Morris tribune., 1880-12-02
nuR OoMMERnE.

The efforts of the department. of state to en-
large the trade and commerce of the United
States through the active agency Of consular
officers and through the dissemination of in
formation obtained from them, have been unre-
laxed. The interest in these efforts,
Is developed in our commercial COM
munities and the value of the IN.
formation secured by this means to the
trade and manufacturers of the country, were
recognised by Congress at its last session, and
provision was made for the more frequent
publication of consular and other reports by
the department of state. The first issue OF
this publication has now been prepared, and
subsequent issues may regularly be expected.
The Importance and interest attached to the
reports of consular officers are witnessed by
the general demand for them by all classes of
merchants and manufacturers engaged in our
foreign trade. Il is believed that the system
of such publication il deserving of the ao-
prevail of Congress and that the necessity of
appropriations for its continuance and en-
largement will commend itself TO your con-
sideration.
The pursuit of domestic industrious and
their immense production of subjects Of for
eigu commerce invite and even require an
a,tive development of the wishes and inter-
ests of our people in that direction. Espec-
tally important is il that our commercial reIa.
tions with the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of
South America, with the West Indies and the
Gulf of Mexico, should be direct and not
and should be carried on ia our own bottoms.
The full appreciation of the opportunities
which our front on the Pacific ocean gives to
commerce with Japan, China and the East In
dies. with Australia and the island groups
which belong to these routes of navigation,
should inspire equal efforts TO appropriate to
our own interest and administer to our own
capital due portion of this trade. Whatever
modification of our method of trade and navi-
cation may be necessary or useful to meet and
direct to the enlargement of our exchange and
our carrying interest, am sure members of
Congress will be ready to supply. One initial
measure, however, seems to me 30 clearly use
full aud Efficient that venture to press il upon
your earliest attention. 1t seems to be very
evident that the provision of regular steam
post communication by aid from governments
has been the forerunner of the commercial
prominence of Great Britain in all the sea
coasts, and these coasts and seas, greater
share of whose trade is now the desire and in.
tent of our people. It is also manifest that
the efforts of other European nations TO con-
tend with Great Britain for share of this
commerce has been successful in proportion tn
their adoption OF regular steam postal com.
munication with the markets whose trade they
sought. Mexico and the states of South
America are anxious to receive such postaI
in their development. Similar cooperation
may be looked for in due time from the east
ern nations and from Australia. Il il dificult
to see how the lead in that movement
can be expected from private inter
ests in respect of foreign commerce.
Quite as much, an international
trade postal communication seems necessarily
q matter of common and public administrstion.
and thus pertaining to the government. re.
spectfully recommend to your prompt atten-
ton such just and efficient measures as NAV
conduce to the development of our foreign
commercial exchanges, and the building up OF
our carrying trade.
In this connection I desire also to suggest
the very great service which might be expected
in charging and facilitating our commerce ON
the Pacific ocean were transmarine cable laid
from San Francisco to the Sandwich
Islands, and thence to Japan at the north ano
Australia at the south. The great influence oil
such means of communication ON these routes
of navigation in developing and securing the
OF the world, needs no Interpretation or en-.
forcement. 1t may be that such an enterprise
Is useful and in the end profitable, as it would
prove to private investment, may need to be
accelerated by prudent legislation by Congress
In its aid and ! submit the matter to your
careful consideration.
An additional and not unimportant although
the navy may be found in the unquestionable
service to the expansion Of our commerce,
which would be rendered by the frequent cir
culation of naval ships in the seas and ports
Of ell quarters of the globe. Ships of the pro.
per construction and equipment: to be of the
greatest efficiency IN case of maratime war
might be made constant and active agents in
lime Of peace in the advancement
snd protection of our FOREIGN
trade in ~xE
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 active movement of our ma
val vessels, and the intelligence and patriotic
zeal OF our naval officers in promoting every in
terest of their countrymen is q Just subject of
natural pride.
THE FINANCEB.
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 present financial situa-
ton of the United States, whether considered
with respect to trade, currency, credit, growing
wealth, or the extent and variety of our re.
sources. is more favorable than
tnat or any other country OF
our time, and lhas never been surpassed
by any other country at any period of its his
tory All our industries are thriving. The
rate OF interest is low; new railroads are being
constructed; vast immigration is increasing
our population, capital and labor; new enter
prises in great number are in progresa, and our
commercial relations with other countries are
Improving.
The ordinary revenues, from all sources, for
the fiscal year ended june 80, $780, were:
from customs. ..$166, 522,0& 60