mists of past years; and knightly achievements glittered to the rude fancy, and fascinated the imaginations, of those who were not yet taught to love the quiet enjoyments of civil life, and to appreciate the gifts bestowed by peaceful occupations. Where the influence of commerce is once experienced, and its advantages appreciated, the most turbulent spirits will become settled, and the greatest disorganization assume a consolidated system and this follows from the most powerful considerations which actuate mankind-the love of riches; for when the citizens of any nation have embarked large sums in mercantile adventures, and while their fortunes are composed of property of a fluctuating, uncertain nature, no efforts will be spared for the maintenance of peace and internal quiet, and for the promotion and continuance of sound and beneficial laws-no energies will be left untried to secure a uniform system of international right, and to place commercial relations with foreign powers upon the broad principles of justice, recognised and enforced by the laws of nations. And when the introduction of commerce, manufactures, and the arts, into any country, creates wealth and riches, and forms the subject of internal legislation; then will the frame of a wise and uniform system of national laws be adopted, their injunctions will be respected and obeyed, and the minds of the inhabitants assume a peaceable character. The truth of these positions, with reference to maritime nations, is forcibly exemplified, when we look abroad upon the commercial kingdoms of the earth; and so powerful are the interests which bind them together, that in the present age, it would require the most urgent and mighty causes, to induce any commercial country to declare war against its neighbor. Under succeeding reigns, the constitution of the French Government underwent many judicious alterations; and the close proximity of England, enabled France to see clearly and distinctly the great causes which were producing such a mighty and universal change in the prosperity of the English nation. There existed a vast difference in the national character of the two countries; but as far as such dissimilar materials would admit of the same practical application, the government of France bestowed upon its merchants privileges as beneficial and universal, as were conferred by the laws of England upon its own citizens; and as the disabilities under which commerce had existed were swept away-as exclusive rights, and peculiar protection was extended to those engaged in mercantile and manufacturing employments-commercial wealth and prosperity rapidly increased throughout the French nation manufactures were encouraged the arts and sciences sprang into existence, and flourished-and the dark cloud of bigotry, superstition, and error, which had so long spread its gloomy mantle over the mind of the nation, was dispersed by the bright sun of commercial prosperity.

The commencement of the reign of Henry the Eighth, in England, was characterized by no monarchical or legislative policy, which tended towards intellectual refinement or commercial greatness; it was marked, however, by a degree of courtly pomp and splendor, together with a luxury and magnificence, which required the aid of foreign riches to gratify; and without the assistance of government, the spirit of private adventure prompted a trade to foreign and far distant nations, for the purpose of obtaining luxurious commodities to gratify the extravagance which reigned. Thus did the dissipation and regal vice in which this monarch lived, create a foundation for trade, manufactures, and foreign traffic, which the measures of his government contributed so little to promote; and the spirit of foreign enterprise in which

his father enlisted all his energy and influence to create, grew and flourished without monarchical attention or cultivation. The seeds of commercial wealth and grandeur had been sown in a rich soil, and had taken root so deep as not to be easily eradicated. The prosperity of the English nation depended upon the increase and success of its commerce, and the liberty and happiness of its people had become identified with a system which created powerful inducements, and formed mighty considerations for liberal and enlightened legislation, and gave birth to wise and impartial jurisprudence. Previous to this reign, English merchants had no settled establishments for mercantile purposes in the New World, and in this respect were far behind the Spaniards, who had taken possession of the extensive island of Cuba, and were fast increasing in wealth, independence, and power; and by their enterprising and far-reaching spirit, had discovered and secured the vast treasures which an exclusive traffic never fails to bestow.

Perceiving the golden returns which so extended a trade conferred upon those engaged in it, and looking to the ultimate advantages which his country would acquire from its advancement, Mr. Thorne, one of the most wealthy and influential merchants in England, and who possessed a bold, adventurous spirit, which no disappointment could dampen, projected and established a factory in Cuba, and was the first Englishman who could claim the distinction of creating a commercial settlement in the new world.

The opportunities which his situation afforded him, for the acquirement of information to open a still wider field for commercial adventure, were improved, and immense sums were lavished for the advancement of knowledge, calculated to facilitate the growth and advancement of foreign commerce to the western continent. The glorious example which this noble, disinterested merchant afforded, was imitated by others, eager for the acquirement of fame, or desirous of accumulating wealth and treasures.

