Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-22
Misrellaneous.
9IE FUTURE OF AMERICAN SHIPPING.
By HENRY HALL.

Considering now the opposition which
America will encounter in rebuilding the
decayed fortunes of her merchant marine
considering, also. how cheaply our pro-
ducts are now transported 70 foreign
lands. and that we have no distant colo-
MES 10 protect. our colonies being planted
on the broad bosom of our own vast do
main, within our own borders, il might al
most be asked, Why concern ourselves
about the future Of our shipping TT all
Are the prosperity and security Of our ma
ton at all dependent, in this age. upon
our shipping? Why not let things take
their natural course?
Well, there are reasons for concern.
The present state of affairs is injurious,
As will appear upon moments reflection.
One reason is that shipping in these mod
ern days plays certain part with refer
ence to periods Of temporary and local
over-production which good wagon roads
and railways play with regard to periods
of temporary and local under production
Of food The lack Of steam lines run
ming in the interests Of American mer-
chants and manufacturers was severe
~ felt in this country in those
years OF reaction following 1873. The
present American line to Brazil owes its
origin To the sudden and intense desire
felt in this country, in those years of de-
preston. for a new outlet tor our manu-
featured goods.
Another reason is the loss Of income 10
q country having as large commerce as
the United States, consequent upon its
transportation being in foreign hands.
A third cause for concern il the evil TO
49, L.. ..f
sufficient shipping to export her products,
in case Of war among the European pow
ers. Suppose that the AZ English steam
vessels trading to these shores were with
drawn, in consequence Of war between
Great Britain and one of her powerful
rivals. The United States would not then
have vessels enough to transact her own
commerce, even with the aid of the coast
ing fleet. An arrangement would per
haps be made by means of which the
English vessels would be put under the
protection of some foreign flag. but that
there would be a serious arrangement OF
our commerce is certain, and Il due re-
gard for the future requires that that con-
tingency should be provided against. II
possible.
But what is wore than all, in national
point of view. is the weakness entailed by
our lack Of flourishing marine. America
would certainly he Inundated in any war
forced upon her by a foreign power, rs
matters now stand. The immense dis
lance of our scs-coast expose us pecul
iarly to danger from the attacks of naval
power. There are illustrations enough in
our own history. England was never
seriously menaced except from the sea.
Our situation is much like hers. only
worse. on account Of the greater lcGg h
of coast. With not one ship in the Ameri-
can navy which can face European iron
clad. and no forts to speak of in the har-
bors, what would be the situation of
affairs in case a few European war ships,
with fleet OF swift merchant steamers or
auxiliaries. were dispatched to threaten
the coasts of the United States The
damage which might be done in one short
month is inconceivable. The officers OF
the American navy are fully awake to
this danger. and their reports to the gov
eminent and their private conversation
represent ii constantly. The fact is. the
development of the modern ocean steam
ship. swift big, and strong. has given a
new turn to naval affairs. 1t has exposed
q coast nation to new perils. and made
the state of its merchant shipping of the
utmost Importance to the national security.
february atlantic