New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-12-03


of carrying on tho trade That this was recognized
to be the case is evident from the fact that COM
pany was formed and subscription bookswere about
to be opened to build q railroad from Monterey,
Nuevo-Leon, to Matamoros, andfrom Brownsyilleto
Point Isabel, whom secession in 1861 broke up the
scheme.
IMPORTANCE OF POINT ISABEL.
These particulars arc entered into 10 show the
great importance to the United states as well as to
Mexico of our holding securely this valuable point
II has already been shown that il is the only harbor
on the coast for 400 miles, and whateyerpower shall
hold it, will inevitably control the trade not only OF
the Rio Grande Valley, but of large part OF North
ern Mexico. j. seems therefore clearly the policy
of the Government immediately to establish defcn-
siye works and store-houses at tls point, and to
take permanent possession never asain to be sur
rendered left to the chances of rebellion at home
or invasion from abroad. There are at pres
ent no such defcnses. During the Mexican War
depot was established hero by Gen. Taylor and
this site selected as base Of operations for his cam
paign. A mud fort-Fort Poikwas thrown up,
the remains of which exist. 4 powerful and pcr-
manent work should DO erected, and light dranght
gun-boats be permanently stationed in the harbor.
Fort Brorr, which commands both Brownsville
AID Matamoros opposite should be restored and
armed, and o railroad at orce built to connect
Brownsville and Point Isabel. The triangle thus
formed by the gulf, tho river and the road between
these two points would form en- admirable position
for defense. Tho short line between the two forts
protected by them, and with the water ON both
hanks, would provo impregnable against large
force.
| BRowHsyHLR-MATAAOR
These ports practically depend on the harbor OF
Braz0s for the greater part other commerce. Iwo-
thirds of all the commerce of Matamoros has,
until recently, been under the American nag.
Both are Gourishing places. In 1871 the extent
Of the trade of Matamoros with tho United States
reached the sum of 800 900, of which s2,oOoOOo
were inward and $2,2OO,000 outward cargoes,
including 81 800 600 in specie and 500 600 in hides
Its imports are chiefly breadstufls. spices, pro-
visions cloths its exports, specie hides, ard WOOL
As the mining districts arc further developed, there
will be large demand for machinery Of all kinds.
Since the Mexican war, tho trade has much III
crea sed, and that Of Brownsville alone was esti-
mated in 1861 at 100000
| Since the rebellion begun an immense contraband
trade has been done, reaching millions in amount
and keeping always employed large number OF
vessels There have been at all times on tho coast
awaiting cargoes, from co to 20 vessels. Therecent
expedition Of Gen. Banks found 70 sail, and
this in unfavorable wenther-the export has been
chiefly cotton. This cotton grown $50 miles up
the coast in the heart Of Texas, has been dragged
BY wagons this great distance; cottop, wagons
horses, tcamsters, all being conscripted by tho
Rebel military authorities to carry on this absolute
" necessary trade To the ConfcdeEacy.
BY this trade Matamoros had become one OF the
leading ports on this continent II is estimated
that from $50 900 to 200 coo bales Of cotton, value
approximating TO 500 900 600 have found shipment
from this point. 10000 bales ere reported to have
been found there by Gen. Banks. The imports
were Of every kind Of supply which could help the
Rebels in arms. With the stoppage OF this contra
band trade Matamoros will, Of course, relapse TO hcr
former position, neither these exports nor imports
being for her own accountthe fruit OF the industry
or tho measure Of the wants of the Mexican country
which she supplies.
THE MEXICAN TRADE AND TIP FRENCH BLOCK
The commerce OF the Pic Grande valley and of
the northeastern States of Mexico is ofimporanee
10 the United States, although considerable por-
ton has been under English control. The blockade
established by France will If immediate steps be
taken by our Government and enterprsing citizens,
throw the whole Of this valuable trade into our
hands. The proclamation OF the Emperor Nepo-
leon declaring the blockade, exempted it will be
remembered, oil points within ten leagues Of the
Rio Grande Though recent vessels state that the
blockade is effective TO within nine miles OF the
river), end 1t has been argued that the Emperor
made this exemption for the double purpose Of en-
ablng the revolutionary party, acting IN the inter
est of France TO overthrow the JuaTez Government
in the Province Of Tameulipas, and Of facilitating
the contraband trade between the Rebels and for
egn Powers. There is nothing in the facts to bear
out this assertion. II is not shown that the French
have participated in or prefted by such contraband
trade and it is not probable that Government like
that Of France itself interested in maintaining the
law of blockade, would TO its own manifest dissd'
vantage and in the interest of English spectators
and of the Rebels alone, have adopted such pol
lev; nor is there anything, as we have repeatedly
shown in the course of France during the Rebellion
which shows the slightest desire on her part to con-
tribute to its success-cortsnly no sct of the Gov
eminent or citizens has shown such desire
On the contrary, her course, though not always an
agreeable or palatabe one TO tho United States has
been marked by perfect good faith. Undoubtedly,
the Emperor would have been gratifed had the
Provinces Of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nueyo Leon
declared in favor of tho order which no seeks 70
establish and his agents have probably been active