THE MAYoR-It has been long ques.
ton how Broadway could be relieved The May /