The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-02-28
Comm unlcnted.
Proposed --8hould Cong pause
Har before they granted

rae Proposed steam Lines -shouid Congress pause
ae before they are gssntsdt
The immense sums which are demanded to support the
various established and projected steam lines may well
alarm the part OF those who desire economy and
a regard TO constitutional obligations the admins'ra
ton OF the government The government is now paying
$685. O00 TO the Collins line, and 5000 900 per
annum in addition is asked 10 support this line II is
paying S29O 900 10 Sloo Laws Sl99 900 to the Aspin-
wall lne and S23s 6o9 Bremen line $3.50 900 per
annum. moreover is demanded by The proposed Ebony
line.
But the remarkable proposition and which in
view OF the favor which has received in certain guar
isrs, demands the attention OF the people, is
made by MI. Thompson for the establishment, in
gigantic scheme, of three lines which have appar
ent connection with each other-one from Philadelphia
Antwerp another from Norfolk to Antwerp and a
third the main feature Of the scheme, from California to
Canton. in China. Mr. Thompson proposes that, Tor the
purpose OF establishing these ines The government shall
issue stock Tor five millions OF dollars. and that he will
raise one million, making IN the whole SIX millions OF
dollars He proposes to give personal security for the
interest the loan, until the ships Tor these lines
completed, and then to substitute mortgage the ship
at the end OF five years he proposes 10 begin to pay of
the principal, at the rate OF ten per cent per annum
that at the end OF ten years, the time The contract IS 10
run, he will have reduced the principal one-haf leaving
old vessels. But it is well known that steamships ex
posed TO the heavy strain OF powerful engines will not
last more than ten years. This is conceded by Mr
Stanton, in his report the proposed Ebony line. The
shIps will be completely worn out al the end OF ten
year, for which time IL proposed that Mr. Thompsons
contract shall continue The proposition, them amounts
simply 10 ms that The government shall advance hve
millions Of dollars for ten years, upon a security which
deprecates at the rate oil 10 per cent per TO pro-
mote private enterprise, and build up great CONNER
cal monopoly.
IL matter OF surprise that Congress should listen for
a moment TO proposition like this, when another for
me establishment OF steam communication between China
and our PACING coast has been submitted by Mr. Moore OF
Ohio which demands not dollar from govern nent for
the establishment OF the line, and comlen sa,ion
cep such as he may receive for postage rates TO be
established BY Congress Mt Moore has moreover,
strong personal claims upon Congress for the consdera
ton OF his project to the exclusion Of all others whose
propositions advantageous 10 the govern
menf than his lie The first protector Of steam com.
munication between the Pacific coast and China. The
records Of Congress and the committees will show that
this il the third session that he has been before Congress
with his plans He has the same position in relation TO
the China sesm line that Mr. Whitney has TO the rail
road 10 the Pacific and bis compensation is to be merely
the fruits Of his enterprise without the appropriation
OF dollar from the treasury
But our purpose is 10 recommend no ine but to call
the attention OF members Of Congress TO the enom,y OF
these expenditures for pretended public uses, but really
for the benefit OF private spectators, who, with their
army Of agents, infes the Capitol and annoy members
Of Congress with their opportunities until they have be-
come plagne like the frogs OF Egypt Where is this
System Of prohlgate expenditure end And what will
be the voice OF the people In relation TO IT, when they
get knowledge of il in its whole length and breadth
As wa have said. The Collins line now re.
ceiyes per annum saS5,ooo
The Sl0o & Law line 800 900
The AspnwAll line 100000
The Bremen line ass 900
=
Total amount now paid per annum l,l37,60o
In addition 10 this. there is asked for The
Collins line per annum 100000
For the Ebony line 10000
And for the Sloo Il Law and the AspInwall
lines, Tor increased service, as provided IN
the naval appropriation bill, say 100000
Nss ~ aE
Total amount 20l2y6O9
Thus, all these lines shall get all they ask for, the
annual amount Of all these expenditures the pretex oil
composing with England in building ships but really to
subserve the private interests of spectators will be more
than TWO MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. In addition 10
this, FIVE MILLIONS 10 be added TO the national
debt. for the bene, of the Thompson lines which, not
withdrawing the proposed security, will ultimately fall
ppon The government 10 pay All these magnificent
schemes for enrchng private spectators out Of the pub
lie treasury re 20 o. PROVIDED ioI oy nfrto'ed taraon