L b S 1.1 3
I
FOUR EPOCHS
IN
I
1730 to 1877.
RECOMMENDATIONS
OF
"WASHINGTON,
ADAMS,
JEFFERSON,
MADISON,
MONROE,
JACKSON,
AND OTHER
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES,
Concerning the necessity of Protecting and Fostering ,
AMERICA'S COMMERCE AND NAVIGATION,
AND
THEIR REMARKABLE PREDICTIONS AS TO THE EVILS WHICH WOULD RESULT
TO THE NATION FROM ITS NEGLECT — PREDICTIONS WHICH
HAVE BEEN FULFILLED, AS WILL BE SEEN BY WORDS
OF
PRESIDENT HAYES
AND
CABINET.
FIRST EPOCH.
About 1730, the "Merchant Marine" of the American Colonies
began to develop so rapidly that commercial jealousy caused
England to impose severe tonnage dues, taxes, &c., upon colonial
shipping.
In 1750 a public meeting was held in London "to promote
British shipping and navigation the object being to prevent
colonial ships being employed in the carrying trade.
In 1765 an Act was passed restricting the exportation of colonial
products, and especially prohibiting imports and exports except in
British bottoms. The " Stamp Act " followed the same year.
These Tax Stamps, on arrival in New York, were seized and given
to the flames. Restrictions and taxes increased until 1774, when
the people of Boston threw overboard the tea arriving at that port.
The first crisis was at hand. The " United Colonies " were estab¬
lished ; the war—-for commercial as well as political independence
—broke out : the United States, the result.
4
WASHINGTON,
IN HIS
F A HE WELL AD DE ESS,
Sept. 17th, 1796,
Said:
" The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, pro¬
tected by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the
productions of the latter great additional sources of maritime and
commercial enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing
industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the same
agency of the North, sees ils agriculture grow and its commerce
expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the
North, it finds its peculiar navigation invigorated, and while it con¬
tributes in different ways to nourish and increase the general mass
of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a
maritime strength to which itself is equally adapted. The East, in
like intercourse with the West, in the progressive improvement of
interior communications by land and water, will more and more find
a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or
manufactures at home.
"The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth
and comfort ; and what is, perhaps, of still greater consequence,
it must of necessity oice the secure enjoyment of the indispensable
outlet for its own productions to the weight, influence and future
maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by
an indissoluble community of interests as one nation.
"Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential
advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or
from an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power,
must be intrinsically precarious."
ô
SPECIAL MESSAGE
OV
PEESIDE NT ADAMS,
16th Mat, 1797.
"The commerce of the United States has become an interesting
object of attention, -whether we consider it in relation to the wealth
and finance, or the strength and resources of the nation. Any
serious and permanent injury to commerce would not fail to pro¬
duce the. most embarrassing disorders.
" To prevent it from being undermined and destroyed, it is essen¬
tial that it receive an adequate protection."
ANNUAL MESSAGE,
23d November, 1797.
" The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their
existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity and
happiness. The genius, character and habits of the people are
highly commercial. Their cities have been formed and exist upon
commerce. Our agriculture, fisheries, art and manufactures are
connected with and depend upon it. In short, commerce has made
this country what it is, and it cannot be destroyed or neglected
without involving the people in poverty and distress. * * *
"Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation.
The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of
commercial and seafaring, no less than of other citizens. Under this
view of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty
if I forebore to recommend that we should make every exertion to
protect our commerce, and to place our country in a suitable pos¬
ture of defense, as the only Bure means of preserving both."
SPECIAL MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT ADAMS,
19th March, 1798.
" I cannot forbear to reiterate the recommendations which have
been formerly made, and to exhort you to adopt with promptitude,
decision and unanimity, such measures as the ample resources of the
country afford for the protection of our seafaring and commercial
citizens." '
G
SECOND EPOCH.
SAILING TONNAGE.
The history of Our Merchant Marine for the first half century
of American Independence is glorious to review.
Fostered and protected by the wise Statesmen of the age, the
rapid strides made in commerce and navigation are unprecedented
in the annals of nations.
So great was the pride of our Statesmen, and so determined their
judgment to uphold it, that the war of 1812 was preferred to
renunciation of their "Revolutionary principles."
History was repeated.
■ England struck at our commerce, our Statesmen then stood
firm, and America icon.
In 1850 the United States' Flag was prominent on every ocean.
Our country excelled all other nations, and the " Baltimore Clip¬
per " was the champion of the world, the profit of our people.
7
INAUGURAL OF JEFFERSON,
4th March, ]801.
