The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-04-12
Navigation Of tho Mississippi.

The terms upon which the Mississippi river
can hereafter be nayiCated by the citizens Of
the United States Of America, are published by
o. q, Meminger Of South Carolina, who signs
himself I" Secretary of the Treasury sup
posed TO be acting under JEFF. Dayis's govern
ment, Mr.. Memminger's regulations are
highly refreshing to all of us who reflect how
louisiana was bought with federal dollars for
the express purpose of giving to the Northwest
a free outlet to the ocean. The first regulation
pertains to vessels entering the Confederate
States from the points above their Northern
limits. Mr.. Memminger says that the Collector
Of the Port of Norfolk, or Nelm's Landing, in
the State of Mississippi, shall BOARD all vessels
or craft Of whatever description entering said
Confederate States, and compel the master
thereof to exhibit two copies Of his manifest
setting forth his cargo, destination, etc. After
a sufficient time spent in smelling, measuring
and gauging the cargo, the collector shall give
the master PERMIT to proceed on his course
written upon the back lof his manfests-the
other TO be retained by the collector. All fat
boats loaded with coal must stop at Norfolk or
Nelm's Landing, and IL destined for any point
which is not port Of entry, must pay duties
on the same then and there. All vessels des-
tined for ports Of entry, having received the
permit of the collector VI Norfolk, or Nem's
collector Of said Ports respectively, under q
complicated system Of appraisement, inspect
ion, surveying bonding, ct cetera.
We have frequently called attention to the
fact that there could be no such thing as free
navigation of the Mississippi while any num-
Der of States, South Of US TO assume the right
10 place any restrictions whatever on the ocean
bouId products OF the Northwest. We have
examined Mr.. Memminger's circular quite care
fully, and find that the right to levy duties,
fees, imports and all manner Of embarrass-
ments on commerce Is fully and distinctly
assumed. II Is true that no duties are imposed
by the present tariff OF Jefi Davis's government
on the principal products OF the Northwest
self interest or from fear Of the outraged mil
lions inhabiting the Upper Mississippi and its
tributaries, or from both combined. But the
right to tax every pound Of freight shipped
from P.ttsburg, Louisville, Memphis, 81. Louis
or TO Galena, destined to HAVANA, New York,
Liverpool or to any other part in the world, Is
distinctly assumed. In view OF this plainly
declared fact, Il is impossible to see how war
is TO be avoided, whether in the Union or out
Of the Union. II is impossible to see how
Henry Gays prediction in 1850, Is not in fair
way Of meeting bloody fullfllment:
"If this Union shall become separated, new
respect TO this-if there be any-I hope there
Is no one in the Senate-beiore whose immagi-
nation Is fitting the idea Of . great Southern
Confederacy 10 take possession Of the Balire
and the Mississippi, say in my place. never |!
nsrsr NEVER ! will We who occupy the broad
Mississippi and Its upper tributaries consent
that any foreign Gag shall float at the Balisc.
or upon the turrcts Of the Crescent City-nev-
or SEvrn