The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-11-13
COMMUNICATIONS
For the Union.
THE DANISH SOUND TOLLS Is 0l''

:
IL is truly wonderful, in the steady and rapid
strides which commercial enterprise has been ma
king during the present century, that the DanisA
Sosnd tolls should continue 10 be exacted and with
the consent the nations and states Interested in
the trade Of the Baltic. Although they have ex-
listed from time immemorial, and have been varied
to suit the wants and crafty the caprices Of the diff
erent kings Of Denmark, they never had the slight
est foundation in justice. The Hbsrm mare, recog-
nised as just principle Of international law, 10 d.
rectly at war with them, and demands their utter
and immediate abolition. They are degrading re-
lies Of the feudal dsgracefdl TO an enlightened
State.
OF all the powers on the face Of the earth. the
United States has, ncomparably, the deepest inter-
est IN removing every restriction upon commerce
every hndrance to extension of intercourse upon
the most remote ocean highways. Her products,
whether from the soil or manufactures, are snnu-
ally Increasing in such ratio as TO make Il inds-
psnsabc for the government to contribute, in every
conceivable way, in opening new markets and re-
moving barriers 10 old ones II i'll becomes her
position, under such circumstances to sit quietly
and behold inferior monarchies levying contribu-
tons upon her industrial branches, not unlike those
Of The knights in past years upon the passing
merchant on the Rhine, from their impregnable
castles. She has already large mercantile marine,
which Is destined, in the next score of years, If
properly fostered by sound revenue laws--say
duty not exceeding fifteen per cenium on all articles
required for constructing and sailing ships--to
cast into eternal shade that which secured for
Great Britain the enyiable aPpellation Of mistress
OF the seas" The detention 10 which vesseIs are
subjected al Esineur, is almost perplexing as the
dues demanded from them, and not unfrequently
operates most injuriously to them in climate 80
rigid as that in the region Of the Baltic.
During the season Of navigation, guard-ship is
stationed IN the Sound, in order to enforce payment
Of tolls, and to defray the expense which she occa-
sions to the government; she demands and collects
fee Of four skillings from every bottom passing
through In either direction. II weasel attempts 10
proceed without paying the toll, a gun is fred by
this guard-ship TO bring her to; and five dollars
The toll on ships or sailing craft Of every kind, Of
twelve tons or over, loaded-or such az are priri-
legged, which include American, since the treaty Of
l826-is four dollars, and two for the same size in
ballast. In addition to this charge, there are others
such as fees TO chancelors, Clerks &c. &C., amount
ing usually to about as much more, and frequently
to treble an much.
On all cargses passing by Elsineur, toll is col
lected. On cotton and tobacco, one per cent. ad
valorem on the export price, az we'll az recollect
is collected consequently, 1000 bales Of the former
article at 80 per bale, pays 5000 for the prv-
lege of conveyance on the high seas-or rather for
passing over shallow water instead Of deep. This
il insuiferable; and have 30 much confidence in
the present administration, that am sure il is only
necessary TO bring the matter to its consideration,
TO enlist its influence in redressing the grievance
In our treaty with Denmark, we give to her every
thing that she can possibly desire. Under the con-
vention of 26th April 1896, her shipping has such
access to our ports to make it peculiarly prosper
GUS 10 the why Of reciprocity, if properly approach
ed, she cannot hesitate, far as we are concerned,
to abolish her odious Sound tolls. IL she refused to
do so, at least to modify them very considerably,
we should give her notice at once, and as soon as
the twelve months required expire, abrogate our
treaty. with her uncOnditiOnally N
When this is done, we should not be long in
determining the proper method of getting our siiips
and produce to Stettin, Dantzic, Gottenberg, and
ST. Petersburg, free from transit duties Ought not
Denmark to understand that we have large and
growing customers behind her, to supply with our
staples and that, in doing so, we ought not to pay
the slightest tribute to her for tribute the Sound
tolls emphatically are, when properly considered.
M