The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1839-06-08
ORIGIN OF NEW ENGLAND RUM.

The following is an extract from the last num-
Der Of the North American Review. 1t will be
read with much interest, as describing the causes
which led to the manufacture of New England
Rum-w hich for many years has been disgrace
to Observation-Disclosures Jour.
1.-The origin of the excessive importation of
molasses into this country, and Of the excessive
use of distilled spirits resulting from that mpor-
tatlon, are among the most instructive matters in
our history
at is but little more than century since this
importation began. In the French West Indies,
the sugar manufacturers used to throw away their
molasses, as indeed they do to this day in the
Islands of Bourbon and Java. The New Eng
landers, particularly in and about Boston, taking
note OF this circumstance, induced the French for
a trlfng consideration, to preserve this residuum,
and deliver it on board the colonial traders. Ar
rived at Boston and other ports, the adventures
entered the article free of duty, and it was then
converted into New England Rum. In few
years, the business enlarged itself that the trade
was extended to the Dutch and Danish colonies.
In exchange, our people gave to the Frenchmen,
and others, horses and mules for their sugar mills
lumber for their houses, and fish and other pro-
perty for their plantations. In l7l5, few years
after the commencement of this traffic, the British
Island colo les complained of it to the govern
ment, as diminishing the demand for their pro-
ducts, and disappointing them Of their wonted
supplies. Hereupon, fierce and protracted dis
pute arose betwlxt the Island and continental CO.
onies, which was not terminated until 1893,
when the Islands prevailed, and duty of Sd. a
gallon was laid on molasses, and SIS. per cwt. on
sugars imported into the continental colonies from
any foreign port or place. The penalty for vio-
lating the act to be the forfeiture of vessel
and cargo But the New Englanders, who had
disputed every inch of the passage Of the act,
seem never to have thought of submitting to it,
after it was passed. and they continued the traf-
fc, eluding the duties, and defying the law. A
British fleet was sent to enforce it, and state of
irritation arose, in which the parties almost came
to blows In fact, this did never cease, from that
time down to the Revolution; and the famous act
for raising revenue in America was called in the
language OF the day, the sugar and molasses ac,
1.-The principal reasons aledged for the trade
were that large supply of rum was indispensa-
bic to the continental colonies for CARRYING on the
Indian trade and the fisheries These reasons
have ceased. Rum has nearly finished its mis-
sion TO the poor Indians; and the fishermen, we
believe, generally go upon the Temperance plan.
The real root OF the matter was, and is, that
no other people, since the world began, were ever
furnished with so great quantity of exciting
liquor at SO small a price. The custom-house
duties IN other countries either kept out molasses
anu rum, or admitted them on such heavy cond;.
tons that they could not be afforded in such album