Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-07-13

WASHIHafoN HxWs AND GOSSIP.
American supremaoy.-Ths newspapers in
all quarters Of the country, are just now pro-
fuse in their g3atulations over the recent re-
variable passage Of the Baltic, which has
fairly confirmed for her, her previously we'll
earned reputation as the fastest, a. well as
perhaps the most agreeable steamship in the
world in which to travel This national exul-
tasion-for such it really isis well founded.
1t tells Of the widespread existence of ma
siona pride in excelling in the useful arts,
which is destined in the end to work many
advantages, indeed, for our country. Britsin's
boast for two hundred years has been her com.
mercial supremacy. She fairly earned it in
her day and generation, and, ID turn, it has
enriched her people to the extent of untold
millions of pounds sterling. We refer now to
the mere reputation Of being first in nearly
all the useful arts, and more especially in
manufactures and arts connected with naviga.
ton.
A friend who served our country in various
capacities abroad, for long time, told US,
very recently, Of the effect on commercial cir
cles and public men on the Continent, of the
first great really maritime victories-over
time, space, and British competition-of the
magnificent steamers Of the line to which the
Baltic is attached.
American ambition to rival Britain in ocean
steam navigation, was previously regarded as
the merest presumption Of our national pert
ness, and was, In fact, q standing joke in Eu-
rope. The realization of the fact that We could,
and had actually produced finer and faster
steamships than John Bull had ever built.
though very large portion of his national debt
had actually been incurred in experimenting
for Improvements in navigation, struck all Eu-
rope with almost stunning force. Her business
men awoks from the surprise thus created, for
the first time to realize the remarkable re-
sources Of our country, and the capacities of
our countrymen to lead the world in very few
years in all the arts contributing to mans pros.
perity. The United States became from that
hour, In European popular estimation, the spec.
ulation which "wss bound to VIM MANY
millions Of European capital has subsequently
been invested here on that account and thou.
sands Of the most skilful business men in all
pursuits have abandoned the homes of their
fathers to become Of US, that they and their pos
tsrity may reap share of the advantages of the
sound progress to which the original victories
OF these steamers opened their eyes for the first
time. We here refer not to the ordinary class of
European emigration, but to that of men of
science, or great practical skill and experience
as well as means, which within the last three
years, has poured in upon our commercial
cities. To use the words of the American gen.
tleman referred to above, the victories ofthese
ships first made Us respectable in the eyes of
all classes in Europe as commercial nation u
Three OF four years have already suficed to
make it an axiom throughout Europe-admit.
ted as readily by Russia's autocrat, and the
Prime Minister Of Frederick Joseph, or of the
Sultan, as by the segar-maker in Bremen, and
the artist in modes in Paris-that the present
century is not to end without witnessing
the over-shadowing influence of American
ideas throughout the world, carried in our
ships, engaged in prosecuting our commerce.
No man can estimate our national pecuni-
airy gains already Melted through the national
business reputation which the repeated vic
tories these ships have gained for US. Thew
have increased the prices paid for wheat raised
in Iowa and Wisconsin, for live oak cut in
Florida, and rosin extracted in North Caro-.
lima. Names ship timber has brought better
prices through them, to her hardy lumber.pet
tiers, while the cotton growers of Louisiana and
Alabama, and the shoemakers of Massachu.
sets have duly shared the common advantage
by the rise in the price Of their staples, grew.
ing out of the stimulation Of all American for.
eign commerce, fairly traceabIe to the original
and continued victories Of these noble ships of
peace. Yet, as too frequently oocrrs in such
! cases, these pioneers in the greatest enterprise
tor our country known to its commercial his.
tory, have alone failed to reap even a fair
proportion Of the general advantage which
their success has secured to the United States.
We draw this conclusion from two facts. First,
because the stock Of their company has never
yet appeared in the list of those in New York
paying dividend, great or small and next,
from their last "annual statement" which
some one was go kind as to send Us some
months ago. According to that exposition of
their Affairs
They owed, in September last, 81 ,64s, 1913 81
And their stock subscribed was. 1884, 900 90
$2,7S0, 1913 81
Their ships cost on going to sea,
on their first voyage, An aggre-
gate Of. .s........,,,,.,.S1 7631,2 %