A traffic with the Brazilians was opened by Hawkins, father to the renowned voyager, and directing his course across the broad bosom of the ocean, he surveyed new coasts, and discovered new lands.

and

The spirit of commercial adventure had taken a powerful hold upon the minds of the English people, and the brilliant and useful advantages which commerce had bestowed upon the nation were deeply felt and fully appreciated; they saw the glorious structure composed of riches, power, intellectual greatness, which it had reared in the heart of their country, and experienced the ameliorating influences it had bestowed upon their social condition; religion, aided by its power, and fostered by the general intelligence it had created, shed its soft, calm light, upon the mind of man; and learning opened its enlightened gifts to all, and the weak and humble citizen shared the bounty of a wise and liberal policy of national laws, in just equality with the powerful noble.

The immense wealth and increased power which Portugal had acquired from its lucrative trade to India, induced English mariners to attempt the discovery of a north-west passage to that country; stimulated by love of gain, acting under the influence of ideas powerful and comprehensive, and urged and encouraged by the expanded and enlightened views which maritime adventure had opened upon the mind, the undertaking was made, and its projectors disappointed by its failure; but for every attempt which, like this, was fraught with misfortune and loss, numerous instances of the most brilliant success could be pointed out; and, instead of damping the commercial ardor of the age, it served to excite a still deeper love of nautical science,

and to impress upon the mind with greater force, the necessity of learning and comprehending the art of navigation.

At this time the reformation had commenced in England, and was moving onward with rapid and gigantic strides; and whether its success was the offspring of the rapacious spirit of Henry the Eighth-whether he shook off the papal yoke from pride, or whether he was induced to favor the protestants from considerations of a religious nature influencing his mind, are questions of minor importance; for, without the co-operation and assistance of his subjects, he could have effected nothing. And had the English people labored under the dark ignorance, the blinding prejudices, and the want of intellectual knowledge which prevailed before intercourse with foreign countries, and an acquaintance with the constitutions and laws of distant nations, had enlarged their views and expanded their minds, enabling them to comprehend the immense advantages to be derived from an enlightened and liberal change in national policy and internal system, without at the same time causing them to apprehend danger and destruction from the introduction of innovation and novelty-the brilliant and happy results which have flowed from the reformation would have been unknown, and the intellect of man would now be chained down in the darkest ignorance and most fatal error. But the terrors of popery were met and conquered; the elements set in motion by the conflict were hushed; the advocates of protestantism became less violent; society assumed a more liberal and enlightened tone; and the security of the citizen was guarantied by a more uniform and impartial system of laws and national policy. From this time the prosperity of the English nation steadily advanced; the powerful fabric of popish strength had been levelled to the earth, and its influence scattered and destroyed; that ecclesiastical policy which declared commercial pursuits and religion incompatible with each other, was annihilated, and the genius of commerce was reared in riches, wealth, and greatness, upon its ruins. Nothing now remained to retard the prosperity and growing wealth of the English nation. Every obstacle to the increase of foreign commerce was removed; treaties of the most beneficial character were entered into with foreign powers; maritime rights and privileges were claimed and acknowledged; and the laws of nations, and the principles of international policy, were settled and established.

NEVER TALK OF YOUR DESIGNS TILL THEY HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED, AND EVEN THEN THE LESS YOU SAY THE BETTER.-This is a very important caution for the merchant or man of business. Some persons are naturally so talkative that they no sooner form a design of entering into a speculation, or following some particular branch of trade or commerce, than they take the earliest opportunity of acquainting all their friends with it. By giving way to this weakness, you put it in the power of others to forestall you, and those whose interest interferes with yours, will do all they can to disappoint you for their own advantage. In this respect, the example of GIRARD, the Napoleon of commerce, is worthy of all imitation. No man ever heard him boast of what he would do. He remained quiet and silent till the time came for action, and then he struck the blow with an unerring aim which insured him success. As a merchant, he was inquisitive, active, prompt, and sagacious: studious to learn all he could from others, and as careful to impart nothing in return.-Foster.

ART. II. THE MERCHANT SERVICE.

HAVING seen much of the Merchant Service, and witnessed the want of system and economy in its administration, I have thought that some suggestions, on this important subject, might be acceptable to such of the readers of the Merchants' Magazine* as are connected with the mercantile interests of the country.

I have always entertained the opinion that the owners, masters, and crews of merchant ships, would be mutually benefited by the adoption of a uniform system of equipment and disbursement, and the idea occurred to me more forcibly very recently, when we had reason to anticipate a war with a great and powerful nation; in the event of which, those vessels that ventured beyond our ports, unattended by convoy, must of necessity have been well armed and manned; and the want of that order and discipline so indispensable in armed vessels, would have rendered the precaution of arming them almost useless. Although there is now but little prospect of war with any power, yet as some benefit may be derived from the discussion of the subject, I shall endeavor to point out such improvements as may tend to the interests of the owners, and essentially promote the comfort of all concerned.

