The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-12-11

Australia and the island groups which
lie along the routes of navigation, should
inspire equal efforts TO appropriate to Oul
own shipping, and to administer by Oul
own capital, IA due proportion OF this
trade, whatever notifications OF our reg
ulations of trade and navigation may be
! necessary or useful to meet and direct
these impulses to the enlargement of our
exchanges and of our carrying trade, l
am sure the wisdom of Congress Will be
ready to supply One initial measure,
however, seems to be so clearly useful
and efficient. that | venture to press 1t
upon YOUR earnest attention. 1t seems
to be very evident that the provision OF
regular steam postal communication, by
aid from government. has been the fore
runner of the commercial predominance
of Great Britain on all these coasts and
seas, a greater share in whose trade is
now the desire and the intent of our peo-
pie. 1t is also manifest that the efforts
of other European nations to contend
with Great Britain for share OF this
commerce have been successful in pro-
portion with their adoption of regular
steam postal communication with the
markets whose trade they sought. Mex.
leo and the states of South America are
anxious to receive such postal commune
cations with this country, and to aid in
their development. Similar cO-opera-
ton may be looked for, in due time, from
the Eastern nations and from Australia.
1t is difficult to see how the lead in this
movement can he expected from private
interests. In respect of foreign COM
merce, quite as much as in internal trade,
postal communication seems necessarily
matter of common and public admins
tration, and thus pertaining to govern
| racnaptfnllV recommend IN
prompt attention such just and efficient
measures as may cOnduce to the develop
ment OF our foreign commercial eX-
changes and the building up of our car
rying trade.
In this connection l desire also to sug-
geSt the very great service which might
be expected in charging and facilitating
our commerce on the Pacific ocean were
a transmarine cable laid from San Fran
cisco to the Sandwich islands. and thence
to Japan at the north, and Australia at
the south. The great influence of such
means of communication on these routes
OF navigation, in developing and secur-
ing the due share of our Pacific coast in
the commerce of the world, needs no il
lustration or enforcement. 1t may be
that such an enterprise. useful, and in
the end profitable as it would prove to
private Investment. may need to be ac-
celebrated 10y prudent legislation 10y Con-
gresS in its aid, and submit the matter
to your careful consideration.
An additionl. and not unimportant, al
though secondary, reason for fostering
and charging the navy may be found III
the unquestiOnable service to the eXpan-
sion of our commerce, which would be
rendered by the frequent circulation or
naval ships in the seas and ports OF all
~ nf thp ulnhp SDInS nf the nr0n-
er construction and equipment, to be OF
the greatest efficiency in case OF maritime
war, might be made constant and active
agents in time of peace III the advance
ment and protection of our foreign trade.
and in the nurture and discipline or
Young seamen, who would, naturally, in
some numbers, mix with and improve
the crews Of our merchant ships. Our
merchants at home and abroad recognize
the value to foreign commerce OF an act
i've movement of our naval vessels, and
the intelligence and patriotic zeal of our
naval officers in promoting every interest
of their cOuntrymen, is just subject or
national pride.
The condition of the financial affairs of |
the government as shown by the report |
of the Secretary of the Treasury, is very |
satisfactory 1t is believed that the pres
ent financial condition of the United |
States, whether considered with respect |
to trade, currencv. credit growing wealth, |
or the extent and variety of our resource |
as is mora favorable than that Of any |
~ ,,..t,, 20 49,. t;,,,o o,,J 10, no,,or
olHcl Coullliy ", W, 'ihc, ''i" i'"o ho'0i
Deen surpassed ny lildl vi any olHei Coun-
try at any period OF its history. All our |
ndnotr;as ara thriving. tho rate Of infer
~. ~: 49," ;,lS i n,, Lo;,o 90,
eSt 10 low, Hc" iaiiloauo oio ceinS WI
StruCted; Il vast immigration Is lncreaS-
inc orr pODulatiOn capital and labor.
,,nn, ontornr;sns In ora.t numhar ara in
ho" 0h.oiPii2o" ~ Sio"o 49,. - "a
progress; ana our cOmWeTcldl TelaIlonS
with other nations are improving.
Tho ordinary revpnueS from all sources
IL 49, 49, - - on Ioun
iOI lne ilScal yedi eHueu ouho oo' iooo,
were
From internal revenue. .............. l2t0O9373 "
al, ltal nnls |
From tax on circulation and deposits
of national banks ........... ....... 7,0li,Hl A
From ronavment nf interest by Pacific
Raj lNyuv 'nnl |