Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1843-03-21

Secretary ofihe Treasury.
B DSTON. December l. 1872

'y DSoi on - III reply 10 your ln-
curry respecting the probable amount OF
revenue that viii! be received from inn
ports for the FIRST half year end
ing the3Oth Of the ensuing June,
and alse the amour; received
from the 30th Juns, 1913, TO tho
3Oth June, 1914, beg TO state, that 1t is
somewhat difficult To- make an estimate
for the first half year, in consequence
ofthe large surplus Of foreign mcrchan-
dlze now on hand, which had accumu-
IateI before the passage Of The late tar
lift law. As an evidence of the large
supply beyond the wants or means of
our people - consume, ! 10 not recol.
lect more than two or three articles that
have advanced IN price in consequence
Of the increase Of duty. Sugar has add
vanced about one half Of the additional
duty, and some kind Of spices, and Iron
bears higher price now than before
the passage ofthe tariff. These are ar.
ticlcs however, of daily consumption and
OF necessity. A large class Of articles
are lower now than before the passage
OF the tariff; and very few imported ar
tIcles WI ! bring the cost and charges, at
The causes for low prices may be found
Ia the large stocks on hand after the pas
sage of the tariff. Many persons i'm
ported goods in anticipation Of higher
duties; and others, from France and
England, were brought in under the ex
pectatIon OF low duties, or no duties at
all. There has been, too, a severe dis
appointment IN the amount of business
done the present season. The demand
from the S nth and West has been very
81 all and that Of the Middle and North
ern States much less than was autcipa-
ted. These causes have produced a
general depression, which time only
can relieve.
am inclined TO believe that these
large stocks OF merchandise will have
been cleared off by the lsl Of Iuly next.
when lmportationS will then be free and
the revenue gradually increased tn rough
the year. ! should not deem il safe 10
estimate the revenue for the first half
year at more than three filths ofthe a.
mount Of The corresponding period Of
the last year; and for the year ending
on the 30th June, 1914. should esii
''iNNS NV 'SFChuC ~ - 81 sOOO,OOO-
After this period. l have no doubt that larger
amount will be realized. have always supposed
that duty would be laid on tea and coffee. and
that the wants of lhe Government rec uired IT, You
will find an article upon the suheci Of the tariff IN
the National lnteligencer, written by practical
man. m whose views ] concur generally in regard
to the operations Of the present revenue law IrsE,r
you 10 that article for text, and doubt not the Sec.
Ieary will obtain some views from Il which he can
with safety adopt.
The present law is an imperfect one. but Congress
VIII not be IN humnr lie improve it. hope therefore,
That fair Trial will be made Of it, before changes
are proposed.
Foreigners from all parts Of Europe are among us,
and doing oil IN their power 10 obtain a change from
specific 10 I'D vaofem duties, we'll as a reduction
IN The rates.
system Of warehonsIng should be adopted. but
never return 10 The credit system on duties Ihave
full confidence that natural causes will restore the
country 10 reasonable condition Of prosperity under
The present revenue laws. ] remain, drarslr
Your friend and obedient seTv't
ABBOTT LAWRENCE
II n L LINCOLN, Custom House. b sion.