The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-22
Direct Trade with the South.

1t has been common at the South, and it is so
now at the North, to say that the Southern are
great agricultural States, and it is their destiny
to be confined to the productions of the soils.
In some respects, the South has falsified this
very common assertion. Her numerous man
ufacturing establishments, and other diversions
of labor and capital, have subtracted, in no
nconsiderab.e degree, from her agricultural
pursuits.
But manufacturing alone can neither devel-
ope the resources and wealth of the South, nor
relieve her of her present commercial depend.
ence upon the North. Our expectations in cot
ton, rice, sugar, tobacco, &c. are immensely
greater than those of the North, and yet how is
II with the return trade! These products are
taken by circuitous route to Liverpool, and
other foreign markets, in Northern vessels.
The importations show how this system works.
New York imports from six to eight times as
much as all the Southern States put together.
Her importations vary from $l000o0,0O0 to
81 80, OOO 900; those of all the Southern States
put together vary from 100000 to 100000,
Why are the importations of New York SO
heavy, compared to those of the Southern
States! Why, simply because she imports for
them Three-fourths OF her importations are
intended for the Southern and South western
oOptu pays tuc spcuSco w IN0W
York in going, and from New York, in return,
to her own ports and interior towns, besides
others OF an onerous nature.
| She is not only subjected to heavy expenses
by this method Of conveying her products to
foreign markets, and receiving her supplies in
return, but she loses all the advantages result
ing from this foreign commerce 1t is that
which adds 50 much TO Northern wealth-dec.
crates their cities with such magnificent pal
aces, and makes q people not blessed with a
fruitful soil, or desirable climate, the richest
in our land. ....
Why is il that the South will not shake of its
lethargy, and vie With the North in blowing
the great deep, to build up her cities and towns
and pour into her bosom the rich treasures which
flow from this prolific source! Is climate
against us! We have the finest climate in the
world, and our cities-Richmond, Charleston
Savannah, Mobile, New Orleans, &c, for any
term Of years, will compare favorably sith tae
great Northern cities. Do we lack intellect
The South has shown, from the origin of our
government that she is fully the equal Of the
North ia intellect. Southern materials, for ship
building, are said to equal any in the world
What, then, Is in the way! Why nothing, that
we can conceive Of, but an indisposition TO give
up old practices and habits.
Capital must be invested in land and negroes,
for the purpose Of making more cotton, and
what is the result! II very often obtsins u
lean per cent. when the large production Of cot
ton depresses the price below the point Of re-
Enumeration.
Some Of The Southern States have reason to
boast Of their railroads, as well as their manu-.
featuring establishments. With the power Of
railroads 10 produce wealth, the country il ia
Uiiar. The facilities they afford TO the public,
could not now be dispensed with. Railroads
are increasing on every hand, and factories are
constantly going up, with their machinery to be
propelled by steam in some instances, but in
! most cases by the abundant water power Of
the country for the Southern States.
Il would be DEPRESSION from our main object
TO descant upon the advantages which they so
sgnSlly afford. How important II would be to
add 10 these tho advantages Of direct foreign
commerce.
Much has been said about Southern rights
We question whether they can be secured till the
South shakes of her feeling Of dependence up
on the NORTH. She cannot do that by her rail.
roads and manufactures alone. She wants her
commercial marine her extensive shipping in
terest-her commerce with foreign nations, by
direct expectations and importations. She wants
her hardy sailors and seamen, some OF whom
could be easily converted from the peaceful
pursuits Of commerce, into brave and hardy
tars, 10 fight IL necessary, her battles upon the
o,aan Con sI,f,,gio,oIid