Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-06-25
TksAsUaf DErAarMESr.
10th JUae, 1912.

lOth JUac, 1872.
SRI had the honor TO receive your let
ter OF yesterday, asking whether, in my OPT
Mon, the non-importatiun act may not be Sc
modified, or partially suspended, as to aiiort
4 resenue equivalent To the estimated u
mount OF the internal taxes, additional ton
mage duty, and dimnution of drawbacks
aud i'll such event, whether the last menti-
oned objects ofrevenue may not for the pre-
sent be dispensed with!
All the estimates of revenue which have
been transmitted during this session, having
necessarily been made in conformity with
the ,eXisting laws, were prcdicated on the
supposed absolute prohibition of British pro-
duce and manufactures. These, in ordinary
times, amounted TO more than one half of
the foreign merchandise consumed in the
United States. The actual exclusion of the
greater part OF the articles of our own
growth from France, Holland aud Germa-
ny, tie consequent nulity OF our commerce
with those countries, and the conquest by
Great Britain of their colonies, still more
lessons the proportion of foreign articles
which may be imported from other countries
than the British dominions.
1t is therefore evident that the amount of
duties on importations will be more than
doubled in the event of a suspension OF the
nom i'm portation, and that they will, whilst
that suspension continues, afford revenue
1T least equivalent to the estimated amount
OF the proposed direct tax, internal duties,
additional tonnage and diminution of draw
backs. All these may be dispensed with,
so long as the suspension continues, provid-
ed that the contemplated increase OF one
hundred per cent on the duties OH inporta-
tons shall take place.
1t is not believed that the result would be
materially affected by modification or par
tiai, instead OF an absolute suspension of the
non Importation. For the amount OF impor-
tations would be principally regulated by the
amount of American funds already in Eug-
land, and by the subsequent consumption of
American produce in Great Britain, Spain.
and Portugal, and the British West-Indies
respectively. IT discrimination be thought
eligible, it would seem that the articles en-
titled to preference are colonial produce,
particularly rum, coarse woollenS, middle
price co.ton goods, Irish linens, earthen and
glass ware, hardware and manufactures
Of steel, tin, brass and copper. Fine cloths,
| muslins, plain cotton goods, manufactures ot
silk, hemp, fax with the above exception
| and leather, paper, hats, shoes and millinery
may either be altogether supplied by do
mestic manufactures or dispensed with
The annual importatioaS of British COLO
NAL and domestic produce and manufactures
could not be estimated at less than thirty
five millions OF dollars. Supposing ION the
same grounds on which the other estimates
| of duties on importation in time of war were
| made) that the war and other restric ions
should reduce the amount to onc-half the
| proposed double duties collected on the re-
sidue, would produce a net revenue of at
least five millions of dollars, and greater
| therefore than all the proposed internal tax
es and duties and additional tonnage duty.
Permit me, however, to observe, with res
pect to mis- last duty, that, SO far as relates
to foreign vessels, the proposed addition APP
pears necessary, and is hardly sufficient t.
compensate the great advantages which
war will give them over American vessels, in
the American commerce.
1t is proper to add, that all the bills fol
laying and collecting the direct tax and in
ternal duties have been prepared in confor
nifty with the former request of the commit
tee, so that the whole subject may be taker
up at this or any other time without any de-
lay on the part of the Treasury. The only
detail on which the information is not as com
plete as might be desired, is that of the quo
tas of the direct tax intended to be LAID OF
the several counties in each state. 1t is al
so believed that the system has been prepar
ed in such manner that it may be organized
and all the taxes be in full operation in tn,
month of April next, provided the laws ar
enacted before the commencement Of tn
year 1913.
| have the honor to be,
With great respect, sir,
Your obedient servant,
Il