New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-01-31
NE w GRENADA.

We learn by the latest adyiees from Aspin-
wall, that the Congress Of New Grenada has
passed law imposing tax of ten per cent. of
the estimated profits Of all vessels carrying pas
sengers to and from that port, and also from
Panama. The law went into operation on the
first instant. We understand, also, that the
agent Of one of the steamship lines paid the tax
under o protest and that the agent of the other
positively refused to do SO until specially order
ed by the company he represented, and sent on
to New York for instructions Commodore Ger
ry. of the sloop-of-war Albany, present at AS
pinwall at the time when the law went into
force, informed the authorities of that city that
they would not be allowed to enforce their de-
mand, but must wait until the action of the
American Cabinet could be known
We are not surprised to learn that the sum.
mary procedure on the part of the New Gren-
adian Congress has created a great deal of feel
ing among all those who are concerned in the
numerous steamships running from this port and
New York to Aspinwall It is injurious to their
interests in q very high degree, is partial and
oppressive. We have not at hand any means
for informing ourselves exactly what are the
stipulations between this country and the gov
eminent of New Grenada, but feel confident that
conduct of this character is not warranted any
more by special treaty than by the comfy of
nations.
Taxation for the sake of revenue is q source
of income to nearly every civilized nation,
and is enjoyed without opposition from those on
whom it is levied. But this right like all other
rights is comprehended within bounds that
must not be oyerstepped, and cannot with i'm
punity. The taxes must not bear severely
upon one country and be entirely abolished with
regard to another, or if such is the case, the
former country has at least cause for complaint
In the present instance the tax of ten per
cent. is thrown entirely on American vessels,
while those sailing under the British flag pass
at the same rates as before. A discrimination
SO partial as this would be fit cause for COM
plant even were there nothing of oppression in
its details. In the present instance, however.
Partially and oppression seem to go together,
and the Congress of New Grenada makes
strange laws affecting foreign interests, and en-
deayors to put them in force as though itself
were the final court Of appeal.
In the first place we think that the Congress
Of New Grenada has no right to pass a law
which, in the form of precedent, may hereafter
lock Panama and its transit against the citizens
Of this country. In the second place, we think,
that II the law is right and proper, there should
be some speedy action taken by our own Gov
eminent TO prevent the evils which may arise
from it hereafter and cause disputes and
difficulties OF serious nature In fact we need
Alright Of free transit from Aspnwall to Pan
anna. It is the highway Of commerce from one
portion Of our country to another and must ever
remain so The laws and restrictions of New
Grenada may fer a time prove embarrassing,
may interrupt trade, may even stop COMMUNE |
cation across its territory, but sooner or later
ne are certain to enjoy right Of way not to be
interfered with by any impromptu, unexpected,
strange, partial and oppressive enactments
We shall look with some interest for further in.
formation concerning this matter.