ll they explain that indubitable fact?
And also, I beg to know of these sage legislators the cause that in
the winters of 1846-47, out of two hundred and ninety-four corn-laden
British ships from America, there were only three foundered, while out
of four hundred and thirty United States' ships performing the same
voyage, with similar cargoes, seventeen foundered. And how out of the
same number four British only were stranded, while there were twelve
American? Not a fourth part of the casualties amongst the British that
there were amongst the United States ships; yet the Americans are an
experienced, gallant, and well-conducted race of seamen. These things
gave the broadest refutation to such a calumnious charge. It is not wise
for a minister of state of Britain to proclaim to the world a character
of the bravest and most important class of men of Britain, that
disgraces them indelibly, injures the property of their employers, and
dishonours the country. The twenty thousand gallant schoolmasters afloat
that are busy day and night, educating and developing the powers of
the future defenders of Britain, making them able and worthy sons--the
ablest and worthiest of their great country--to be thus traduced by
those who should ever and above all protect them, is an act of the most
revolting nature."

The effect of Mr. Mather's exertions were seen in a grand demonstration
on the 9th of February, in London, which, in deference to the civic
authorities, was made on the river, rather than, as originally intended,
in the streets of London and Westminster. According to the _Shipping
Gazette_, there were ten thousand seamen from the Tyne and its
neighbourhood in the port of London that day. On the evening previous to
the demonstration, the crews of all British vessels in the Thames were
in a high state of excitement, full of preparation for the morrow.
Between three and four hundred vessels were in the Pool, the Gallions,
Bugsby's Hole, and Longreach, and their crews manifested the utmost
eagerness to show their sense of what they considered their rights.
The next day a grand procession of boats, partly tugged by steamers,
proceeded to Westminster Bridge. The vessels and boats carried the
union jack, and various flags; the sailors were dressed in their holiday
suits, and bore the words "Navigation Laws" round their hats, in large
yellow letters, the masters and mates in gilt letters. The _Standard_
newspaper estimated the number of