" It is proper that you should understand what I deem the essen¬
tial principles of our government.
* * !Ü ■ # * * * * *
I will compress them within the narrowest compass.
*********
Commerce and honest friendship with all nations.
******** *
Encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce as its hand¬
maid"
SECOND MESSAGE,
ISth December, 1802.
" On the restoration of peace in Europe, that portion of the general
carrying trade which had fallen to our share during the war, was
abridged by the returning competition of the belligerent powers.
This was to be expected, and just. But, in addition, we find in
some parts of Europe monopolizing discriminations, which in form
of duties tend effectually to prohibit the carrying thither our own
produce in our own vessels. From existing amities, and a spirit of
justice, it is hoped that friendly discussion will produce a fair and
adequate reciprocity. But should false calculations of interest
defeat our hope, it rests with the legislature to decide whether they
will meet inequalities abroad with countervailing inequalities at
home, or provide for the evil in any other way.
# #, * * # # # * #
"To cultivate peace, and maintain commerce and navigation
in all their lawful enterprises, to foster our fisheries as nurseries of
navigation or for the nurture of man, and protect the manufactures
adapted to our circumstances, to preserve the faith of the nation,
by an exact discharge of its . debts and contracts, and spend the
public money with the same care and economy we would practice
with our own, and impose on our citizens no unnecessary burdens,
* * * are the landmarks by which we are to guide
ourselves in all our proceedings.''
#
8
MESSAGE
OV
PRESIDENT MADISON,
5th November, 1811.
" To secure greater respect to our mercantile flag, and to the honest
interests which it covers, it is expedient also that it be made punish¬
able in our citizens to accept licenses from foreign governments
for a trade unlawfully interdicted by them to other American citizens,
or to. trade under false colors, or paper of any sort. * * *
Although other subjects will press more immediately on your
deliberations, a portion thereof cannot but be well bestowed on the
just and sound policy of securing to our manufacturers the success
they have attained, and are still attaining, in some degree, under the
impulse of causes not permanent ; and to our navigation the fair
extent of which it is at present abridged by the unequal regula¬
tions of foreign governments. Besides the reasonableness of
saving our manufactures from sacrifices which a change of circum¬
stances might bring on them, the national interest requires that, with
respect to such articles at least as belong to our defense and our
wants, we should not be left in unnecessary dependence on external
supplies. And while foreign governments adhere to an existing dis¬
crimination in their ports against our navigation, and an equality or
lesser discrimination is enjoyed by their navigation in our ports,
the effect cannot be mistaken, because it has been seriously felt by
our shipping interests ; and in proportion as this takes place, the •
advantages of an independent conveyance of our products to foreign
markets, and of a growing body of mariners trained by their occu¬
pations for the service of their country in times of danger, must be
diminished.
* * * * * * # # '
"The decrease of revenue arising from the situation of our com¬
merce and the extraordinary expenses which have and may become
necessary, must be taken into view."
9
MESSAGE
OF
PEESIDENT MONEOE,
7th December, 1819.
" It is deemed of great importance to give encouragement to our
domestic manufactures. In what manner the evils adverted to may
be remedied, and how far it may he practical to afford to them
further encouragement, * * * is submitted to
the wisdom of Congress."
EIGHTH MESSAGE,
7th December, 1824.
"On the Pacific our commerce has much increased, and on that
coast, as well as on that sea, the United States have many important
interests which require attention and protection."
10
MESSAGE
OF
PRESIDENT J. Q. ADAMS,
6th December, 1825.
" In the commercial and navigation system of Great Britain im¬
portant changes have recently been sanctioned by Acts of Parlia¬
ment, the effect of which upon the interests of other nations, and
particularly upon ours, has not been fully developed. * * *
The policy of the United States, in their commercial intercourse
with other nations, has always been of the most liberal character ;
* * and whenever they have favored their own shipping by
special preferences or by exclusive privileges in their own ports,
it has been only with a view to countervail similar favors and con¬
cessions granted by other nations to their people or shipping, to the
disadvantage of ours.
A flourishing commerce and fisheries, extending to the islands of
the Pacific and to China, still require that the protecting power of
the Union should be displayed under its flag, as well upon the ocean
as upon the land.''
11
INAUGURAL OF PRESIDENT JAOKSON,
4th Maech, 1829.
" "With a view to revenue, it would seem to me that the spirit of
equity, caution and compromise, in which the Constitution was
formed, requires that the great interests of agriculture, commerce
and manufactures should be equally favored."
MESSAGE
OF
PRESIDENT JAOKSON,
2d Decembee, 1834.
" Commerce with all [foreign nations] is fostered and protected.
