l commotions in the native states. The establishment of a
settlement on the north or north-west coast of New Holland would have
however the effect of diminishing both these evils in so great a degree
that a very few years would probably suffice for their complete
annihilation.

SUCCESS OF AMERICAN VESSELS. CAUSES OF IT.

Notwithstanding the drawbacks occasioned to commercial enterprise by the
circumstances above detailed, there at this moment exists a very
considerable trade in the Indian Archipelago, which is, with the
exception of the few vessels that sometimes bring ponies to the Isle of
France and the British settlements, almost wholly in the hands of the
Americans. Indeed no fact which I have met with has so much surprised me
as the extraordinary diffusion of the American commerce, and the great
spirit of enterprise exhibited by them. For in many places where the
British merchants can find no commerce apparently worth their attention
the Americans carry on a lucrative and prosperous trade, and in
half-civilized countries, where the largest profits are always realized,
the Americans are so eminently successful that the British merchant
cannot attempt to compete with them.

This appears to arise from the following circumstance. The masters of the
American vessels engaged in this kind of trade are, in many instances,
whole, and in all other instances, part owners of the vessel and cargo;
whereas masters of English vessels have frequently little or no interest
in the vessel and cargo, and are moreover frequently tied down by
directions issued from the firm for which they act.

The difference between these two cases is very great; the American can
turn every circumstance that occurs to account: he can instantly enter
into any speculation that holds out a prospect of success; and can act
with rapidity and decision on his own responsibility. The English master,
on the contrary, has usually a certain prescribed line of duty to fulfil,
from which he cannot vary.

Hence it is that we often see the American whalers with arms, ammunition,
and other articles for barter on board. They whale off Madagascar, and,
whenever an opportunity offers, carry on a lucrative trade with the
natives. From thence their course is directed to St. Paul's and
Amsterdam, and afterwards along the coast of New Holland; and when it
again becomes necessary for them to refresh they touch at some island in
the Archipelago, and the scene of barter is