The New York herald., 1870-06-19

An American Continental Commercial sys-
We have before us an elaborate and able
paper on ''An American Continental Com
mercial SYSTEM" written by Elijah Ward,
in reply to a request for his views on
this subject by number Of members of Con-
grcss. MIR. Ward, when a member of the
House of Representatives, paid particular at
tention to this matter and made an exhaustive
report upon it, After showing the vast trade
that has been developed between the United
States and the British American colonies and
other colonies and States surrounding us,
which is increasing all the time, he argues that
it is to our interest to establish continental
commercial policy similar to that which exists
under the Zollverein Of Germany. He thinks
that this would increase our trade greatly, and
that while such system would benefit the sur
rounding colonies and States the United States
would obtain the greatest advantages. He
believes, too, that this would lead to political
union in the end that it would be, in fact the
most effective way to make the United States
continental empire by absorbing all the
American possessions of European nations as
well as the Independent States of this Conti-
nent.
This is undoubtedly very important sub
iect, and deserves the attention of our public
men and government. The free trade princi-
pie which underles this scheme is gaining
ground with the statesmen of all countries, and
is no doubt sound in theory. 1t is in accord
ance with the spirit and progress of the age.
But has the time come for us to practically
carry it out with regard to the British Ameri-
can colonies, to Cuba and to the other possess
sions of European nations? Are there not
exceptional circumstances which dictate for
the present another policy? In the end such
Zollverein as is suggested would bring these
neighboring countries into closer relations with
us politically and socially, as well as CONNER
cialy but it might put off the day Of annexa-
ton. If the foreign colonists and people
around us were to have all the commercial
advantages of union they might prefer sepa-
rate political existence. This would always
be an unsatisfactory state of things. Our aim
should be to detach Europe and European
forms of government from Amerca-to make
the institutions republican and in accord with
our own throughout this hemisphere. The
truth is, if the foreign populations around us
desire the benefits of free commercial inter-
course let them become American citizens. In
commercial point of view it is doubtful if
such a system could be advantageously estab-
lished at present, if even England, Spain and
the other nations holding American territory
would consent to perfect reciprocity We are
compelled to raise large revenue from i'm
posts and this incidentally protects certain
interests along the border. But, as was said,
the principle General Ward lays down is sound
in theory, and the world is coming to that more
and more every day. The subject is worthy
the serious consideration of our public men,
SPECIAL DISPATCHES FROM EUROPE. We
publish to-day special letters from our writers
in Ireland Rome, France, Germany and Eng
land The communications speak. conse-
&c onI 1c -,