The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-12-11


should be disappointed Ia The hope
now entertained, The subject will b
again brought 10 the ootics sf Congress
in such .manner ~ the occasion may
require .s.obs 7o .as1s .yas ssss
The friendly relations which hsvs
always been maintained between the
United States and Russis, have been
further extended and strengthened by
the treaty Of navigation and commsrce
concluded on the 9th cf Dec, 1aet, ari
sanctioned by the Senate before the
close Of it, Inst session. The rati6ca-
tioas having been since exchanged, the
liberal provisions Of the Treaty are
now 10 full force snd, under the en-
couragemept which they have received,
a foorishing spd increased commerce.
yielding its bsne6ssto the enterprise of
both nations, affords to each the just re-
compense Of wise measures, and adds,
new motives for that mutual friendship
which the two countries have hitherto
cherished towards each other.
II s1ords me peculiar satisfaction to
stale that the Government of Spain has
stlength yielded 10 the justice Of the
claims which hare been 50 long urged
ia behalf Of our citizens, and has sx-
pressed willingness 10 provide an in
demini6cation, as soon as the proper
amount can be agreed upon. Upon this
latter point, it is probable an understsnd-
ing had taken place between the Minis
ter Of the United States and the Spanish
,GoverDfnent, before the decease of the
lale King oi Sps;u, and. unless that eyent
may have delayed its completion, there
j. reason to hope that It may be 10 my
power 10 announce 10 you, early 10 your
present session, the conclusion Of con-
vention upon terms not less favorable
than those entered into for similar oh.
jects with other nations. That act Of
justice would well sccord with ihe
character of Spain. and is due 10 the
-Uni,ed States from their sncisnt friend.
II could not failto strengthen the senli-
meats Of amity and good will between
the two nstions which it is so mach the
wish ofthe United Ststes 10 cherish, and
90 truly the interest ef both to maintain.
BY The 6rst section Of IN oct Of Con-
ersss passed on the ] 13lh Jsly. 1899,
the tonnage dsty 90 Spanish ships or.
riying from the ports si Spain, Wss limi,.
ed TO the duty payable on American yea
sells IN The ports Of Spain previous 10
the ROth October, 1917, being 6ve
cents per ton. That act was intended
10 give effect on our side, TO an arrange.
ment made with the spanish govern.
meni, by which discriminating duties of
tonnage we're to be abolished in the
ports ofthe United States and Spain on
the vessels of the two nations. Pursv-
ant TO that arrangement, which was CAR
ried into effect on the part of Spain Oh
Goth Of May. 1889. by Royal order,
dated Goth April, 1889, American ves-
sells in the ports OF Spain have paid five
cents per ton; which rate Of duty is
also paid 10 those ports BY Spanish ships
bat, as American vessels pay no tonnage
duty in the ports Of the United States,
the duty Of Eve cents payable ia our
ports BY Spanish vessels under the act
above mentioned, is really discriminat.
ing duty operating to the disadvantage
Of Span. Though no complaint has
yet been made on the part Of Spain, we
are not the less bound by the obligations
Of good taith.to remove the discrimina-
ton and recommend that the act be
amended accordingly. Az the Royal
order above alluded TO includes the
Ports Of the Balearic and Canary lslands
90 well az those ofSpain, it would seem
that the provisions Of the act of Con-
gress should be equally extensive and
that for the repayment Of such duties a.
may have been improperly received, an
addition should be made 10 the sum
appropriated at the last session OF Con-
gress for refunding discriminating duties. ,
( As the arrangement referred to, how
ever, did not embrace the islands Of
Cuba and Porto Rico, discriminating
duties, to the prejudice 1of American
shipping, continse 10 be levied there.
From the extent ofthe commerce carri- /,
ed on .betwean the United States and
those Islands. particularly the former, |.
this Discrimination causes serious injury
10 one Of those great national interests
which II has been considered an esson-
tial part Of our policy to cherish, and
has given rise to complaints on the part
Of our merchants. Under instructions
given TO our minister at Msdrid, earnest
repr presentations have been made BY him
- shs Spanish Government upon this
ssbject, and there y reason 70 expect.
from The friendly disposition which 10