The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-07-15

It'll. Because, under the system as heretofore
admipistered exorbitant prices have been al.
lowed for carrying our foreign mails; thereby
imposing high rates of postage npon the CON-
mnnity, and also Indirectly furnishing reasons
for not reducing our inland postsges,
9th. Because, under the system as now adj
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
tenn; aud while | hold seat on this floor, shall
continue to protest, by voice and vote, against
policy which would hamper with odious restrc-
| tons our national commerce, now spreading it's
white wings 81 far as the breeze can 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? "Wil the gov.
eminent drive hard bargain with its citizens,
and because they happened to make miscacu
laton, compel them either to relinquish their
contract, after having made enormous sacrifices
in struggling for it's fulfment or to fulfil it at
sacrifice still greater?"*
To the first branch of the inquiry, as one oppo
nent of the system, | answer without hesitation
let 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
ceved by the government, and adopt the prnci.
pie of maintaining particular commercial lines
by bounties from the treasury. Let us dissociate
naval from commercial interests, since it is 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 as
a 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 ofan 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
hard bargain, let them apply to be relieved
from il, when an investigation into the affairs of
the company may be had under authority of
Congress, and the case decided upon its merits.
| It 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 riendships-ocal interests-continual
solicitations-all these are actively exelted, and
are hard to resist You may succeed in giving
to the Collins line nearly $l,OUo,000 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 O: its destruction will come. Every step
| taken in continuance Of this system increase the
number to be 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 un.
derstand and realize the effects Of this legisa-
| ton, il will demand its instant and final repeal
Mr.. Chairman, the time will not allow me TO
pursue this subject further, nor tospeak of other
abuses now weighing down the government
The universal tendency among those who hold
delegated power in country whose resources
are ample, il to extravaganza. II is time again
10 nscribe on our banners Economy Retrench.
ment- 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
eminent.
speech in the Senate Of Hon. c. T. James, Of
Al.