# # * # # #
The wide seas which separate us from other governments, will of
necessity be the theatre on which our enemy will assail us. Our
policy has been wisely directed to the constant employment of force
sufficient to guard our commerce."
MESSAGE
or
PRESIDENT YAN BUREN,
4th Decembee, 1838.
" To watch over and foster the interests of a gradually increasing
and widely extended commerce, * * * the Government
of the United States has deemed expedient."
12
THIRD EPOCH.
STEAM. AND IRON.
The position of America's Merchant Marine for the last quarter of
a century of our independence is humiliating in the extreme. Faith
has been broken with the two representative Steamship companies
by abrogation of contracts, involving the owners in loss of millions
of dollars. This epoch began with all the prestige of promise, and
needed but firm statesmanship to continue success. History again
repeats itself ; England once more strikes to recover by peaceful
contest what she could not do by war.
[op THIS, A BRITISH HISTORIAN WRITES :]
•' Under such circumstances, unusual efforts were necessary to maintain our (British) po-
44 sition as the first of maritime nations. We had, however, one advantage which our Amer-
44 ican competitors did not possess. We had iron in abundance, and were directing our atten-
44 ¿ion to the construction of iron ships, to be propelled by the screw. * * * *
44 It is a grand story to tell, one far more worthy of record than the wars for maritime su-
44 prcmacy between Rome and Carthage, or than, perhaps, some wars of more recent times,
44 which, without any apparently useful object, have stained land and sea with the blood alike
44 of the victorious and the vanquished, rendering desolate many a once happy home. The
44 war I relate was a far nobler conflict, consisting as it did in the struggle between the genius,
44 scientific skill and industry of the People of two great nations, commenced, too, and con-
44 tinued throughout without bloodshed, ana with a fair lield, neither country having, in the
44 direct trade, any special legislative advantages." {i )—[Lindsay's Merchantßhipping.
England now commenced a system of supporting her ocean
commerce by (so called) subsidies, or heavy condensation, not for
mail service merely, but for national prosperity and pride. The Cu-
nard Line was not only sustained, hut supported handsomely, with
continual increase of subsidy, as circumstances required.
For a while American statesmen were aroused, and met the con¬
test with a like, but moderated policy towards the Collins' line,
and the grand struggle, as told above, began. For six years it
waged manfully, fiercely, and nationally. The American flag made
by far the best record for some time, but in such a contest of
national pride, is it surprising that too much enthusiasm created
rashness ?
In 1854 Mr. Collins lost wife, son, daughter, and others of his
family in the Arctic by collision with tbe Vesta. Family and
fortune were gone, and other misfortunes followed in quick succes¬
sion.
" Through the six years of contest, the tide of success ebbed and
flowed to both nations. England stood firm and supported her
Cunard; America weakened—deserted—in the very hour of need,
and struck down Collins, by abrogating bis contract. Result—the
United States flag went down upon the Atlantic."
13
PEESIDENT HAYES' MESSAGE,
*
December 3,1877.
THE COMMERCE OE THE COUNTRY.
" The long commercial depression in the United States has directed
attention to the subject of the possible increase of our foreign trade
and the methods for its development, not only with Europe, but with
other countries, and especially with the States and sovereignties of
the "Western Hemisphere. * * *
"The commerce of the United States with foreign nations, and
especially the export of domestic productions, has of late years
largely increased, but the greater portion of this trade is conducted
in foreign vessels. The importance of enlarging our foreign trade,
and especially by direct and speedy interchange with countries on
this continent, cannot be overestimated, and it is a matter of great
moment that our own shipping interest should receive to the utmost
practical extent the benefit of our commerce with other lands. These
considerations are forcibly urged by all the large commercial cities
of the country, and public attention is generally and wisely attracted
to the solution of the problems they present. It is not doubted that
Congress will take them up in the broadest spirit of liberality, and
respond to the public demand by practical legislation upon this im¬
portant subject."
14
REPORT
or
SECRETARY SHERMAN",
December 3, 1877.
COMMEKCE AND NAVIGATION.
*
"The Register of the Treasury reports the total tonnage of vessels
of the United States to he 4,242,000 tons, a decrease of 36,858 tons
from that of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876.
"The actual decrease is believed to he about 13,563 tons, this
amount being the excess of the losses over the gains during the
last fiscal year, the balance being accounted for by dropping
canal boats, exempt under the Act of Congress approved April 18,
1874.
"The following table exhibits the total tonnage for the last two
years:
, 1876 *
Vessels. Tons.
