The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-07
The Debate An the Senate.

The amendment 10 the Deficiency bill, con
tempatng additional compensation 10 the Col
Inns steamers, was again under consideration
in the Senate yesterday. Mr.. JAMES spoke at
considerable length, and with somewhat care
ful preparation, in favor Of the amendment.
Mr. BADGER followed on the same side, and in
reply 10 Mr.. HUNTER. IIe contended that one
of three things must now occur: that the Col
Inns line must receive the additional aid called
for that it must be continued al a ruin0us charge
on the public spirited and patriotic contractors;
or that it must be discontinued altogether. The
abandonment of the line he should consider
national dishonor. To impose national enter
prise of this kind as burden ON individuals,
Congress never would consent, and never ought
TO consent. II the present application filled,
Mr.. BApGER said that the next stop un tho part
of the contractors would be 10 memorialize
Congress 10 be relieved from their contract,
and he had no doubt that the relief would be
Immediately granted.
Mr.. BADGER was in favor. Of increasing tho
compensation to $50, 900 trip, bet gave notice
that at the proper time he should offer an
amendment providing for the transfer Of the
steamers from the Navy Department to the
Postmaster General, and providing also that at
any time after December, 1854, Congress
might terminate the contract by giving six
months notice. This question, Mr.. BADGER
said, had not recently assumed its national cha
racter. In his judgment, the contest had never
been struggle between two commercial com
panies for commercial advantages, but il had
been between two great nations FOR supremacy
on the seas. We had won that supremacy.
We occupied high and Commanding position
in the eyes Of the world as a maritime power;
and he hoped never TO see the United States
descend from her lofty eminencc, and from any
paltry pecuniary consideration consent TO occupy
a place secondary TO that Of her great rival.
Mr.. BADGER closed speech Of great point and
power with the expression Of hope that the
question now before Congress might be 50 dis
posed Of as not TO reflect upon the reputation
and honor of the country.
General SHIELDS followed in a brief but elo-
quent speech, impressed with a warm national
sentiment, and appealing to the interest and
pride Of American citizens for the support Of
an American line, and the maintenance Of Anne
rican superiority on the ocean.
Mr.. RusK made few explanations in sup
port Of the amendment. General JOKES, Of
Tennessee, expressed strong desire TO support
the line. lie admitted tho force 0f the aTgu-
menis that had been addressed 10 the Senate,
and Of the appeals to national sentiment with
which they had been reinforced. No Senator
could he more anxious Than himself TO maintain
the lEgh position which tie United States lad
attained 10 this great contest Tor maritime
supremacy. lie yielded 10 no Senator in his
American feeling and his American pride---and
it would give him the greatest pleasure to sus-
tain the amendment. il he could be satisfied
upon one point. lie did not understand how
it was that the United States steamers could
not be run az economically as the English line.
lie thought s33, COO a voyage was too much.
and he could not vote for it.
Mr.. SEWARD explained the causes which
had rendered the American enterprise mere sx-
pcnsive than the English. The American
steamers were much larger and more swift and
powerful than their rivals. These advantages
could not be obtained by an increase Of expense
10 the mere ratio Of The increased size aud
power. When a certain size and power were
obtained. to improve upon those required more
than relative increase Of expense. The Ia
ierest ofrnoney was higher in the United States
than 10 England. The rates of insurance bad
been much higher in the United States than in
England. The wages Of labor were higher
here than in England. The cost Of construction
was higher here than in England.
Governor JoSEs responded briefly but warUy.
lH the case rested upon such grounds as were
stated by the Senator from New York. he cond
90 with him--becauso he had been all his life
conlcnding for the protection Of American labor