Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The enclosed copy in translation of a law just passed by the Cortes has considerable importance in a commercial point of view, which might not be understood at a distance without explanation.
For a number of years past, commerce in the article of port wine was limited to a certain geographical district in the north of Portugal, and regulated by various restrictions, which rendered it a monopoly in the hands of growers and speculators. The original law was doubtless intended to protect the purity of the wine, but after some experience it was found that the official certificates which were necessary for the exportation of the wine, and which were applicable only to a particular area of territory, were used to cover growths outside those limits, and, in fact, were sold freely as a merchantable commodity. Consequently the aim of the restrictive policy was virtually destroyed. Repeated and persistent efforts were made of late years to remove all restrictions, to free the commerce in this description of wine as in others, and to allow the whole production of the Winho region, which is exceedingly fertile, to enter the markets of the world, each description dependent upon its own merit for success. After a long contest, the liberating law has triumphed, and under the auspices of a minister, who was among its most formidable opponents.
I have reason to believe that one of the immediate effects of the new policy will be to enlarge the commerce with the United States, and for that reason I have deemed it proper to state these facts for information.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.