Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-03-25
The Protection Theory under a
new Phase.

The American feeling, or spirit of national
pride, which prompts us as people, to become
interested in and to foster certain movements
which emanate among us, Is very commenda-
bic, when its exercise does not conflict with
any fundamental principle of governmental
policy. Communities, being made up of in
divduals, are actuated by similar motives, in
pushing forward and encouraging their own en-
terprisss This is laudable enough, in itself,
if the promptings of sef-interest are properly
checked and not suffered TO encroach upon the
rights of others. MonopOles of all kinds, are
edious, and in conflict with true repubicanlsm
yet when they are calculated to promote the
public good, they are sometimes tolerated.
We should never lese sight of that principle
of equality which forms the basis of our polit-
ical rights The great idea of our govern
ment is, that it guarantees to individual enter
prise and effort, a fair chance-this is the only
encouragement or protection that is wanted
We would not withhold from certain great en-
terprises, upon this principle, all encourage
''tShNS'e'N'
lection may be furnished them without violat-
ing the principle laid down. 1t matters little
for what particular object or interest, govern
ment aid is invoked, if private interests in.
volyed in the issue. Local pride or national
pride, however strongly appealed to, should
be dsregarded, rather than compromise this
principle. And we would apply these views
TO the movement now going on in Congress, OF
appropriating an additional sum Of t,co hundred
thousand dollars annually 10 the Collins Ocean
Mail Steamers. for carrying the mails between
Liverpool and New York. The Collins line
consists of four steamers, constructed at cost
of about three millions Of dollars, and we will
grant that the enterprise which established
them is peculiarly an American one, and as
such, enlists the well-wishe5 of our country in
its behalf The aid or incidental protection
which these steamers now receive from gov
eminent, as a compensation for the mail ser
vice, is by no means inconsiderate, and might
be thought to be amply sufficient, judging
from the offer which a Mr.. Tibbatts of New
York. (whose responsibility is vouched for, }
has recently made. His proposition is now
before Congress, and is to the effect that he
will carry the mails in equally as good vessels
and as speedily, at just about half what the
Collins line no,U receiues
Now the question properly arises, upon
what ground is more government aid or pro-
lection called for by these steamers. Can they
not compete with the English steamers (he
Cunard line) in their legitimate business upe-
Tatlonsl 1t is admitted that they are superior
steamers, but it is commended that they are not
supPortlnS themselves, and that they will be
forced off the route, if the asked for aid from
government is not granted This may be so
we should be sorry 10 see it take place-but the
fact is, the Collins Company started as specu-
lators, upon fictitious capital, having but
about million dollars to carry ont measure
which cost three millions; and conseouentlv
cannot command that sympathy from the com
munity which well-based and safely-founded
enterprise would not fail TO do. II is in vain
to appeal to our national pride in behalf of an
onJect which, under proper circumstances, our
people are convinced, could stand upon and find
am PIE support In its own superior excelencies
and merils
D1'' as we stated above, there are more
"eieh'y objections to granting the aid solicit
GU 'hah those enumerated, and they are based
upon pHnnP'c. We cannot grant the aid ia
steamers ,l
injustice TO private enterprise, ,and this we deem
to be sufficient objection, in itself. If these
mail steamers, and those on other mail rou,cs
(the California route, for instance, } cannot sup
port themselves by the pay which thew gel
from government tor carrying the mails.
and shs share Of the carrying or freishtnp