596 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



manufactures of Ireland. In Rio, also, they form the basis of the Royal 

 manufacture of printed cottons. The cargoes from China consist chiefly 

 of tea, nankeen-cloths, lead, copper, tin, silks, and some miscellaneous 

 goods. They are partly exported again to Lisbon, and other European 

 ports, and to different parts of the American Continent. 



While looking at the intercourse of Foreign vessels with Rio, every 

 Briton must be gratified at the wonderful preponderance which his own 

 country possesses in that branch of Commerce, both as it respects the 

 direct trade from British ports, from Colonial ones, and between Rio and 

 other Foreign ports ; — a branch of commerce almost new in itself, of great 

 importance to every maritime people, and of immense value to our 

 Shipping interest, although it makes no figure either in our Custom-house 

 entries, or our reports to Parliament. This, however, loudly calls for 

 legislative interference, not only to nurture and protect it, but to controul, 

 and prevent it from doing mischief. It is certain that no vessel ought to 

 navigate under the British flag, without the Government knowing, pre- 

 cisely, where she is, and what she is doing. Every such vessel which goes 

 from one foreign port to another ought not only to take a Consular 

 Clearance, but to specify, definitely, the port to which she intends to 

 proceed ; her arrival, or non-arrival there should be noted, the duration 

 of her voyage, the nature of her cargo, and such other circumstances as 

 may be thought connected with the object which she has in view. 



These particulars should be transmitted also to the Board of Trade, 

 not so much with a view to make known the nature of the traffic in which 

 the vessel is engaged, as to prevent British ships from abusing their 

 privileges, and Foreign ones from appearing under a protection to which 

 they have no title, and making use of the flag as a cloak, in distant seas, 

 for such proceedings as the British Government would not justify. In 

 proportion as the Commerce we are speaking of expands, care ought to 

 be taken to maintain the purity of Mercantile character, the acknowledged 

 rectitude and generosity of the British ensign. Wherever that is 

 displayed it should be the rallying point of the injured, the pavilion of 

 the distressed, — always indicating a place of refuge to be sought, and 

 never appearing as a beacon to be shunned. 



