The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-03-22
OUR NAVIGATION LAWS.

The statistics of our foreign commerce
excite surprise both at home and abroad.
Its rapid increase and present magnitude
are unparalleled in modern history At
the beginning of the present century our
total of domestic exports amounted to
only 49,, 100000 Last year, 1873, they
amounted to the enormous sum of 1928
100000. Our exports of cotton and
cotton goods last year amounted
to $l94,O 900, 900. Next in amount came
our grain and flour exports, $l8l 900, 900.
We also sent abroad last year Of our
meats and meat products to the amount
Of $112,G00,0OO. The illuminating oils
exported in 1878 amounted to the hand
some sum OF $44, 900, coo. We also sent
abroad S9,00o,000 worth Of American
made machinery and agricultural imple-
mcnts And, what is even more unusual,
VIE exported 100000 worth of house
hold furniture.
1t is obvious that the carrying trade
involved in the transportation Of this
enormous aggregate of $723,000,0 900 of
commodities to foreign countries, must
be matter worthy of the most careful
attention. When we add to this the $4lS,-
900. 600 Of imports brought to this coun-
try from abroad, we have the sum of
Fl, III, 100000 Of property carried by sea-
going vessels to and from our ports in a
single year. This necessarily requires
Al amount of shipping that is simply i'm
mcnse; and, Of course, implies business
profit in the carrying trade that in its
aggregate is enormous.
1t would strike any mans common
sense that this business of transporting
our own commodities should fall largely
within the hands Of our own people. But,
unfortunately, it is not so. While the
great increase and magnitude of our for
-ign trade arc so gratifying to our ma
lonal pride, and 50 profitable to our ma,
ional wealth, we experience humiliation
N seeing this vast carrying trade from
our own ports nearly monopolzed by
vessels sailing under foreign flags.
Fdyorably situated and supplied as
sc are, in all respects, for building ships
aud conducting our carrying trade, We
are nevertheless compelled to witness
nearly all this profitable business conf
nitted to foreign hands. We would be
glad 70 be able to say that this is not 20.
But the statistics bearing upon this qucs-
:ion are too positive to admit Of contra
dicton.
Fifty years ago, in 1880, more than nine
tenths OF our foreign carrying trade was
in American vessels In 1878 we had less
than three-tenths The decline has been
gradual, but continual. In 1851, before
the war, we had two thirds of thai trade
under the American flag now we have
less than one-fourth in our own hands.
Of course there would be, as there was,
great falling off during the war, when
American vessels were largely trans
ferred to foreign flags for security
against privateers issued by the rebel
authorities. But, fifteen years Of peace
ought TO have restored us to onr normal
condition in that regard. Yet it has not
been done.
1t is quite time that the country
should demand why it has not been done.
That some obstacle of an unusual and
abnormal character interposes to the in
Jury and diminution OF our foreign car
rying trade can not be doubted. Ameri-
can enterprise is not wont to lie dormant
in view of such an immense business at
their command unless some burden is
imposed upon the people that shuts them
out from participation in business Of
such grand proportions as this carrying
trade presents. We think that this OBJ
stacle is found in our unwise and arbi-
trary navigation laws. -.
II our Congressman could possess them
selves OF some grains of common sense in