The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1845-03-14
From the North american.
OUR COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH
VENEZUELA.

We have received the ''E. Liberal" published at
Caracas, containing communication iron Mr. FL
lis our Charge d'Aares to that Government, on the
subject of the eXorhltaDt duties charged on the pro-
ducts of the United States, IN that country, and the
comments of the editor thereon. We insert Today
the letter of Mr. Ellis and portion OF the editorial
comments, showing that the grounds assumed by Mr.
Ellis are admitted to be correct The "El LiberaP
is the Ciopern men organ, at Caracas, and the oPn-
ions Of its editor may be regarded TO great extent,
as the opinions of the Administration Of Venezuela
Mr. Ellis presents hoo questions for the consideration
Of the Venezuela Government
The first question has relation to the unjust and UNI
equal duties exacted by Venezuela upon Nortn Ame-
rIcan products, aud which Mr. Ellis insists are not
only unequal but violate the spirit OF the existing
treaty, between this country and Venezuela; and
the second question refers to the vexatious and
h.rassng laws and regulations OF the Custom House
In regard to the first question presented, the editor
of the Gel Liberal" holds the following clear and
explicit language, to wit
awe insert IN continuation, the official note
which the IT, s. Charge d'Affaires has addressed TO
our government soliciting the fulhlmen oil the prln-
cipes of reciprocity, established IN the Treaty oil
Amity, Commerce and Navigation, which exists be-
tu cen the two countries, and In conlrayeDtIoD to
which, the principal productions imported fom that
country such flour, soap lard, candles, and other
articles burdensd with exoroitant duty oil not
less than 81 per cent. more upon their hrst Cost,
whilst principal article pr expectation, coffee, IS
admitted free Of duty in the United States, and the
rest of our productions do not pay over 6per cent
import duty there"
"The reasons given by the United States Charge
d, Affsires ure so just and harmonic much with
the true principles of finance, commerce, and social
harmony that we do not doubt they will meet with
the assent and support of the Executive, to recon-
mend them seriouy to Congress, IN order that they
NAV be kept in mind on The occasion of the amend
ment of the Tariff"
The editor of the " FL Liberal" after making the
above observations proceeds at considers BILE length
to argue This question, presented in Mr. Ellis's
uunication, and makes strong appeal 10 the NeDe
zue,a Congress to encourage the trade with the Uni-
ted States, by removing the obstacles referred to In
Mr.. Es's note.
In regard to the second question presented by Mr.
Ellis the editor the following unequlvocai lam
guage. He says
"The other request Of the United States Charge
d. Afares relative to the amendment of the law,
which refuses to captains of vessels the right to cor
rect an error omission IN their manliests or car
goes within spec fed time, equally just, and found
ed in principles with which we have always been
identified"
After adverng to the practice of other nations in
this respect, the editor proceeds thus;
"The law Of Venezuela relative to this subject
gives rise to vexalious acts Of injustice, which
pr.judic,a to the character of the nation, while it
Joes not augment, IN any manner, whatsoever, the
custom house duties"
"And the imposing of fines upon Captains Of yes
sells for petty and involuntary errors, for The emou
ment of The custom house officers constitutes those oi
GERS Judges and party 10 the proceeding, and at the
same lime converts them into enemies and opponents
of commercial prosperity, under the guIse of zeal
| for the faithful observance of the law"
We have not space for the very extensive COM
msnts of the editor Of the "El Liberal" on the
questions presented by Mr. Ellis but the fore going
show the spirit with which that paper advocates and