The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-04-15
Maritime Rivalry-America and Englans

Maritime Rivalry-America and England.
Irr the course of recent debates in the Senate,
| illusions have been repeatedly made to the
| necessarily increasing intensity of the CONNER
cial rivalry between this country and England,
the jealousy with which our progress as a naval
power is regarded, and the duty that devolves
upon US of using vigorous exertions to encour-
age the enterprise of our commercial marine,
and to augment on a solid basis the efficiency
of the navy proper. Senators of both the great
parties have expressed the conviction that the
future Of the existing generation in great
measure depends upon the result of the severe
but peaceful struggle now going on; and they
have insisted upon the proprie,y Of afording
national countenance and support to efforts of
Individual enterprise calculated in the main to
build up important relations in quarters in
which nations Of the old world have hith-
erto enjoyed monopoly of commerce. The
sudden growth of empire on the western
coast has given an impulse to our intercourse
with the peoples of the Pacific and Indian
maritime supremacy Of Britain, and in the
same proportion to strengthen and improve the
relative position of the United States. Whe-
Their Congress will improve the opportunities
presented by the new order OF things, Is the
question that now awaits solution.
1t was shown on a recent occasion that, ac-
cording to the testimony of the commanders Of
English merchantmen in the China seas, the
American clipper built vessels are fast securing
the trade until now enjoyed by the mercantile
navy of England. Aroused by this circumstance.
following so closely the brilliant achievements
of our yachts and steamers, the mercantile
classes Of England are calling into requi-
stion the services of scientific men, to search
out the causes Of the defeats recently en-
dured by their couDtrymen, and to point out
how the lost ground may be recovered. The
London .4tten0um brings report Of lecture
delivered on this subject in the Royal lnstiiu-
ton, by Mr.. J. ScoTT RUSSELL, the possessor
of high reputation as scientific writer,
who has been more than once employed by the
government in matters requiring combination
of theoretical knowledge and practical skill.
We append portions Of the report, which fur
nishes indubtabe evidence Of the reluctance
with which our English relatives bring them
selves to the confession that they have been
worsted on their own ground, and Of their con-
iinued inability TO award the full need of
praise to the Collins steamers. However,
Mr.. RUSSELL may be pardoned for his reserva-
tons in the item Of steamships, in considera-
ton of his unequivocal recognition of the gene
raj merit of American builders and navigaiors,
and his frank acknowledgment of their pro
gressive capacity, as distinguished from the
stubborn adherence To worn ont forms and Gus
toms which HIS been the great Characteristic
Of similar classes in Britain We quote the
.4fhenoum's report:
"Thc subject placed on the list for consideration
has been suggested by tho assertion which, within
year or two. has been so often repeated, that
our Transatlantic brethren are building better ship
than ourselvcs that, in short, Brother Jonathan il
! going ahead, while John Bull 10 comfortably doz.
/ ing in bis chair; and that, IL he do not awake
speedily, and take sound survey Of his true posi-.
ton, he may find himself hopelessiy astcrn.
Two questions Of a practical nature arise out Of
this alarming Insertion; let. Whether the Amcri-
cans arc really in any respect superior to the
English in nautical matters. I'd. Whether, in
order TO equal them we are to be condemned to
descend into mere mitstors, or whether we have
independent ground from which we start with
certainty and originality on new career Of i'm.
provement in naval architecture. In the outset,
! beg permission to say ttnt am not OF
those who shut their ears to the praises Of our
young and enicrprsing brethren over the water, or
view their rapid advancement with jealousy. ] beg
TO express my perfect belief in the accounts we
have beard Of their wonderful achievements in rs
pid river steam navigation. am sste6cd ~ q
matter Of fact, that twenty one, twenty two, and