The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-04-02
II Y II III h M AILS.
INTERESTING INTELLIGENCE
+ r ON w A Shin GTON.
WASHINGTON. March 81.

WASHINGTON, March 81, lS47
Ian6 of Duties to be: Collected in The Ports Of
Merico-C Contemplated Occupation of the 18th
mus of Tshuantepec.
The Secretary of the Treasury has been con-
stantly engaged since the adjournment of Con.
gress, in preparing by the aid of competent per-
sons from New York and Pennsylvania, tariff f
duties to be collected in the ports of Mexico
Deprived ola tax upon tea and coffee, by nearly
tie vote in the House Of Representatives, the
Secretary has since been engaged in devising
means to create during the war, a revenue tanta-
mount to that which would have accrued from a
tax on tea and coffee. The result is the collection
ofdutiss to be levied as a sort of military contri
button, by the officers Of the army and navy, in
the ports Of Mexico, and to be discussed by them
under the direction of the President. This reve.
nue. Is designed to aid in defrayng the expenses
OF the war The principal duties will be collected
at the castle OF s. Juan de UiGa, which is more
healthy than the city Of Vera Cruz BY making
this point the principal collecting depot, the prin-
siPal portion OF the squadron will be enabled to
devote their attention to securing the other ports,
and to the general annoyance of the coast
Iii estimated that the revenue to be collected
IN the ports OF Mexico, under this tariff, will ex.
coed in amount that which would have been de-
rived from tax on tea and coffee.
This is something entirely new in the history OF
ancient or modern war but in form, however,
not In principle. 1t is a mild mode of Lowing
those military contributions clearly authorized by
the law OF nations. The President, it is said has
long contemplated the enforcement of this sys
tenn in the event of the failure of the late over
lures OF peace made by our government to Mex
leo. He has patiently awaited the result of those
overtures, and now, Mexico having rejected all
negotiation, and evinclng headstrong steadfast
ness Of purpose in her present course Of foolish
hostility, it is the resolve OF the administration to
prosecute the war into the interior with the ut
most vigor, and, at the same time, to make Mex
leo bear the expense of the contest. Hostiliues
will no longer be conducted on the mild and for :.
bearing system hitherto pursued. We will cease
to purchase provisions of the enemy at high
prices, and we will, moreover, no longer permit
them to purchase goods free Of duty, a system
salcul atsd to indefinitely proong the war.
The gentlemen who have been aiding Mr.
Walker in preparing this tariff have returned
home; its publication may, therefore, be expected
in few days.
1t is probable, from what | have heard, that
among the regulations proposed by the Secretary
OF the Treasury, is one for opening TO our own
commerce, and that of all the world, the short
and easy route to the Pacific through the Mexican
isthmus Of Tehuantepec. This will bring Asia
within about one-third its present distance from
New York. Oregon and California, too, will be
distant but q three weeks voyage from the grea
commercial metropolis Of the Union. 1t is hoped
that, if this isthmus be occupied by us dur
ing the existence OF the war, of the prinoi-
pal features of the final treaty Of peace with
Mexico, its use will be secured for ever for the
free commerce Of all the world. This is "a noble
project, and trust it will not be allowed to fail OF
accom- plishmcnt. GALvrKNsrs