New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-07-23
BRITISH TRAFFIC WITH THE WEST
COAST OF AFRICA.

Fsor, The PkaoSopha -irericaa ard GG:ee, July iG.
Tx President Roberts of Liberia came passenger
in the Afcc, from Liverpool to New-YOrk, expecting
10 pace brt two weeks IN this country. During this
uniod he will visit the scenes Of his CHILDHOOD AID his
ta,ly acquaintaLces, near Petersburg Va. lie was
the bearer Of tho tuboined most interesting letter to
gentleman in this city, ana the Importance OF Its con
tents to commercial community induces It's puoi-
cation. Its estimable author, Dir. Ralton has, for
many yeaIs devoted much attention TO this and Kin
cred snhjecs, aid is well prepared to give reliable
information in regard TO them.
Although very little ia known by the general pubic
concerning the British traffic with the West Coast of
Africa, there il branch of commerce that has IN.
creased more rapidly, or that admits, perhaps vi
greater extension The dimnution of the slave trade
has been followed by he substitution vi ieginmae car
goes, in proportion fully large as the most san
guirs coua baye anticipated, and hence the export OF
zoe ds IN re urn has most astonsmpgiy increased.
would well become the Government OF the United
States 10 direct it, earnest attention TO SUB
iect with which is interests may be So speedily and
Intimately connected. The iGea of securing to herself
the advantages Of the commerce OF Africa Is no new one
with Great Britain. For series Of years her policy
Las BET marked BY a strict regard 10 that object
The C. nieIeLces Of the Congresses Of AK Ia Chapee
exhibit s.iol proofs of common jealousy on the part
OF the soyertgns OF Europe Of her designs upon the
African coast; al there is absolute certainty that
her sOctude for the universal abolition OF the slave
txsae, expressed by her Minister on th,t occasion,
may not have been attributable in part TO her view
OF the commercial advantages to be derived from
" the opening OF great CONTINENT 10 Dfitlsn lnuus
"try." I'll immense outlay of life and treasure sh,
has made for the exploration rdpossesson OF the vas:
re son tributary TO the Niger, conveys no Ordinary
meaning: and Il would be well for the United States
ii these extensive movements arrested the attention
Of the Government, and caused It TO be directed To
the facilities which the established towns ot Lloe1ia
afford for the acquisition Of q commerce destined,
sooner or laser to become Of 1calcuib!c advan.lge
to the people ofthis country. 80.
Western Africa is believed TO contain ky millions
OF inhabitants. In trading with that rch Iegon we
therefore are certain 10 have commerce with people
who require for their goi ivory, Coffee sugar, dyes
cocoa, fruits, nuts pisachc and pAlnl, woods, q c
coarse cottons and faocs cutlery, iron, and usciai
Utensils. Besides these, intercourse with rs, aore
civilized people, will create other wants among them,
and we may expect them TO take all of our coinnod-
Tee to any amount We may export. II our govern
ment IS to establish lines Of mail steamships with an
eye TO the extension OF trade e. Us establish such
connections with nations rldcr and lees advanced IN
aus than ourselves. Let US run monthly line OF
sman Steamships, or swift propelers, to Liberia which
must result advantascousy in the superiority they wild
AFFORD over sailing ycsscls in meeting tie prevatI g
winds and Gains peculiar 10 the conformation OF the
African coast, AID obyis!irg the dangers OF climate