Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

nal, and the influx of population from abroad, tions, leaving the latter to make their own always an evidence of the increased produc- terms with their customers, and to assume tiveness of labor. In this work it is shown limited or unlimited liability, as they themconclusively, that shipping grows with pro- selves may think most expedient. In a detection, because protection tends to promote tailed review of the operations of several of immigration, or the import of men, the most the principal nations, and of all the States valuable of commodities, and thus to di- of this Union, it is shown that the tendency minish the cost of sending to market the to steadiness in the quantity, and uniformity less valuable ones, grain, tobacco, and cotton. in the quality, of currency, is in the exact The question is examined in every point of ratio of freedom, while with every increase view-material, moral, intellectual, and po- in the number or extent of restrictions, litical; and the result arrived at is," that be- steadiness diminishes, and insecurity increastween the interests of the treasury and the es. The views contained in this work are people, the farmer, planter, manufacturer, and now adopted by some of the most eminent merchant, the great and little trader and the writers in France. They constitute the basis ship-owner, the slave and his master, the of a recent and excellent work* by M. Coqueland-owners and laborers of the Union and lin, who quotes largely from that of Mr. the world, the free-trader and the advocate Carey, declaring that our countryman has, of protection, there is perfect harmony of "in the investigation of causes and effects, interests, and that the way to the establish- succeeded better than the English inquirment of universal peace and universal free trade, is to be found in the adoption of measures tending to the destruction of the monopoly of machinery, and the location of the loom and the anvil in the vicinity of the plough and the harrow."

ers," and had, as early as 1838, "clearly shown the primary causes of the perturbations recurring almost periodically in commerce and currency."†

The portrait of Mr. Carey, accompanying this article, is from a crayon sketch by Mr. Collyer, and is, in every respect, one of the best likenesses we have presented in this Magazine. It is excellently copied by Mr. Buet.

In addition to the works I have named, Mr. Carey has published two others, on the Currency-the larger of which is entitled Credit System in France, England, and the United States. Their object is to show, that there is a very simple law which lies at the root of the whole currency question, and that by its aid, the revulsions so frequently experienced may be perfectly accounted for. That law is perfect freedom of trade in ait money, whether by individuals or associa-mistes

*Du Credit et des Banques, Paris, 1848.

publies sur le credit.-Journal des Econo Un des plus beaux ouvrages assurément qu'on

MISCELLANY.

us

OUR STEAM NAVY.-The following important communication was handed to by a gentleman whose long experience as a commander in the naval service of Great Britain and of the East India Company entitles his views to the highest respect. The opinions he expresses we are obliged, not only for consistency, but from a settled conviction of their truth, to sustain in full. For the same reason that we gave our support to Mr. Whitney's plan of a Pacific Railroad, we give it to the plan of our correspondent. In a succeeding number we hope to lay before our readers a communication from the same experienced source, on the naval resources of the United States as regards steam-ships. It is a very common error to suppose that the steamvessels built at private yards in New-York can be immediately converted into vessels of war, like the steam-ships of the Cunard line. We are prepared to show that this is a grave delusion, which may lead upon occasion to fatal consequences.

To the Editor of the American Whig Review:

SIR-In perusing the Report from the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, &c., contained in the New York Herald of the 21st instant, I was much surprised to find that the knowledge so dearly bought by experience here and elsewhere has had no effect upon the authorities in this department. It is a well-determined fact, from the experience of the past, that all Government work is worse done, and more expensive, than that which is open to the competition of the whole country.

no inducement for the Government officer to go out of the beaten track as long as his pay is continued to him monthly. He goes jogging on in the old style; but place the same man in the position, occupation, and you will find the old adage verieither to improve his work and system or lose his fied Necessity is the mother of invention." He will turn his attention forthwith to the most likely course to keep his time and capital continually on the stretch, so as to produce him the greatest amount of return. This he is obliged to study, as there are others who will outstrip him in the race if he does not exert his utmost care and attention; and it is thus that the greatest proficiency is to be at

tained.

