The daily republic., 1853-08-25

of our boundary, and at the railroads and ca
nails. and telegraphs, which stretch from the
States into tho colonies, and from the colonies
into the States. intersscting and uniting every
section, we must see the importance Of cult
waiting the most friendly relations, and Of hav-
ing the most free commercial and social inter
course consistent with our interest.
The limits Of a newspaper article will not
admit Of a discussion of all the points bearing
upon the subject Of our commercial relations
with the colonies. All we can do is to draw
attention to it by submitting facts, and by lay
ing down those principles which ought to gov
ern in the case. Based upon such considera-
tions, it is the duty Of the Executive Govern
ment and our Legislators to perfect the details.
As TO the lake trade, Mr.. Andrews in his
valuable report justly observes that the growth
has been SO extraordinary and rapid that but
few persons are cognizant Of its present extent
and value. "In l84l the gross amount was
sixty-fve millions of dollars; in 1916 it had
increased TO one hundred and twenty five mil
lions in l84S to one hundred and eighty six
millions, and in 1851 to three hundred and
fourteen millions" "And these estimates do
not include the value of the property con-
stantly changing hands, nor has any no
tice been taken of the cost of vessels,
or the profits of the passenger trade" To
show to what extent the Canadas con-
,ributed to and participated in this trade,
VIC may notice that the relative tonnage en-
tered and cleared in 1851, under the American
and British flags, was: American, entered | ;
Ol3,275 tons, cleared .927 ,Ol3; British, entered
5l4 1888 tons, cleared 5l6,883. The ratio Of
increase has been much in favor of the United
States; and they must t-go on predominating in
that trade. Still, Canada continues TO advance
with no lsggard steps, and has secured an inn
portant share in the commerce of the lakes.
This great internal trade is the feeder of an
extensive external commerce. A very large
artificial outlets to the American Atlantic ports
The trade with the colonies by sea has also
become of vast importance. la 1880 the ton
mage inward from the United States was
British. 20,755 tons; American, s., ,633 tons;
total 1858 tons. In 1850 it was-British.
972.327 tons; American, 994 ,SO8 tons; total
,967 ,066 tons. There is no doubt but this
large increase is owing chiefly to the removal
Of restrictions which had heretofore embarrass-
ed commerce. As the freedom of trade was
enlarged tonnage increased. Though these
figures show an extraordinary and rapidly in
creasing commerce, worthy the serious atten-
ton of the country, Mr.. ASDREws, from whom
we take the above statistics, justly observes
that.
s'It is well known that in many instances colo
NAL produce is entered at prices much below its
real value; and on the northeastern and north
an active barter trade carried on with the neigh
boring colonies, of which no account can be taken
by the public officers on either side 1t is there
fore perfectly within bounds to estimate the entire
exports Of the United States to the British North
American colonies as now amounting to eighteen
millions Of dollars annually"
With respect to reciprocal free trade, we
quote the following observations as applicable
and well expressed:
''lt is universally admitted that it would be
much better to place this border trade on differ
ent basis, and under the influence of higher
principle. This would enable us to mature and
perfect complete system of mutual exchanges
between the different sections Of this vast CONT
nent; an achievement not only wise and advan-
tageous, but worthy of our high civilization.
SIT has been remarked, by learned writer,
Qord Lauderdale, on Public Wealth, y that those
trades may be esteemed good which consume our
products and manufactures, upon which the value
of our land and the employment Of our poor de
pend; that increase our seamen and navigation,
upon which our strength depends; that supply us
with such commodities as we absolutely want for
carrying on our trade, or for our safety, or carry
out more than they bring in, upon which our rich
es depend.
"The trade with the colonies fulfils all these
considerations. 1t takes from us largely of those
products and manufactures which enhance the
value of our soil, and give profitable employment
to the labor of our people. 1t greatly increases
our ships and the numbers of our seamen, giving
us the means of maintaining navy, and add
ing materiallyto our strength as nation. 1t sup
plies us cheaply with those commodities we abso-
lutely require for conducting our foreign trade,
and supplying the necessities of home consump-
ton. And lastly, it carries out infinitely more
than it brings in and SO adds vastly to indivi-
dual and national riches
''The first proposition for reciprocal free trade
confined to Canada alone, and limited to
certain natural products of either country but the
question has since taken wider range. 1t is now
believed that an arrangement can be effected and
carried out for the free interchange between the
United States and the colonies of all the products
of either whether Of agriculture of mines, of the
forest, or of the sea, in connexion with an agree
ment for the free navigation of the rivers St. Law
renee and st. John, the concession of concur
rent right with British subjects to tho fisheries
near the shores of the colonies, and the remission