Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/565

In colonial times, the imposts levied on Spanish produce or manufactures, and especially on foreign goods, which had to come via Spain, upon their being exported thence to America, were very heavy — no less than 361/2 per centum on the latter.^[1] The republic, in her admission of foreign produce and manufactures, pursued the policy of protecting home industries, even to the extent of prohibiting every article of commerce that might be detrimental to them. Thus by the provisional tariff of December 15, 1821, tobacco, raw cotton, some breadstuffs, manufactured wax, spun cotton of certain numbers, and several other manufactured articles were not allowed to enter. Several modifications were made between that year and 1830. The tariff law of 1827 established excessively high rates, forbidding the importation of raw cotton and common yarn. Still further changes were made between 1837 and 1845.^[2] The illiberality noticeable in

tract with the Sonora R. R. Co. for a line between Guaymas and Manzanillo; that with Bulnes Bros. for one between Bagdad and Progreso, touching at way-ports; that with Joaquin Redo for a line between Guayınas and Manzanillo, and way-ports; and the concession to Garma et al. for an ocean line between Vera Cruz and Buenos Ayres. Estad. de Sin., Feb. 17, 24, 1882; Diario Ofic., Oct. 30, Nov. 15, Dec. 18, 1883; March 13, Oct. 15, 1884; Jan. 15, March 3, 30, 1885; Mex., Recop. Leyes, xxxv. 883–6; xxxvi. 150-5; El Cronista, S. F., Apr. 26, Dec. 13, 1984; Apr. 23, 1885; El Siglo XIX., Jan. 20, 1885; Mex. Financier, Apr. 4, 18, 1885.

1. Namely, introduction into Spain, 15 per 100; internacion, 5; consolidation of royal warrants, 5; almirantazgo, 2; almojarifazgo, 7; consulado, 1; war subvention, 11/2; reemplazos, l; Guadalquivir canal, 1/2. Total, 361/2. per cent, which constituted the revenue of Spain, drawn indirectly from the colonies; and adding it to the import and consumption duties collected in Mexico, we have an aggregate of about 65 per cent; hence the wealthy only could purchase imported goods. Cochineal had to pay the enormous export duty of $41.30 for every 25 pounds.
2. The tariff of March ll, 1837, permitted the importation of many articles forbidden in that of 1830, but was illiberal in other respects. That of 1842 augmented the prohibitions, and the tariff of April 1813 increased 20 per cent the duties established in the previous year. A law of Feb. 28, 1843, established a bonded warehouse in Acapulco, with a reduction of the duties on goods imported through it. Guia de Hac., iii. 30-51; iv. 252-3; vi. 140-216, 287-99; Mex., Col. Ley., Ord. y Dec., iii. 47–50, 139; Arrillaga, Recop., 1837, 85-120, 144-92; Vallejo, Col. Doc. Mex., i. no. 64; Mex., Col. Ley. y Dec., 1839, 240-5; Manero, Not. Com. Mex., 26-7, 31-2. The products of the maritime and frontier custom-houses in 11 years ending June 30, 1837, were $72,819,980, or an average of $6,619,998. The expenses of collecting, including salaries, did not exceed 31/2 per cent. Mex., Mem. Hacienda (1822, Feb. 28; 1823, June 2, Sept. 3, Nov. 12; 1824, none; 1825, Jan. 1, 4; 1826, Jan. 13, 16; 1827, Jan. 1; 1828, Jan. 29; 1829, Jan. 2; 1830, Apr. 1; 1831, Jan, 22; 1832, Jan. 2;