Registered, engaged in foreign trade 3,009 1,592,821
Enrolled and licensed, engaged in domestic com¬
merce 22,925 2,686,637
Total 25,934 4,279,458
, -1877. ,
Vessel». Tons.
Registered, engaged in foreign trade 2,988 1,811,193
Enrolled and licensed, engaged in domestic com¬
merce 22,398 2,631,407
Total 20,386 4,242,600
" The tonnage of vessels built, as given by the Register, is 176,592
tons, being a decrease from that of the previous year of 26,994
tons, or over 15 per cent.
* * * * * *
" The preponderance of foreign tonnage over domestic, in carrying •
on the foreign commerce of the country, is certainly not in accord¬
ance with the national desire. Such an increase in our shipping as
will restore this commerce to American citizens should, as far as
possible, without burdening other industries, be encouraged by legis¬
lation.»
15
REPORT
OF
POSTMASTER GENERAL KEY,
November 9, 1877.
" The negotiations for postal conventions with Peru, Victoria, and
Chili, referred to in the last report, have been unsuccessful; but it
is hoped that improved postal facilities will soon be established with
those countries by their adhesion to the General Postal Union
Treaty. There is no portion of the world with which the United
States has as unsatisfactory mail arrangements as with South Amer¬
ica. The correspondence for Brazil and other countries on the east
coast, in the absence of any regular, direct mail-steamship communi¬
cation, is forwarded via England ; and the correspondence for
countries on the west coast, sent via Panama, can only be prepaid to
the ports of debarkation on that coast, with no assurance of its be¬
ing forwarded to interior destinations, and always leaving a local
postage charge, excessive in amount, to be collected from the ad¬
dressees on its delivery."
IG
REPORT
OF
SECRETARY THOMPSON,
t
November 30, 1877.
"While our Navy is not engaged in commerce, it is its importam
and necessary ally. * * Without foreign commerce, we must sinl
into inferiority; and without a Navy amply sufficient for this purpose
all the profits of our surplus productions will be transferred fron
the coffers of our own to those of foreign capitalists. The reward-
of our own industry and enterprise belong to ourselves, and we can
not fully maintain our independence without their enjoyment. Tin
profits of the American agriculturists are as much tlieir property
the lands which produce them, and those of the laborer and artisan,
in all the spheres of life, should be held in as sacred regard. Th<
Government cannot withhold its fostering care from either without
detriment to itself. * * Is our Navy in its present condition sufficient
to furnish the necessary amount of protection to our commerce ? It
we consider our commerce at its present stage of development, 01
are content to leave it to be transported abroad in foreign ships, and
thus deprive the American producer of the profits of his labor, it
may be sufficient. But if we are to take the position among th(
commercial nations to which we are justly entitled; if we are to se¬
cure to our own people the right to transport the products of theii
industry into whatsoever part of the world they may be demanded,
so that the profits may be returned to increase the aggregate of oui
national wealth, then, in my opinion, it is not in such condition.
* * * • * * *
" The experience of the late war has proved that we must rely
upon our mercantile marine for a supply of the material of a
Navy whenever it is demanded. This mercantile marine depends,
for its effectiveness and extent, upon the protection given to com¬
merce by the Government, necessarily increasing with the increase
of commerce. If we had steamship» lines running directly from
our own ports to all the leading commercial ports in the world, they
would not only increase our revenue, but render it more easy to im¬
provise a navy in the event of an unexpected emergency. These
17
vessels are constructed for speed, and can be easily converted to
purposes of naval warfare. They will increase in number and im¬
portance as our capacity to give naval protection to our commerce
increases, and hence we find one ground for the necessity of keep¬
ing our Navy in a condition to furnish this protection.
" The ¡Government, of course, contributes nothing directly toward
building' up our mercantile marine, as vessels for that purpose are
necessarily built in private ship-yards. - The enterprise of the owners
of these is greatly to be commended, as some of the ships con¬
structed at them are among the finest in the world. * *
"But the relation the Navy sustains to our foreign commerce is
not the only aspect in which it is necessary to consider it; for although
it is true that we shall not attacK any foreign jpower, and no foreign
power is likely to attack us, either on land or sea, yet the nation is
unwise which does not provide for possibilities in its future history.
Howsoever peaceful a nation shall be, it should not altogether
ignore the idea that some time or other it may be forced to engage
in war."
.18
FOURTH EPOCH.
1 know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.
Patrick IIenet.
Statesmen of .América I The history of this epoch depends on
you. ¡Shall it be one of continued disaster, or will you meet our
great rival for commercial supremacy by the use of the weapons she
has found so efficacious?
Hiiiiiniii
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