The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-09-04
BARBARY STATES.

da Globe he had at first determined on excluding AZ
rica 0ceanica and the greater part of Asia regard
ing them little else stasticay than blank spots
the worlds map. As respects the FIRST Of these places
his researches were crowned with so little success
that he concluded, to use his own words, that 'the
title Of African statistics ought to be rejected as alb
surd. {" Since that period, however, notwithstand-
ing the many obstacles which gross barbarism and
pestential climates interpose to check the progress
Of civilization or adventure, much information re-
speeding the resources trade, and tribes of Africa
has been given to the world by intelligent explorers
among whom the name Of DIR. Livingston viii ever
occupy the first rank. Much, however, yet re-
mains to be known before Africa generally can claim
any prominence in works of statistics and time and
experience alone test the reality and value of the
discoveries with which the commercial world has
been astounded by the narratives Of those who have
recently explored hitherto unknown regions of this
quarter of the globe.
Let this test however, result as it may il is evil
dent that every effort which missionary seal and
commercial enterprise put forth is being direct
ed TO extend our knowledge of the people and re-
sources of Africa and already much has been done,
especially on the western coast, to introduce the
blessings of civilization and Christianity, as we'll as
the arts of industry and commerce, among the native
tribes of this extensive region. We must however
patiently await the further results of these combined
efforts and especially study the future developments
of the grand projd adopted by the government of
France to avail itself of slave labor, or in mod
ern parlanco, to supply its colonies with labor
nc hafn
find much in its statistics that can interest or
benefit the American merchant. Of course, we
do not mean to apply this remark to the re-
public of Liberia, between which and the United
States quite an active commerce has already sprung
up. On some future occasion this promising and
prosperous republic shall be duly noticed. We de-
sire, this morning to submit few remarks in refer
ence to our commercial relations with another portion
of Africa-what has been called the region of the
great desert of Sahara, and extending from Egypt
west to the Atlantic, and generally known as the
Statos of Barbary These consist of Morocco, Tu-
MIS- and Tripol Of which Morocco, being the most
powerful as well as the most important first claims
our attention.
The empire of Morocco occupies, according TO
Macgreggor, the northwest Of Africa, from % dcg.
so min to IS deg. 40 min. north and deg. o. Ion
gitude from the Atlantic to the boundary of Al
giers 1t comprises area Of abont 23O, 900 square
niles and contains estimated population Of $780,
O00 Although agriculture is in rude and back
ward condition, the soil yields, in great abundance
and Of excellent quality wheat barley maize olives
hemp, and cotton and lemons grapes, figs oranges,
almonds, and various fruits grown in the greatest
profusion. The sugar-cane, the date tree, and to-
bacco plant thrive wherever they arc cultivated !;
indeed nothing but an industrious population lib
eral government and the introduction Of modern inn
provements in agricultural labor is wanting to make
Morocco one of the most productive countries in
the world With the interior of Africa extensive
trade is carried on by caravans--one Of which usu-
ally accompanies the pilgrims across the whole con-
tinent of Africa to the Red and the tomb of Ma
homet at Mecca The value Of merchandise, &C..
invested in this is usually estimated at So,
900, 900. Those trading with the interior depart
from Tetuan Morocco, and Fcz, and meeting at Ia
hlet cross together the great desert of Sahara
The commercial relations Of Morocco with the
United States are regulated by treaty bearing date
September l6, 1886, to remain in force fifty years,
OF until the year 1886. Our imports from Morocco
consist of WOOL gums skins, ostrich feathers,
hides &C.; and our exports are raw cotton coarse
domcstics, brown sugar rice, and tobacco. This
trade is, however, principally indirect, being con
Quoted chiefly in British and French bottoms and
through the ports of AIarscillcs and Malta, OF Ala
vessels Of all sizes that entered the ports of Morocco
in 1852 in the foreign trade, only four, measuring
L, 100 tons, were American. The following tabular
statement of the navigation at all the ports Of the
empire for 1850 will show tho relative rank of the
nations whose flags participate in this trade,
Statement Snoring The Naryaion Of hs Ports Of Morocco
1850.
Nationality No of vessels. Tonnage.
England ---.---.-------- GLE 80, 685