[ocr errors]

The Report above alluded to recommends, that the public yards be supplied with the engines for naval purposes." Let us consider this necessary apparatus for the construction of steamrecommendation. In the first place, the expense will be enormous. I do not know the cost of the Washington yard, but it must have been very great, as all enterprises managed directly by the agents of Government have ever been, and will be, until the end of time. An outlay like it, being added to each naval yard, will greatly increase the burden on the treasury, and to what end? We have in commission "seven steam-ships; repairing and equipping, five; on the stocks and constructing, one.' (New-York Herald, 27th Dec., 1850.) For this existing force the Washington yard must be sufficient. The number of vessels is at present small, but the necessary increase in this department of the national strength will soon be such as to put it in a position to vie with all other powers. Since the actual necessity of looking to this branch of the service has been impressed on the Government, rapid progress has been made in the right direction; and ere long the steam navy of the United States must become sufficient for the defence of our immense coast line, and to punish ag

The specimens of naval architecture turned out of the Government yards will not comparegression abroad, should necessity arise for such a with some turned out of private yards, either for speed or economy. The late attempts of Government men in England, where they have had every opportunity and inducement to remove the "prestige" against them, has proved the inefficiency of the system. Some of the most abortive attempts have been made at a vast cost of treasure, producing the most useless craft that can be found afloat, while some of the most efficient and beautiful vessels for war purposes that have ever been Launched were constructed in private yards.

There is no inducement from increased emoluments or business, arising from superior attainments in work or model; no rivalry or cause for emulation. "The models already made have satified the Government; why then should we alter them?" There is

course. Our private foundries are sufficient for the manufacture of machines for almost any number of steam-ships that may be required, without estab lishing an expensive Government monopoly. If they are not, they will easily and rapidly increase when the necessity for them arises, for depend on it, our enterprising citizens will not allow any such opportunity to escape their vigilance, and we have seen during the present year a most ex traordinary increase in the production of steamengines from our foundries-an increase, indeed, scarcely credible. At the present time there is to be seen on the banks, and at the wharves of the East River, a sight such as no other port in the world can offer, and which gives an astounding idea of the enterprise and power of the United States

You may there see together thirteen ocean steamers, (all new,) of large size, advancing rapidly to completion. These are

The Humboldt, Havre packet, about -
North America, for Chagres,

Winfield Scott,

Brother Jonathan, for Pacific,

Mexico, Gulf of Mexico,
Alabama, Savannah line,
Independence,

Golden Gate, Pacific Co.
Golden Age, Pacific Co.

La Fayette, Havre line,

Pioneer, Havre line,

Tons.
2700
1800

1400

1400
1200

1200

800

able for marine purposes; the development of which would be exceedingly improbable while pursuing the one object of marine engines only.

The reason alleged for the recommendation of the Bureau is, the great delay that has arisen in the manufacture of engines in the several foundries. To whom is the blame of this delay to be attached? To the parties who entertain the contract, for if they do their duty strictly and impartially, there can be no delay without its appropriate penalty; and if the penalty be duly enforced, there will be no delay. If the penalty be merely a matter of form, why put it in at all? If it is not to be enforced leave it out altogether, and leave the parties to take their own time to

Large Propeller, for Philadelphia and Liverpool. complete their work; it will be no worse than

A Steamer, for Charleston line.

[blocks in formation]

It is reasonable to think that the present excess of demand for steam communication cannot last long; like all other rages, it will have its day, and will be followed by a stagnation in that particular branch of manufacture. What then will become of our machinists? When the fever abates there will be a state of inanition; and then would be the time for the application of the remedy, in employing the machine shops for the work of the Federal Government, and for the good of the large masses of citizens who will otherwise be thrown out of work just at the time they have attained the greatest experience and skill. Such a body of men as now exists, (gathered from among the skilful of all nations,) being once scattered and otherwise occupied, it will be a difficult matter to collect again; and even should it be possible, they will have lost that efficiency which arises from constant practice, and which that alone can give.

