are necessary completely to secure the successful manufacture of the latter, and there are facts which entitle this impression to attention.
It is known that the price of molasses for some years past has been successively rising in the West India markets, owing partly to a competition which did not formerly exist and partly to an extension of demand in this country, and it is evident that the late disturbances in those islands, from which we draw our principal supply, must so far interfere with the production of the article as to occasion a material enhancement of price. The destruction and devastation attendant on the insurrection in Hispaniola in particular must not only contribute very much to that effect, but may be expected to give it some duration. These circumstances and the duty of 3 cents per gallon on molasses may render it difficult for the distillers of that material to maintain with adequate profit a competition with the rum brought from the West Indies, the quality of which is so considerably superior.
The consumption of geneva, or gin, in this country is extensive. It is not long since distilleries of it have grown up among us to any importance. They are now becoming of consequence, but being still in their infancy they require protection.
It is represented that the price of some of the materials is greater here than in Holland, from which place large quantities are brought; the price of labor considerably greater; capitals engaged in the business there much larger than those which are employed here; the rate of profits at which the undertakers can afford to carry it on, much less; the prejudices in favor of imported gin, strong. These circumstances are alleged to outweigh the charges which attend the bringing of the article from Europe to the United States, and the present difference of duty, so as to obstruct the prosecution of the manufacture with due advantage.
Experiment could, perhaps, alone decide with certainty the justness of the suggestions which are made; but, in relation to branches of manufacture so important, it would seem expedient to hazard an unfavorable issue, and better to err on the side of too great than of too small a difference in the particular in question.
It is therefore submitted that an addition of 2 cents per gallon be made to the duty on imported spirits of the first class of proof, with a proportionable increase on those of higher proof; and that a reduction of 1 cent per gallon be made from the duty on spirits distilled within the United States, beginning with the first class of proof, and a proportionable deduction from the duty on those of higher proof.
It is ascertained that by far the greatest part of the malt liquor consumed in the United States are the produce of domestic breweries. It is desirable, and in all likelihood attainable, that the whole consumption should be supplied by ourselves.
The malt liquors at home, though inferior to the best, are equal to a great part of those which have been usually imported. The progress already made is an earnest of what may be accomplished. The growing competition is an assurance of improvement. This will be accelerated by measures tending to invite a greater capital into this channel of employment.
To render the encouragement of domestic breweries decisive it may be advisable to substitute to the present rates of duty 8 cents per gallon, generally; and it will deserve to be considered as a guard
