The value of the merchandize imported into Philadelphia for the first quarter of 1848, is $3,987,362, and exports for the same period $1,784,828. These imports and exports exceed those of the corresponding period last year, but are limited when compared with New York, and smaller than those of Boston. The cash duties received by the collector of customs of Philadelphia during the first quarter of 1848 exceed those of the corresponding period of last year by $250,000.

Comparative Statement of the weighable Foreign Merchandize imported into Philadelphia.

The progress of commerce in the Cities of New York and Boston, is shown in the annexed tables:

Looking at the tonnage arrived at the two ports, it will be seen that in both cases it has rapidly increased, and in about a uniform ratio. In 1832, the tonnage of Boston was about two-fifths that of New York, and it is about the same at present. The absolute increase is of course much in favor of New York. The excess of New York tonnage over Boston, in 1832, was only 232,788 tons, whereas in 1847, it was 589,478. Gain of New York over Boston, in 15 years, 356,690 tons, being very nearly equal to the whole present tonnage of Boston. We speak of tonnage arrived from foreign countries. In respect to the value of imports, the fluctuations have been greater. During the last year (1847) the imports of Boston have taken a wonderful stride, being more than double those of any previous year, except 1836. Of the whole amount ($46,110,761) $17,736,114 was imported in the British steamers, including $12,017,131 in specie. These British steamers commenced running the close of 1840. In that

year the value of imports by them was only $72,600; in 1841, $769,700; in 1842, $730,800; in 1843, $9,300,000, including $6,650,000 in specie; in 1844, $4.443,700; in 1845, $4,026,300; in 1846, $4,455,000; in 1847, seventeen millions and upwards, as stated above. Comparing these amounts with the total imports of the years mentioned, and then comparing the total imports of these years with those of the previous years, it will be seen that nearly the whole of the imports by the steamers is additional to what had before been imported. Much of it was and is on New York account; particularly in the matter of fine goods and specie. The imports into New York, last year, were twenty-five millions greater than during the previous year, but were exceeded by those of 1839, and still more by those of 1836; but not by those of any other year. They were nearly double those of 1832, and nearly quadruple those of 1822.

In 1846, Great Britain had a commercial marine of 32,499 ships and vessels, with a tonnage (British) of 3,817,112, and the crews numbered 229,276.

France, in 1844, had 13,679 merchant vessels of all sorts, whose tonnage was 604,637.

The per centage increase of tonnage yearly, in the ports of the United States, is 10ths.

Commerce of Great Britain with the United States.

The following statement presents the value of the articles exported from Great Britain and Ireland to the United States, for the year ending 5th January, 1847.

The imports into the United Kingdom from the United States, for the same period, in quantities, are stated as follows:

"It is estimated officially, that during the year and four months, between June 28, 1846, and November 5, 1847, Great Britain had to import breadstuffs to the enormous amount of thirty-three millions and a half of pounds sterling-say one hundred and sixty-five millions of dollars!"