It is true, a portion of them would find work in the Government yards; but why should the State be put to the expense of the yards, when the private ones are all ready for the work required? The yard at Washington being already in existence, if it is efficient as it should be, it must be equal to the present wants of the Government. The repairs of existing steam-vessels would be the principal work allotted to it, and it will soon find quite sufficient occupation for a small establishment in that line.

[ocr errors]

now.

I trust that having shown that the machine shops of New-York alone are sufficient for the purposes of supplying steam-engines, independently of foundries and manufactories in other States, of which there are a great many, it will lead to a full and perfect examination of the policy and necessity of such a system as that of making a great Government monopoly at so great an outlay as it will require of the public funds.

Let our machinists in private foundries benefit legitimately by the wants of the Government, and at the same time let the Government reap the advantage and benefit accruing from the united skill and experience of our land and marine engine mechanics. F. P. WEBB.

New-York, Dec. 28th, 1850.

"THE PILGRIM FATHERS."--Perhaps there is not in American history an event more memorable, or one more calculated to revive a national spirit among Americans, should that spirit occasionally fade, than the landing of the crew of the Mayflower at Plymouth. The history of that event and its consequences has been served up in too many styles, at too many public dinners, to render fragments of it warmed up here at all delectable to the palate of our readers. But nevertheless it will be acknowledged that the celebration of the Pilgrim landing is about the last occasion which should be used by men of intellect or citizenship, or which could be used by men of decency or taste, for the exhibition of national flunkeyism, or sword drove the Pilgrims from their homes.* the glorification of the power that with fire and Nevertheless, at a recent dinner given in this city by the New-England Society, some scenes occurred of so remarkable a character, we feel compelled to notice them briefly..

Moses H. Grinnell occupied the chair. "On his right," we are told, appropriately sat Mr. Webster, who came on from Washington to be present at

One principal reason why private enterprise is more desirable than a Government establishment, is the constant call upon it for various styles and Wns any festival instituted by the Prophets for the descriptions of machines for numerous purposes, glorification of the Pharaoh? Or were those who hankin the construction of which many great improve-ered after the flesh-pots (the free-traders of those days) ments are suggested, perfected, and made avail

[ocr errors][merged small]

permitted to give three times threo at the Passover for the reigning Pharaoh? If we celebrate our fathers, should we not celebrate the spirit? A prayer for England, begging that the hearts of kings might be set right, and that God would avenge his starving people, would have been appropriate.

this dinner; and, singular enough to relate, there came on too an honorable individual whose whole diplomatic dexterity seems to be employed in keeping on the heels of Mr. Webster, and crushing himself into every society where that gentleman appears.* Into the same conveyance which brought Mr. Webster from the capital, Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer had got himself conveyed, and he squatted himself down at the Pilgrim dinner!! opposite the former. There were also present, too, Mr. G. P. R. James, (owner of two imaginary horsemen, and author of "a story without a name," &c.,) flanked by others not celebrated for Ameri

canism.

We pass over the early toasts. The first speaker was a reverend person, who indulged largely in praises of the Bible and other matters of a less sacred character, from which we extract a little. Having produced an old Bible, and handed it about in the order of brandy, wine, Word of God, and cigars, he gave its history in this fashion:

"Let us, then, hold to our ideal, and hold it up to the sight of all men-( -(here he held up the old Bible)--and demand that everything shall be squared by the law of God. This Bible belongs to Mr. J. Coles of this city, who preserved it safe during his stay in Georgia, and brought it back to New-York."

Showing that "Mr. J. Coles" is like the King of France, celebrated in an everlasting doggrel for marching up a declivity with a large army, and performing the memorable feat of marching down again, with the same all safe and right side up. The peculiar duties of the clerical order, and of course of himself, were thus shown by the reverend gentleman:-

"The clergy were the lungs of the country, and their business was to bring the people into contact with the pure air of God."

Had the reverend speaker claimed the honor of the brains, instead of the lungs, his comparison would have been more acceptable to his own or der; though it must be confessed, if on that occasion he rightly represented them, we are ready to concede him the comparison.

