Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-04-13

bill: because the Journal shews that many lead
ins members, who voted for thaton the I'm JAM
also voted against the postponement OF that Oh
the 18th Feb.
These are the facts Of the case. Whether,uh.
der the circunstanc in which was Piaceu'
should have persevered in voting against it-cr
should, as did, have declined voting at ALL "
a question of political casuistry, which 90 NOT
mean to argue but submit to the public decision.
One single remark, however, cannot toroear
to make If, instead Of a peace, with healing OIL
its wings, we had the horrors of continuing war,
carried on. too, by the enemy, in violation OF the
usases of civilized nations; if had voted against
the Bank and it had been rejected; aud u. IN
consequence thereof. for want OF means, defeat
and disaster had befalen our arms; in these
events, think, hazard little IN saying that l
should have incurred much more severe denuncl.
alton, than have even, for the course which
pursued.
In conclusion. I have only to say, that my con-
duct, in this particular, met the appreciation OF
my own conscience; that it received that Of my
constituents, when the transaction was recent.
and that. | fiat myself, shall stand acquitted
of all censure, Il, the opinion Of my country.
Yours, respectfully.
PIP. BARBOUR.
April 7th, 1882.
2obacco '7rade.-The following interesting
letter from Mr.. Rives, our Minister to France,
dated Paris. Jan. 18th, 1882, published in The
Richmond Enquirer. 1t relates to the Tobacco
Trade:-
81 have only few moments. at present, to
| 1E oil
which may be useful to agricultural and
commercial feow-ci,izens You are apprlsed
that, for some time past. our tobacco trade with
this country has been in very unsettled state.
In lieu of the open concours which had heretofore
existed, and which admitted free competition
to supply the annual wants of the Regie. it was
proposed. for the sake of effecting saving to the
| National Treasury, to put the whole supplies OF
foreign tobacco into the hands of single con
tractor. Although this. being question OF III.
| terna economy. could not he considered as en-
tering regularly into the diplomatic relations Of
the two countries. yet, being convinced that the
effect of the proposed change, could not fail TO
be sensibly injurious to our planters and mer.
chants, hv subjecting them, in fact, to double
monopoly, | Immediately sought an interview
with the Minister of Finance, with whom the de-
cison If the question rested. afterwards pro-
fitted of an invitation he gave me, to present my
views very fully to him in written communica.
tion in which, besides the arguments more par
ticuarly belonging to the question, dwelt on
the great importance tn France. of her CONNER
cial relations with the United States, and the
advantage she would find in encouraging far
Their deveopement of them by spirit of more
iberaty 10 her regulations of trade. The
ground being thus broken, subsequently adj
dressed letter to the Minister of Foreign A.
fairs in which similar views were presented
But the financial emharrassments, and increased
wants occasioped by the Revolution, giving an
overrulin. weight to considerations of economy,
and the Minister of Finance having satisfied HIM
self. that by the proposed change, he could effect
an annual saving of a million of francs to the
Treasury, his dec lson was pronounced in favor
of substituting the contract system for that OF the
concours. As there were very respectable do
mectic interests in France, connected with the
former course of the trade, likely TO be wounded
by change of system, the only remaining expe
dent was to bring their influence to bear on the
councils of the government. Through the in
strumentality and able cooperation OF our most
valuable consul at Havre, (Mr. BeasIy,j the
chambers of commerce Of that place and Bour
deaux, were induced to make spirited remon-
strances against the proposed change. The con.
| sequence was u recommendation Oh the WnOe
sub ,ect, and its reference to the examination of
an enlightened. practical commission. The
commission after maturely considering all the re-
presentations that were laid before it. Including
the communications had addressed to the Gro.
vernnent, were of opinion that the political con-
siderations against the change. outweghed any
fiscal advantage that might result from 1t, and
recommended an adherence to the concOurs.-
Although the opinion Of the commission has been
known, for some time past, doubts still exist as
to its confirmation by the Financial Department.
| Blu, the appearance in the Moniteur, few days
ago, of the official notice-a translation of which,
herewith enclose you-puts the question to
rest. and is considered as the final decision of
the government between the rival systems Of con-
! tract and conrours. in favor of the latter, which
is obviously the most conformable to our inter-
ests. As this subject particularly concerns our
own State, have thought it would be agreeable
to you to give to the numerous readers of the En-
guirer early and authentic intelligence in rela-
( ton to t.-Altho' the notice enclosed announces
a concourS for the present year only, yet, being
the result of careful and elaborate enquiry in.