The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-07-16

administered, sxorbitant prices have bsen al
lswed for carrying our foreign mails; thereby
imposing high rates Of postage upon tho CON-
munity, and also indirectly furnishing reasons
for not reducing our inland postsges.
9Th. Because, under the system - now ad-
ministered, great frauds are practised upon the
Post Office Department. on the different lines, by
express men constantly carrying letters outside
the mails, at half the prices charged by the gov
eminent postage rates.
These are some of the reasons which impel
me- TO oppose the further extension Of this sys-
TEN aud while hold seat on this floor, shall
continue to protest, by voice and vote, against a
policy which would hamper with odous restric-
tons our national commerce, now spreading its
white wings star as the breeze eau bear, the
pillows foam," and pressing onward to that su-
premacy upon the wave, which is sure to be the
browning glory of our country, If the govern
ment will but let the people win it.
But gentlemen may ask, What is the policy
of the opponents Of this system, and especially
with regard to the Collins line? "Will the gov
eminent drive hard bargain with its citizens,
and because they happened to make miscalcu.
laton, compel them either to reinquish their
contract, after having made enormous sacrifices
in struggling for its fuflment, to fulfil it at
a sacrifice still greater!"*
TO the first branch of the inquiry, as one oppO
nent Of the system, answer without hesitation
Jet us comply strictly with existing engage
ments, but make no more OF the same kind;
and especially let US not by passing this amend
ment, drop the idea of an equivalent to be re-
ceived by the government, and adopt the princi.
pie Of maintaining particular commercial lines
by bounties from the treasury. Lst US dssociate
naval from commercial interests, since it il plain
that their union will finally abs 'rb the public
revenues in the ordinary operations of commerce.
In future contracts for the transportation of our
foreign mails, let Us abandon the war clause
failure and pretext for endless expenditures.
In extending our foreign mail facilities, let US
throw open the contracts to general competition.
thus giving an impulse to steam navigation, and
to the enterprise of our citizens. BY pursuing
this just and enlarged policy, in few years both
oceans will be covered with the commercial
steam marine of the United States, which, in
time of peace, will increase the general pros
perity without increasing the public burdens
and in case of war, would be invaluable in carry
ing intelligence, transporting troops, and cutting
off the commerce of an enemy. Your convertible
commercial steam navy could do no more.
To the second branch Of the inquiry, an
swer, that if Mr. Collins and his associates have
a hard bargain, let them apply to be relieved
from it, when an investigation into the affairs Of
the company may be had under authority of
Congress, and the case decided upon it's merits
II would be FAR better even to reimburse to them
their actual losses, if any have occurred than to
continue these enormous appropriations; for in
the latter case We should at least be done with
the system of taxing the community to supply
the commercial losses of private companies.
Mr.. Chairman, this amendment may pass this
House, as it has passed the Senate. know the
power of the influences at work in its favor
Personal ships-local interests-continual
soicitations--all these are actively exerted, and
are hard to resist. You may succeed in giving
to the Collins line nearly $l,0O0.OOO year.
You may succeed in maintaining little longer
this ocean aristocracy, supported, like the British
nobility, BY the sweat of the people; but the
day OF it's destruction will come. Every step
taken in continuance of this system increase the
number to BIZ retraced because principle which
is both false to our destiny, and unjust, cannot
find permanent resting place in the American
statute book. When the country comes to I'm.
derstand and realize the effects OF this legisla-
ton, it will demand its instant and final repeal.
Mr.. Chairman, the time will not allow me to
pursue this subject further nor to speak of other
abuses now weighing down the government.
The universal tendency among those who hold
delegated power in country whose resources
are ample, is to extravaganza. II ia time again
to nscribe on our banners Economy
menu Reform and for one, will labor faith
fully with those who, instead of constantly see.
ing for new sources of expenditure, shall strive
to curtail the already enormous cost of this gov.
ernment
speech in the Senate of Hon. c. T. James, of
Rhode Island.