An effigy of the Mayflower, made of sugar and singlass, lay on a clean plate on the table, and to this the orators in turn most solemnly addressed themselves. Streams of affection, and a flow of outpoured rhapsody deluged the little sugar bark. Among others Mr. Webster and Sir H. L. Bulwer addressed the guests.

Mr. Webster said: * * * "We know that we are Americans. (Vociferous applause.) It is as Americans that we are known all over the world. Who asks what State a citizen of the United States is from, in Europe. Africa, or Asia?

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and S-n came also among them. And the Lord said unto Sn, Whence comest thou? Then S―n answered the Lord and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up thou considered my servant J-b, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

and down in it. And the Lord said unto S, Hast

Then 8-n answered the Lord and said, Doth J-b fear God for nought? &c. &c.

Is he an American-does he belong to the flag of the country-does it protect him-is he under the protection of the eagle and the stars and stripes? If he is, all other conditions are regarded as subordinate and not worthy of mention. Let it be our duty to cherish this American principle-to spread it over the whole continent to carry out English_principles. I mean, sir, (addressing Sir Henry Bulwer, the British Minister,) the AngloSaxon American principle (loud laughter, in which Sir Henry Bulwer joined) over this whole continent-the great principles of Magna Charta-the principles of the American Revolution-the English language, so that our children may recite Shakspeare and Milton on the shores of the Pacific. Before that, our American ideas, which, in the main, are English ideas, will penetrate Mexico."*

[ocr errors]

Our opinion of Mr. Webster is too high to permit us to believe that he, as an American, seriously identified the spirit of the Norman monarchy with that of the American Republic, or that he seriously desires to see English principles," by whatever name they be called, extended over this continent. The supposition of its possibility,-the necessity of making this wretched explanation, calls into our face a blush of shame, and a sickening sense of disgrace. Surely, surely it was the complimentary spirit of the occasion, and nothing else, that brought forth such expressions. We have been advised that in the conduct of a public journal or a Review, a single injurious expression, or that has not the right spirit, will undo the work of years. How much more then of the first of public men. Ought not the head of this mighty people, (we say head, as it is the popular belief that the government centres in him,) ought not the head of this grand Republic carry himself with the demeanor of the mightiest representative of men,-with the consciousness of twenty millions of freemen at his back,--who, if he but evince the spirit and give the word, will make him their leader, but whose eyes are now blinded to his surpassing genius and unequalled fame, by the intervention of a polished opacity, from whose diplomatic buttons the glory and the power of Great Britain flash into their eyes, and not the glory of Daniel Webster, or of the nation whom he represents!

Nor are this American people wholly of English descent. Not one fourth of them have English blood in their veins, and not one tenth of them but would feel injured by having attributed to them English principles, or principles identified with these. If we have been, or are ruled by English principles, or their like, the Declaration of Independence was a farce, and the War of Independence an extravagant folly. On English principles some of our best Republicans should be hanged forthwith;--it is better to let these gentlemen know at once where they are.

The affable and flattering Mr. Bulwer rose to speak after Mr. Webster. The complimentary words bestowed on himself and his government and its principles were of course assumed as literally true, and fully appreciated. A toast was

• Herald.

given, exhibiting singular effrontery in itself, as follows:

"Old England and Young America.-Bound together by a common language and a common lineage, &c."

“Young America" must feel very proud of its distinguished ancestry; and the Times newspaper must moreover feel deeply gratified at this acknowledgment of paternal authority and blessings from its lately rebellious infant. But to this toast Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, having probably first written to Chatfield and Palmerston about the agreeable sport of humbugging the Yankees, delivered the following large quantity of self-glorifi cation:

"He said he had made a point of attending that meeting, since he knew that gentlemen there present did not expect in him the buttoned-up diplomatist, but the Englishman with the open hand and heart, who would state to them what the feelings and thoughts of Englishmen were."

