The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1833-12-07

uvo conso P~y e0sv ID o. ~ Spanish
vessels under the sct sbovsuusniioned, -
|seslly discriminating duty, operating to
the disadvantage of Spain. : Though no
oonplaint has yet bssn made on the part
|of Spain, we are not the less bound by
obligations Of good faith TO remove the
DISCRIMINATION and reconmend the act
be amended accordlnely. A. The Roysl
order above alluded u iucIudes the Ports
Of the Baleric and Canary Islands, ~ we'll
~ those Of Spain, il would seem that tho
provision ofthe act Of Congress should be
equally extensive and that for the re-
payment Of such duties ~ may have been
improperly received, an addition should
be made to the SUM appropriated at the
last session Of Congress ior refanding dis
eliminating dulles.
As the arrangement referred to, how
ever, did not embrace the islands Of Cubd
and Porto Rico, discriminating duties, to
the prejudice OF American shipping, con-
tinue to be levied there. From the ex-
tent ofthe commerce carried on. between
the United States and those islands, par
ticularly the former, this discrimination
causes serious injury to those great ma
tional inter ests which il has been consid-
cred an essential part Of our policy to cher
ish, and has given rise to complaints on
the part of our merchants. Under in
structions given to our Minister at Ma
drid, earnest representations have been
made BY him 70 the Spanish Government
upon this subject, and there IN reason to
expect, from the friendly disposition which
is sntertained towards this country that u
beneficial change will be produced. The
disadvantage, however, to which our ship
ping is subjected by the operation Vi
these discriminating duties, requires that
they be met by suitable countervailing
duties during your present session; power
being at the same time vested in the Pres
ident to modify or discontinue them, as
the discriminating duties on American
vessels or their cargoes may be modified
or discontinued at these islands. lnti-
nations have been given to the Spanish
government, that the United States may
be obliged to resort to such measures as
are OF necessary self-dsfence; and there
10 no reason to apprehend thut it world
be unfavorably received. Tho proposed
proceeding, If adopted, would not be per-
mitted, however, ia any degree, to induce
a'relaxation in the efforts OF Gus Minister
TO effect repeal Of this irregularity by
friendly negotiation, and it might servsto
give force to his representation by show
ing the dangers to which that valuable
trade 10 exposed by the distractions and
bGrsaens which system Of discriminating
and ceuntsrvailing duties necessarily pro-
daces.
The selections and preparation Of the
Florida archives for the purpose 0l being
delivered over to the U. States, in con-
forlnity with the Royal order, as mention
ed in my last annual aaessAge, though in
progress, has not yet bseA csnpieied.---
This delay has been produced partly by
causes which were unavoidable, particu-
larry the prevalence Of the cholera at Ha-
vanaj but measures have been taken
which it is believed will expedite the de-
livery Of those important records.
[Concluded in our next.