Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.

No. 5.]

Legation of the United States, Madrid, October 19, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose part of the official gazette of to-day, containing a royal decree, by which the present duties paid in Spain and her adjacent islands upon the importation of agricultural tools and machinery of all descriptions are reduced to one per cent, ad valorem, when they are brought in Spanish ships, and one-fifth part more if they are imported under a foreign flag.

American agricultural implements, I am glad to say, are gradually but steadily being introduced, to the great benefit of the husbandry of this country, and today’s decree will no doubt stimulate that trade.

With sentiments of the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,

HORATIO J. PERRY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

Royal Decree.

In view of the reasons suggested by the minister of finance, in accordance with the advice of the council of ministers, I decree as follows :

Single article. Machinery, iron work, apparatus and mechanism of foreign construction destined for agricultural uses, or such as may serve for distributing the benefits and improving the products of husbandry, shall pay one per cent, on their value under the national flag, and one-fifth additional under a foreign flag.

Done at the palace the 18th day of October, 1867.

Under the royal rubric.

MANUEL GARCIA BARZANALLANA, Minister of Finance.