The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-07-09
ronrieN coabtEnos OF r1tI sovr,t,

The indispensableness of foreign COM
merco from tho slave holding States, far
more extensive than that which now exists,
is selt-ovident to every man who has con-
sidcrcd for IL moment, tue interests and re.
sources Of tho South and it cauuot be too
often or too strenuously urged upon the
Southern people, atizaus, professional men,
merchants, farmers, and, indeed, all who
have any interests in this section, SO blessed
by natural advantages of every description,
whether they pertain to climate, surface
soil, agriculture, commerce, or manufactures.
The North is making millions by foreign
commerce, very large proportion of the
freight and tavel being supplied by the
South whereas the people of the Southern
States, instead Of advancing their own in
tcrests by direct trade with Europe, are
thus contribing TO the treasury of the
enemy. 1t is true We have sailing slips
traversing almost every sea, but there is no
established line Of steamers to any of the
most: important ports Of the world. And
AS long as this is so, it is impossible that
the reources of the South can bc fully de-
veloped or appreciated. Our products en-
brace vast variety af luxuries rs well as
necessities; We have waters unsurpassed, if
not unrivallcd. Our manufacturing facili-
tics are truly great And it is actually an
anomaly i'll the laws Of commerce, that we
have not an extensive foreign commerce.
The people are aware that this is indeed :;
and they should. as we believe they will.
encourage the enterprising spirit which is
now actually at work for the establishment
OF one or more lines of the largcs. steam
ers between this country and Europe. The
action Of the Convention at Bristol niycs
evidence Of a determination on the nart of
the practical, intelligent and patriotic gentle
men who were engaged in its deliberations
to push forward, as fast as possible, the
scheme for direct trade. Portlaud appcars
to DC the only competitor of Norfolk for
the terminus of the route on which the
Great Eastern is soon to appear. And
every effort consistent with fairness will, of
course, be made by the people of that sec
ton, to induce those interested in the sue.
cess OF this mammoth steamer. to give pre.
cedence to that port. 1. will be an impor-
tant trade, and the South should look to it
with anxiety. Wherever the "Grcat East
crn" goes, there will tic attention of the
projectors OF other other European lines Of
steamers be attracted. Norfolk holds out
Inducements to direct trade not presented
by any other city in the Union. With
harbor, capaclous, safe from storms. deep,
and within very short distance OF the
sea, it is nnexccptionable in point of local
adoption to the purposes of an cntrepot fer
southern commerce. And occupying a
position which is designed by nature as
the point Of convcrgcncc for the trade Of
an immense empire, extending through
thousands Of miles Of the richest country.
there is nothing needed but the finishing
touch to the leading lines Of internal i'm
proTcment in Virginia to prepare Norfolk
tor successful competition with any city
IN the Union for foreign trade. 1t is
TO DC hoped Mr.. prcston's mission will be
rs successful. as his own ability and the
merits of his cause would encourage lis 10
expect.
Let the owners Of the "Great Eastern"
and all others interested in her voyages,
oe convinced Of the tremendous trade in
the South only awaiting an outlet, and We
cannot think they will prefer Portland to
Nortolk.-Richmond Enquirer.
2he Manners Of Young Americu-A
correspondent of the Tribute, who vas
present at the sumptuous dinner given at
81. Louis TO the railroad excursion partv
mus comments uDOn tho ,Dapro,. r