the greater part of the imperial revenue, which, at the time Maximilian accepted the crown, was estimated at 15 millions; and we know, from the tenure of the Miramare convention, how little of the remainder could be claimed by Mexico. During 1865 the receipts increased to 19 millions, whereof 11 millions were from maritime custom-houses; but they were rapidly drooping.[1] Notwithstanding the reluctance of Maximilian to increase the burden on the country, fresh taxes had to be imposed in different directions, even on manufactures that should have been protected.[2] Langlais, the successor of Bonnefous,[3] prepared an admirable plan for the finance department, but he died before the application could be made, and little came of it between ministerial objections and countermeasures, and the change of French projects.[4]
- ↑
The returns were, from—— Vera Cruz custom-house $1,878,735 Other custom-houses on the gulf 2,753,270 Pacific ports 2,988,787 Interior custom-houses, excise, etc. 6,941,960 Direct contributions 1,538,383 —————— $19,101,135 The former loan was now converted into obligations similar to the present. By arrangement with Jecker, his claim was reduced by 60 per cent. French claims for outrages were fixed at 40 million francs. For additional details, see Payno, Mem., 1868; Méx., Mem. Hac., 1870, 643 et seq.
- ↑ Arrangoiz, Méj., iii. 305, iv. 9-10, takes special pains to point out mistakes and burdens in this department, wherein he had committed blunders perhaps worse. Zamacois, Hist. Méx., xvii. 1085. The regency had introduced many reforms, such as stopping direct contributions, by decree of July 29, 1863, placing instead 3 and 4 per mille on town and country property, and adding in November heavy taxes on liquors and sugar. Maximilian reduced the duties of May 1963 by 50 per cent; but this had to be annulled, and further impositions levied, such as 6 per cent on paper, thread, and fabrics, followed by a series of decrees annulling or interfering with others, and creating no little confusion. Undertakings like the Vera Cruz railroad had to be supported by special increase of duties. Romero, Mem. Hac., 1870, 648.
- ↑ Who retired through sickness, and was replaced in Oct. Langlais soon succumbed to the climate.
- ↑ A plan for a national bank had been long considered, and a decree appeared for its establishment, but nothing was done. Arrangoiz, iv. 37. Domenech, Hist. Mex., iii. 233-4, blames Ramirez. The elaborate treasury regulations in Mex., Col. Ley. Imp., i. 55-82, and Méx., Boletin Ley., 1864, 45-56, looked well on paper. Bazaine is blamed for loose management and mis. representations. Pap. y Corr. Fam. Imp., 137-41. In Legac. Mex., ii. 800-4, is a special tirade against the high allowances granted to French employés, whereof Arrangoiz also complains. Méj., iii. 336, iv. 33; Niox, Expéd. du Mex., 496-7. A finance committee sat in Paris, by appointment of April 11, 1864. Méx., Boletin Ley., 1864, 27, ap. 309. For bank project in connection
