The republic., 1851-02-17
THE REPUBLIC.

II II IL ~ ffU ID ulO.
Memorial from Citizens OF Maryland.
To the honorable the Senate and House of Rswssen-
t0tiUes Of TIE United States, in Congress 0ssem
bied: ~ lel.s
The memorial Of the undersigned, citizens of
Maryland, respectfully showeth: That the estab
lishmcnt of . line of mail steamships to run from
the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk 70 sos pest in
England convenient BY railroad oonsnseAaian
with the city of London. would, in the Op{ninn Of
your mcmorialists, in addition 70 securing more
frequent and speedy transportation Of the mails he
tween this country and Europe, be vary conducive
nencc OF the citizens Of the southern and western
States. f.at,-f e
Your memorialists are also OF opinion that it is
highly polite and expedient to extend the system
which has been recently commenced by Congress,
having for its object the creation of . reserved
steam navy, TO be used in time Of peace in carry
ing the mails to different parts ofthe world and to
be at all times available whenever required for the
public service. The city Of New York alone has
received the patronage Of the General Government
In the adoption Of this System, far the estab-
hshment ot steam communication with Europe u
concerned but your memorialists submit with
confidence that the southern States are Justly enti-
tied to a fair participation therein.
Your memorialists further represent. that the
tract made with E. K. Collins and his associates,
for the transportation Of the mails between New
York and Liverpool, only require them to be car
ried twice per month each way during eight months
of the year, and once month during the remain
der OF the year and that the contract for the trans
portation of the mais between New York and Bre-
men via Southampton, and between New York and
Hayrc, only requires semi monthly communities
ton with Europe, 20 that weekly mail to and
from Europe has not been provided for. vifl'
Your memorialitts conceive. that the postal
matter between this country and Europe is rapidly
increasing in amount and Importance, there should
be greater number of mail steamers employedin the
service Of the United States, to secure
alSv L.
American vessels; otherwise should Congress fail
to make proper provision for s transportation, the
steamships Of the British government will trans.
port it. They, therefore, submit most respectfully,
that a law should be passed authorizing contract
to be entered into for the transportation of the
United States mails 10 and from England, by line
Of steamers running from the ports OF Baltimore and
Norfolk, these being the most eligible Of the south
ern ports. connected, as they soon will be, by the
shortest and most direct line of railroad communi
cation with the southern and western States. Your
msmorialists would further submit, that this line,
if established, would carry the mails with much
pool; nor can any good reason be assigned why the
postal matter for the South and West should pass
through the city Of New York; but, the contrary
it appears to them that the southern and western
States are fully entitled to have their interests re-
garded in any arrangement that may be made
hereafter for the more frequent transportation Of
the mails to and from Europe. .8esrssf
With respect to the details of the contract for this
service. your memorialists would venture to sug-
gest that four steamships, of three thousand tons
burden each, would suffice to keep up semi
monthly communication between the abovenamed
ports, and that these ships should be constructed
under the inspection of the Government, and ac-
cording to specifications approved of by the Secre-
tary Of the Navy; that said steamers may be con-
vcrted, at the least possible expense. into war
steamers of the frst class, whenever they may be
required for the public service. They would fur
ther suggest that portion Of the cost Of these
sells should be advanced from time to time to the
contractors. upon security being given, to en-
able the contractors to progress rapidly in their
construction, and to build them in the best manner
that such advances shall bear interest until fully
paid off in mail service.
/ Your memorialists advised that William B
Clarke, of the State of Maryland, is ready and will
ing to enter into contract Of the character above
mentioned, upon terms similar to those embraced
in the contract for the line from New York to Liv
| crpoo, and therefore pray your honorable bodies
| to pass an act authorizing the Secretary of the
Navy TO enter into contract, on behalf of the Co
vernment, with William b. Clarke and his asso-
cates, for the transportation Of the mail from the
ports Of Baltimore and Norfolk to some port il
England. All of which is respectfully submitted