Benns: British West India Carrying-Trade 81 
among his constituents, Newton remained “inflexibly Arm’" 
and reported “most decisively” in support of the American 
restrictions. This report also was adopted almost unanimous- 
ly 113 Undoubtedly one of the reasons for this determined 
stand in Congress was the fact that since February the papers 
had been passing back and forth among themselves the news 
from England that Parliament was considering a modiflcation 
of its colonial system so as to admit American ships into the 
British West India trade.^^^ 
The action of the committees in Congress^was very “grati- 
fying” to the newspapers in the shipping centers.^^® Even in 
Norfolk it was grudgingly admitted that they would rejoice 
to see American trade with the British colonies renewed upon 
a good footing. They were inclined, however, to see a fly in 
the ointment, for 
if, as it has been rumored, and as we may reasonably calculate, our 
commerce with them is to be burthened with heavy discriminating duties, 
the advantage to us will be in reality no greater than if they were 
closed against us.”® 
A Baltimore correspondent, having heard the rumor regard- 
ing possible action in Parliament, retracted altogether, writing 
“There can be but one opinion now on this subject.”^^^ 
When the time for Congress to adjourn came in sight and 
Parlianient, on the other side of the water, was still only de- 
bating the question of modifying the British colonial system. 
Senator King again stepped into the breach by reporting a 
bill for the occasion. This bill provided that the President, 
upon being satisfied that the ports of the British West India 
Islands, had been opened to the vessels of the United States, 
might declare the ports of the United States open to vessels 
of Great Britain employed in the trade between the United 
States and those islands, subject to such reciprocal rules and 
restrictions as he might make and publish.^^^ Since it was not 
known what colonial ports would be opened by the expected 
act of Parliament, nor under what rules and restrictions, the 
Annals of Cong., 17 Cong., 1 Sess., II, 1305, 1306. Niles’ Register, XXIV, 105, 
Memoirs of John Quincy Adams, V, 519. 
Maine Gazette, Feb. 22, 1822. Connecticut Herald, March 4, 1822, and many 
others. 
New York American (for the country), March 20, 1822. Boston Commercial 
Gazette, March 25, 1822. 
In New England Palladium and Commercial Advertiser, March 22, 1822. 
Ibid. 
Annals of Cong., 17 Cong., 1 Sess., I, 432. 
6—23811 