Was there ever such an ambassador? He actually unbuttoned his waistcoat, and presented to them his whole heart and soul, at the first outset. Then, after having favored "the beautiful females behind the Corinthian pillars at the back of the hall" with the second long simile with which they were that evening presented, and turned over American literature, science, and art, he addressed Mr. Webster:

“And if I extend my inquiry still further, if I wish to discover a man whose young imagination was ripened amongst the solitary scenes of border life, and whose manly judgment was formed amidst the daily and active business of great communities, can you not point out to me such a man-one whose eloquence is poetry held in chains by reason? whose statesmanship is philosophy reduced to practice who stands second to none of America's children-I should say superior to all, if the tall and venerable figure of an absent friend did not rise up before me, whose star shines from the West, as yours, sir, (bowing to Mr. Webster,) fills the East of the hemisphere, radiant on all sides with intellectual light." (Three cheers.)

After the praise of its head, follows the glorification of the country itself:-

"Gentlemen, I love your country: it is amongst the earliest and most favored of England's children; and methinks I can still trace the characteristic features of the parent in the lineaments of the offspring. I do not, indeed, believe that the magnetic influence of a common origin is yet extinct; and when I stood with you but recently, mourning by the grave of the gallant Taylor, did you not shed with me a sympathizing tear over the fate of the illustrious Peel? Aye, and if the spangled banner should be again unfurled on the ocean or the field, on the one scene of action will not your sons remember the glorious words of Nelson,*on the other, will not the name of the great warrior veteran, who has borne the old banner of Wolfe and Marlborough aloft and victorious through a hundred fights, rush to your recollection and inspire your ranks ?"

*Th words are curiously apt for Americans, and should sed on the star-spangled banner-" England to do his duty."

Well, we rather think not, to all these questions; but it is well to know that Sir H. L. B. loves our country because it is among the earliest and most favored of England's children; and therefore, inasmuch as it is not English, he doth not love it; and the proportion being one fourth to three fourths, we conclude the quarter of love is negatived by the quarter of hate, and the remaining half of his feelings is hate unalloyed. So of Touchstone in the forest: it was good for certain reasons, and not good for certain reasons; and the whole reason of his liking forest life was, that he was in the forest, and wished to make the best of it.

So of some great "University" in New-England: it was good because "it was the genial daughter of his own alma mater," and Americans are great and good, because they are " Albion's transatlantic children!"

It is hardly needful to particularize more at length the extravagant flattery of individuals, and thorough British offensiveness of the entire speech. Let us add that it was followed by the band playing "God save the Queen," amid the most rapturous enthusiasm; and that we would have not one word to say in defence of Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, but for a pointed remark delivered in his speech with singular acuteness and precision, showing what an opinion he had formed of his audience.

"There are few examples," he said, “ in history of men staying their footsteps in so unpromising a spot; but he guessed (great laughter and cheering) that the ancestors of those present were plucky fellows."

More a good deal than some of those present could say of themselves. "God save the Queen!" Vide Rabelais, Book I., Ch. xxxviii.: How Gargantua did eat up six pilgrims in a salad." The pilgrims hid themselves in a garden among the lettuces, and the giant King Gargantua, plucking the lettuces, carried them home and ate them; and, says our satirical historian, “They were all the while in so great fear they dared not speak nor cough. If we speak, said they, he will kill us for spies." There is a cabbage garden we wot of, in which several millions are hid away for fear, and they dare not speak nor cough for fear of being killed. And the giant daily carries away the cabbages and eats the pilgrims in them. Vide American Review for December, article, “Who Feed England?"

[ocr errors]

But one gentleman present had the manliness or decency to break this swollen bubble of Flunkeyism, the Rev. Dr. Bethune. We are glad to be enabled to say that there was even one American to utter such common truths as these:

[ocr errors]

Rev. Dr. Bethune, in reply to the toast, of the Hospitality of the Hollanders to the fathers of New England demands the everlasting gratitude of the sons,' said, with all respect for some speakers who had preceded him, this country was not altogether a daughter of England. Americans were not the descendants of any particular nation, but of every nation in the world."

We ask pardon of our readers, in connection with matters so serious, for mentioning the fact that the novelist of the two horsemen did not speak, which was a loss. As a descendant from one

« AnteriorContinuar »