The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-03-09
The Proposed New Lines OF steamships The
Collins Line.

The Proposed New Lines OF Stcanships
Collins Line.
For some time past, there have been number
of applications before Congress for the establish
meat Of new lines Of steamships between this coun-
try and Europe. Africa, and Asia, all Of which
have been land over 70 the next session OF
Congress. There also has been an application
10 Congress to increase the annual allowance which
the United States government gives to the Collins
line OF steamships, for carrying the mails from this
port TO Liverpool. This, like the others, will not,
in eli probability, be passed before the adjournment
AL of these applications have met with bitter op.
position in Congress; the principal objection urged
against them being tina by encouraging the mail
steamship service, the government was building
up and aiding and encouraging gigantic monopolies,
which would exclude individual competition. and
place in the hands of a few persons of wealth the
whole trade Of the routes on which the proposed
stea nships would ply, in Of the applications
for their construction being favorably considered
by Congress. AT first sight, this objection seems
very pausibe and no doubt its plausiblity was the
cause of the defeat Of the offers that have been
made 10 extend the naval system of the United
States. But, admitting il in full force, let US
look at the other side Of the picture, and inquire
what the advantages would be of having, for in
stance, line of steamships plying between the
United States and Shanghai 1t is easily seen
that such line would direct from the present
channel the passenger trade between Europe and
Asia, well as the transported on of the mails, and
a large portion of the light and valuable merchan-
disc which comes from that quarter of the world,
and draw it TO and through the United States.
Surely, this would more than counterba 'ance
any Of the evils that q monopoly would
cause. Again, if contract were made for
five or ten years, it could easily be rescinded
before that time, if necessary; and no such
contract should be entered into wi.ho i! stipula-
lion of that kind or, if not rescinded, the govern
ment might refuse TO renew il. Admitting, there
fore, that It would create monopoly, the benefits
that would result from it would be than equal
| TO the disadvantages The originators of every
enterprise are entitled TO monopoly for reason
| able period. The man who makes discovery is
entitled to a monopoly for fourteen years; and the
| government OF the United States, on his app!lca.
tiop steps In and, by letters patent, secures suca
monopoly to him. Further still, If the discoyerer
shows satisfactorily that his monopoly has not been
profitable to him fer the period for which 1t was
secured to him, the government, on his applica-
| ten, as has been done in great many instances
| will extend the time Of his monopoly. The pro-
| priety Of granting patents, or, in other words,
granting monopolles, is so apparent that II would
/ be waste of words TO argue the subject. Suffice
| TO say, there would be no indacemsnt to NEE to
excite their inventive faculties, or TO waste their
tine and means, as is frequently done, n endeayor.
ing to make new discoveries if the product of their
| laber end money was net TO be vested i'll them, or
1 was TO become public property. Again, bountes
| are given by government for the purpose of en-
csuraeiug certain fishcries-a business which is
free TO al! who please 20 engage 10 il. The pro-
prety of doing SO is obvious. What difference
should there be made in granting monopoly for
number Of years TO a man who expends his time
and money in peIiectng an invention, and in grant
/ inc monopoly to another for originating enter
plise like that of steam navigation, as far
i the principle Of monopoly is concerned =! We can
not see any.
But, il the Arguments that have been adduced
have any force a. ALL in reference to the establish.
| nent OF new and additional lines of steamships, we
would inquire what bearing they have on the ap
plicstion Of The stockholders OF the splendd steam
ships composing the Collins line for an increase of
! the rete allowed by government for carrying the
mails Surely the country is not willing TO allow
| these magnificent steamships TO retire from the
friendly rivalry in which they have engaged with
the Cuaard steamships. We are very much mis-
taken il the people at large would not willingly
submit to direct taxation to support them until they
are n g position TO fight their own way without any
government or other aio, rather than that they
should fail. We therefore hope that the apphca-
lion viii be more successful al the next session of
Congress.