The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-16


uary last can be necessary that the present duties
imposed by Venezuela upon the productions OF the
United States are neither reciprocal, equal, nor
just
Ii is known to Mr.. Maurique, that no duty is
charged by the United States upon coffee, the most
important product of this country; and that only
about per cent. duty charged upon indigo, hides,
and the other explorations from Venezuela; whilst
this government imposes from so to 100 per cent.
upon -four, and from so to 10 per cent. upon iard,
soap, butter and some other important articles oil
import from the United States hither.
The general average of duties charged on all the
products of the United States imported hther, free
and dufiabis included amounts hriyour per cent;
whilst the general average of duties charged upon
all the products of Venezuela imported into the
United States free and dutable included, Is less than
i,oo and one-haf per cent. ! In other words, Vene-
zuea charges the United States average duty Jour-
teen times higher than the United States charge Vene-
zuela as general average on oil their respective i'm
poriations! And here, with these unquestioned facts
before him, derived from the statistical reports OF
this government for the last three or four years the
undersigned respectfully inquiries OF Mr.. Maurique
If this be reciprocity? Passing from the question OF
reciprocity in the tariff laws Of these two republics
towards each other, the undersigned will show Mr..
Maurque, in brief statement, that the tariff laws
of Venezuela operate uneguaiiy as between the Unl-
Estates and European nations.
lough Great Britain imposes duty upon COT
fee A91p,ing to more than It's original cost ana
other pean nations impose duties on this arti-
Gle more or less burdensome, the statistical reports
of the custom houses OF Venezuela prove that the
average Of duties collected on all European goods,
free and dutiable included, imported into Venezuela,
is from TO IL per cent less than the average col
lected on the products from the United Sws Mr..
Maurique is referred TO those reports III confrma-
ton of this statement. Is this equality Is this the
"impartiality" which MIR. Maurique affirmed "pre-
sided over the establishment of the tariff of duties in
lS4li"
The undersigned submits to the intelligent mind
of Mr.. Maurque the question, without further Illus
tration argument, whether it be not wholly un-
deniable (as well as indefensibe) that there is to-
tai disregard Of the principles of reciprocity, equals
ty, and Justice manifested towards the United States
in the tariff laws Of this country That our COM
merce with Venezuela should aDguish under such a
system of duties, is the natural effect of this obvious
cause.
Ii is not affirmed, nor has it been supposed, that
any injustice was intended by Venezuela towards
the United States in the enacton of the existing
tariff regulations. No such idea is admissible.
Nevertheless, the amount of the injury inflicted is
precisely the same whether accidental or premedi-
tated; and oio since the inequality and injustice of
your tariff laws are made apparent, and placed be-
yond denial, their longer continuance may not be
regarded by my government as any evidence of the
friendship or justice Of this government towards the
people Of the United States
Whcn the Undersigned commenced tnlS Commu-
nication, it his purpose to submit, in its con-
cusion some suggestions in relation to the obvious
tendency of that remarkable feature in your tariff
SYSTEM which encourages, by loiu duties, the impor-
tation and by your people Of the eoey, tinkets,
ge,pgacs, and inery, of European manufacture; and
dscoages by high Duties the consumption of the in
vigoratng and labor-aiding products of the United
States, to which this communication has reference.
But he is unwilling to extend his remarks, and
leaves it to the good sense of Mr. Maurque, and Of
his countrymen, to supply this omission, If they
should be disposed to pursue the interesting inquiry.
In like manner, the undersigned had intended TO
present to Mr.. Maurque a brief view of the rapid
progress of those principles of berality and true
political economy which are fast undermining, and
will soon overthrow the restrictive system" through
out the empire Of civilization, and the consumma-
ton Of which will most essentially advance the
prosperity and amellorate the social and political
condition, of those tropical countries whose products
need protection, and whose true interests always
have BEEN and always will be, a free and unrestricted
trade and intercourse with all the world.
But no such effort, on the part of the undersigned,
can be necessary; and, indeed, 1t might not be ac-
ceptabe.
On the question of the repeal of the obnoxious
and vexatiou, custom house regulations which affect
those captains of vessels who commit nadvertent
errors IN their manfess of cargoes the undersigned
deems it unnecessary to add anything to the views
which he had the honor to present in January last;
having peeH IIiOriicu ny your eAceiency uiat youi
department had recommended to Congress the
changes indicated; and trusting, he does, that
they will be successfully urged at the next session
Of that body.
1t would be gratifying to the government of the
undersigned, and to himself, to learn that, upon
deliberate consideration of the questions herein pre-
scented, the executive department Of the government
of Venezuela had recognised the justice and pro-
priety Of modifying its tariff of duties upon the pro-
auctions of the United States
The undersigned fatters himself that such will be
the result of the deliberations of your excellency,
and that recommendations TO your Congress on this
subject will, in due time be presented by your de-
partment; thus manfestng, on your part, an earnest
DESIRE not only to perpetuate the existing relations
Of amity and goodwill but to restore and increase
that commercial intercourse between these two re-
pubcs, which has, of late, so rapidly declined
The undersigned avails himself of this occasion
to renew to Mr.. Maurque the assurance of his high
regard and distinguished consideration.
VESPASIAN ELLIS.
Hon. JUAN NJ. MAuRiquE,
Minister of Foreign Relations.