Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-04-10
TOBACCO TRADE-INrEREsr

EXTRACT ETA letter, from Nm c. Ripes, Esq Minis
Ter q me United States in France to the Editors of
The X. Enquirer dated Paris Jan. 18Th, 1892.
81 have only few moments, at present. to communi-
cate to you an item of intelligence, which may be useful
TO our agricultural and commercial fellow cZess You
are appnsed that Tor some time past tobacco trade
with this country has been in very unsettled state In
lieu of the open which had heretofore existed
and which admitted free competition 10 supply the
nual wants OF the Reggie it proposed for the sake of
efecinG saving to the National Treasury, put the
whole supplies of foreign tobacco into the hands of sim
gle contractor Although this, being question of inter
nal economy could not be considered entering regular
y into the diplomatic relations OF the two countries yet
being convinced that the effect of the proposed change
could not fail TO be sensiby injurious planters and
merchants, by subecIing them in fact, double mono
poly, Immediately sought an interview with the Minister
OF Finance, with whom the decision of the question
ed afterwards proftted Of invitation he gave me- to
present my views very fully TO him in written commu-
nicaton, In which, besides the arguments particular
y belonging to the question: dwelt on the great mpor-
lance to France OF her commercial relations with the Uni
ted States and the advantage she would find encourage
ing farther development of them by spirit OF IL
beaty IN her regulations OF trade ground being thus
broken, subsequently addressed letter to the Minister
oiForegn Affairs, in which similar views were presented
But the financial embarrassments and increased
casioned by the Revolutions giving overruling weight
10 considerations of economy and the Minister of
having satisfied HIMSELF that by the proposed change he
could effect annual saving of million of francs 10 the
Treasury his decision pronouncedn favour of subs-
uting the contract system for that of the cOncourS AS
there werevery respectable domestic interests in France
connected with the former of the trade likely to be
wounded by change of system, the only remaining
cHpedleh was 10 influence 10 bear the
councils OF the government. Through the instrument
taly and able cooperation of most valuable con-
sui at Havre, (Mr. Bcasly) the chambers of COM
mercc of that place and Bordeaux, induced
TO make spirited rcmOnstrances against the proposed
change. The consequence a reconsideration oil the
whole subject and its reference the examination of an
enlightened, practical commission The commission after
maturey considering all the representations that were laid
before it, including the communications had addressed
TO the Government, of opinion that the political con-
deatons against the change, outweighed any fiscal
vantage that might result from it, and recommended
adherence TO the Although the opinion of the
commission has been known, for time past, doubts
still exist 20 its confirmation by the Financial Depart
ment. But the appearance in the Moniteur, a lew DAYS
ago, OF the official nocc-a translation of which here
with enclose youpu the question TO rest and is consider
ed the final decision of the government between the
rival systems OF contract and cOucOS in favor of the lat
ter, which is obviously the most confomabe
ests. AS this subject particularly own State
have thought il would he agreeable you give TO the
readers of the Enquirer early and authentic in
nounces for the present year only yet being
the result Of careful and elaborate enquiry into the gem
era merits of the two systems proposed for the supply of
The Reggie, the arrangement Is TO be considered made
for the whole term of the existing grant of the monopoly
aud until its expiration, similar will take place
every year. You arc, doubtless, that during the
Session of 2S29, before my arrival here, the Tobacco
monopoly in the hands Of the Reggie was renewed by an
act of the Legislative Body for term of six years Dur
ing the existence Of this legislative grant and especially
while the present fiscal necessities of the country create
so mperous demand for the steady il Produces
any effort TO destroy the monopoly ITSELF must he vain.
But at the expiration OF the term for which the monopoly
was renewed by the Legislature there is every TO
Obtained"
Administration of Tobdceos.-yNotiee TO Commerce
Those merchants who propose sell foreign tobaccos
Tor the supply of the royal manufactures, informed
that c0ncours for the purchase Of the quantities
~ for those establishments will be opened the 18th of
March next and that from that period, TO the 10th June
following samples will be received in the store Of the
Reggie, at Paris.