No one can find fault with the construction, the masting, the rigging, or the internal arrangement for the accommodation of the officers and crew, or the stowage of the cargo of our merchant ships; they are admirable in all these respects, and are generally commanded by experienced, gentlemanly, and faithful men. In their outfit and discipline there are many imperfections, which may easily be corrected, and grievances on the part of the officers and crew, which ought to be removed.

I do not intend to impute to ship owners any contracted or sordid views. As a class, I believe them to be high minded and liberal, and I am convinced that they would most readily adopt any suggestions calculated to ameliorate the condition of that devoted class, to whose patient industry, and exposure to perils and privations, may be mainly ascribed the unparalleled prosperity of our commercial interests. As one familiar with the merchant service, but in no way connected with it, I trust that my remarks may be received in the spirit of fairness, by which they are dictated.

I propose, here, to suggest such ideas as occur to me on the subject of enlisting men, and their condition while on shore, reserving for a future occasion the subjects of their moral improvement and instruction, and their discipline and treatment ashore and afloat, embracing the collateral points of provisions and clothing.

With regard to the mode of enlisting men, a prominent evil prevails, in the correction of which the most serious obstacles are presented. It would be found difficult, under existing circumstances, to rescue sailors from the influence and rapacity of their landlords, or as they are more usually termed crimps, and at the same time secure the services of these men, in the prompt enrolment of crews for outward bound ships; even in the naval recruiting service, with all the checks that are systematically put in force to protect the interest of the sailor, it is not unfrequently the case that a recruit is taken to the receiving ship, after having been fleeced of the earnings of his last voy

* Originally written for the Naval Magazine.

age, and brought in debt to the whole amount of his wages, advanced at the moment of enlistment.

The writer has known instances in which sailors have been discharged from ships of war, with abundance of clothing, and balances of three and four hundred dollars in their pockets, and, in four days, have presented themselves at the rendezvous for reshipment, without money or clothes, and with a bill against them equal to their three months advance. Many attempts have been made by officers, to induce these misguided men to save their wages, and they have succeeded so far as to prevail on many to deposite considerable sums in the Savings Bank; but the moment they have been separated from the influence of the officers, they have been persuaded by the harpies around them, to withdraw the whole, and expend, in a few days, the hard earnings of as many years.

It would be easy to fill a volume with a relation of the various tricks put upon sailors to rob them of their money. Jack is aware of the character of his enemies, but heedlessly abandons himself to their wiles, spends his few days of comparative wealth in drunkenness and riot, and awakens from the debauch pennyless, and suffering all the torments of the "horrors."

Sometimes we see an old tar, who has been many a time cheated by these scoundrels, steering clear, as he imagines, of the "land sharks;" but, instead of being fleeced by his landlord, he is robbed by coachmen, and other idle rogues, who hang about the taverns and grog-shops frequented by sailors; so that, in the same short time, his money disappears.

All sailors are fond of coach-driving, and many aspire to the more adventurous exercise of riding on horseback, to them the very extreme of daring; and a few have even attained the high privilege of riding their own horse. A well known sailor in the Navy, Jack Hamilton, often laid aside a large portion of his wages for the purchase, on his return from sea, of a horse. He imagined himself an excellent judge of horse-flesh, but, like many others of the same pretensions, was invariably cheated. At last, however, he secured possession of a steed which soon won all his affection. This was an old, broken-down, black coach horse, with a long tail. On this trusty animal -trusty, because he was sure never to put in bodily fear his lord and master by any extraordinary feat of activity-Jack was wont to display himself in Broadway, about noon, making his quaint remarks upon the belles and beaus as they drifted up and down the side-walks. But this happiness could not last long; his money was soon gone, and he must go to sea for more. He could not think, however, of permitting his favorite black to fall, again, into the hands of land lubbers. So he put him out to board, and left a half pay ticket for his support, while absent on another three years cruise. He had forgotten, however, or perhaps never knew, that the age allotted to a horse was not three-score and ten; and, as the nag was sinking into the vale of years when he became the property of his last and kindest master, he did not survive to welcome him back from sea.

Jack, on his return, gave to the memory of the old black a few sighs, and has since continued to prove the sincerity of his affection, for he has never bestrode another steed. He was his last love, and he has remained as true to him, to use his own language, "as the needle to the pole."

It is a singular trait in the character of sailors, that those who are the most economical at sea, are proportionally improvident when they get ashore. I knew, many years ago, a fine old seaman, captain of the waist on board one of our frigates, who, when on shipboard, was a very pattern of parsimo