The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-03-01

such reports % this one by Mr.. AnDRRws. or
desed b. sseisl rssolptious, that we are sna
blsd 70 lesfA any thing reliable Of the great sys
TEN of donestic exchanges, involving capita
ana labor snounting to many millions annu
ally and N comparison with which, in thi.
Pola4 OF visw, our immense foreign trade sinks
into insigni6cance.
MIR. ANDREws- introduces his report by q
careful review of the condition of our trade or
the great inland seas Of the North and North
west, with Canada and the other British North
American colonies, followed by comprehen.
sive glance at the American fisheries, and
some general remarks on our internal com
MERGE in connection with these interests. The
first division Of the report is devoted to de-
scription of the sea fisheries of British North
America as prosecuted by the English, French,
and citizens of the United States; the second
is detailed descriptive account Of the trade
of the Great Lakes, taking up each collection
district separately; concluding with review
of each lake, and its commerce, and sum
mary view of the aggregate trade of all the
lakes, illustrated with numerous statistical
tables. Succeeding this division is full ac-
count OF the railways and canals of the Uni
ted States, accompanied with tables showing
the length of the roads in each State, and the
portion Of each in operation, and the same of
all the States combined
The British Provinces, their trade and COM
merce in detail, for the years 1850 and 1851,
with the United States and with other coun-
tries, are next described, presenting in full
view their resources in forests, fisheries, and
agriculture, their trade with the Atlantic ports
Of the United States. Closing the report is a
copious appendix containing variety of matter
that is entirely new, and which was deemed
necessary to thorough understanding Of the
different branches of trade discussed in the
preceding divisions of the work. Among the
more important papers in this appendix we
would call particular attention to an able expo
sition of the present value and influence of the
with the former obscurity Of the plant, and the
TACT that half century since we were import
ers of what now forms the greater portion of
our exports Of domestic produce. This COM
prises history of the rise and progress of the
cotton crop of the country from 1890 to the
present time, and is accompanied by tables
showing the position Of our cotton manufactures.
A notice of the trade passing through the
Straits of Florida, the commerce of the Gulf
Of Mexico, with letters from WILLIAM L.
HoneE, ESQ.,, Assistant Secretary of the Trea-
sury, and Hon. f. G. CABELL, will be found
replete with information and interest. Com
mercial notices of New Orleans, Mobile, St.
Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Louisville,
with statistical tables exhibiting their trade for
a series of years-an account of the steam ma
rlne of the inland waters of the United States,
statistics Of the trade of the leading inland
water routes leading from the Mississippi val
ley and St. Lawrence and lake basin, to the
Atlantic and the Gulf-an estimate of the va
rivers in 1851, and of the entire Union in 1852,
together with general statements of the ton
mage and commerce of the Atlantic States and
cities-are also contained in the appendix, and
are valuable for reference and comparison.
Accompanying the report, for illustration,
are four maps carefully drawn and engraved for
this object. One represents the Lake and ST.
Lawrence basin, comprising the entire route
from the head Of Lake Superior to the Gulf of
St. Lawrence and the Straits of Belle Isle;
another presents view of the colonies and the
fishing grounds; third exhibits the canals and
railways of the United States, distinguishing
between those portions of the different routes
in operation and in progress; the fourth being
a map of the Gulf of Mexico, showing the po-
sition of Cuba and the adjacent islands, the
Straits of Florida, the mouth of the Mississippi,
the Texan and Mexican coasts, the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec and Cape Catoche. Under ex-
sting circumstances, the last mentioned of these |
maps is full of interest. 1t was designed and |
drawn at the Coast Survey office, and reflects |
great credit upon that branch of our service.
Such being the subjects treated of in the re-
port Of Mr.. ANDREWS, we regard its appearance |
1t this juncture of our affairs as most opportune.
The questions now prominently before our peo-
pie and the Government-the fisheries; the |
subject of reciprocity of trade with the British |
provinces; the most feasible route to the Paci- |
ic; the numerous projects for railways seeking
he aid of the Federal Government and the |
applications for the establishment of new lines |
IF mail-steamers-combine to render any relia-
Die information tending to enlighten the public
mind on these subjects more than ordinarily de-
sirable. The report of Mr.. ANDREWS CON-
prises matter of this character. 1t evinces
marked ability in conception of plan and ar
of details. and will be acceptable to |
all engaged in commercial affairs, not less than
to the statesmen who are now called upon to
determine the policy to be pursued on many of
the questions that are illustrated in its pages.
1t affords comprehensive and gratifying evil
dence of the rapid progress of our country in all
that relates to material prosperity.
Life and Health Insurance.
A lecture delivered in behalf of one of the
many Health Insurance Companies that are |
now af1oat has drawn from the New York
rV:.,,.n cruoa,,;,,r condemnation of ic, ord