There are Countries in the world which have no Sea Ports, of course no Shipping; yet flourish, are populous & strong, and of the People many are wealthy, and all that are industrious have Plenty of the Necessaries of Life. Such are many of the Principalities and States in Germany.

There are other Countries which have Sea Ports & Ships, but who use their Vessels only in the Coasting Business, and do not send them to distant Countries, to carry abroad their own Produce, or import the Merchandise of foreign Nations; this however they permit to be done by Strangers, who come to them and carry on Commerce with them at home. Such is the Conduct of the flourishing Empires of China and Japan, and some other Countries of ancient Fame for great Commerce in the East Indies. None of these Nations have a Marine Force to protect their Trade.

There are other States, which have hardly even Coasting Vessels, tho’ they have a small Marine Force for the purposes of general Piracy, by which they furnish themselves with what they want of foreign Merchandise either taking it by Force, or receiving it as Tribute from other Nations. Such are the States of Barbary.

There are other Nations, who multiply Merchant Ships, send them to all parts of the World, even the most distant, to carry out their own Commodities, and bring home those of Strangers; & equip strong Squadrons and mighty Fleets at an immense Expence to protect their mercantile Navigation. Such are the English, French, Spanish and Hollanders, &c. Of which all but the Hollanders lay heavy Duties and other Discouragements on Foreign Ships that come to their Ports, in order to increase the Employment of their own Vessels.

Which of the above different Situations of States is the happiest?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of each?

Which of those different Modes of Conduct is upon the whole the most prudent?

Can the Profits of Trade compensate the Expence of Fleets to protect it?

Which on the whole is most profitable to a Country, to carry out its Commodities & sell them in foreign Countries, purchasing there what are wanted; or to stay at home, and let Strangers come & offer what they have to supply us with, and purchase what they want of us in Return?

Is the Carrying Trade really a profitable Business to the Owners of Ships in general?

The present Mass of Property in America, is it owing to Profits drawn by our Merchants from Europe or the West-Indies; or did it arise from our Agriculture & Fisheries?

If direct Taxes in sufficient Quantities could be easily levied for public Service, would it not be well to leave all Commerce free & open without any Duties or Prohibitions?