1851-52 E.K. Collins Line Steamship Congressional Debate Pamphlets Lot 6 For Sale

OverviewOriginal group of six antebellum American maritime pamphlets documenting the heated 1851–1852 congressional debate over federal support for the Collins Line of transatlantic mail steamers.The group includes a formal memorial submitted by E. K. Collins and his associates petitioning Congress for increased federal compensation, speeches supporting or addressing continued aid to the line, and two speeches by Arkansas senator Solon Borland attacking the company’s subsidies, monopoly, and reliance on special legislation.The Collins Line was established to compete with British transatlantic steamship service. Supporters presented federal assistance as an investment in American commerce, postal service, technological progress, and national prestige. Opponents argued that the arrangement amounted to protectionism, favoritism, monopoly, and an improper use of public money.Together, these six pamphlets preserve multiple sides of an important early American debate over public subsidies to private transportation companies. A focused primary-source group relating to transatlantic steam navigation, maritime commerce, federal contracting, congressional politics, and nineteenth-century business promotion.Pamphlets Included1. [1851] E. K. Collins & AssociatesMemorial of E. K. Collins & His Associates to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of AmericaPagination: 5 pagesA formal memorial submitted to Congress by E. K. Collins and his associates, presenting the Collins Line operators’ case for increased federal compensation for carrying the United States mail between New York and Liverpool.2. 1852 Jacob W. Miller of New JerseySpeech of the Hon. J. W. Miller, of New Jersey, in Favor of Sustaining the Collins Line of American Mail SteamersDelivered in the Senate of the United States, April 22, 1852.Place: Washington
Printer: John T. Towers3. 1852 Charles T. James of Rhode IslandSpeech of Hon. C. T. James, of Rhode Island, on the Collins Line of SteamersDelivered in the Senate of the United States, May 6, 1852.Place: Washington
Printer: John T. Towers4. 1852 James A. Bayard of DelawareSpeech of Hon. J. A. Bayard, of Delaware, on the Collins Line of SteamersDelivered in the Senate of the United States, May 10, 1852.Place: Washington
Printer: John T. Towers5. 1852 Solon Borland of ArkansasSpeech of Hon. Solon Borland, of Arkansas, Against the Collins Line of Steamers, and Against Special Legislation—the Doctrine of Protection—and All MonopoliesDelivered in the Senate of the United States, May 12 and 17, 1852.Place: Washington
Printer: Congressional Globe Office6. 1852 Solon Borland of ArkansasSecond Speech of Hon. Solon Borland, of Arkansas, Against the Monopoly of the Collins Line of SteamersDelivered in the Senate of the United States, May 27, 1852.Place: Washington
Printer: Congressional Globe OfficeDimensions: To be addedConditionAll six pamphlets remain bound with their original stitching; none are disbound. They show varying degrees of age toning, foxing, soiling, creasing, edge wear, small chips, short tears, and handling wear.The stitching and paper along the spine edges show wear in places, including exposed or loosened thread, roughness, small chips, and minor paper losses, but the pamphlets remain assembled. Old pencil numbers and other notations appear on several title pages and wrappers.The Collins memorial has a later blue paper reinforcement along the spine. The green Bayard pamphlet has a chip along the outer edge. Several wrappers and leaves show marginal creases, short tears, or weakened areas near the stitching.The printing remains legible throughout.Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description.